Continued: How Guideposts Stories Make a Difference

Parent Coached

I am a school social worker. After a parent phone conference one day, my supervisor sent me the March 2020 Guideposts story A Different Path. “I ran track in high school,” the text read. “Was I pushing my daughter too hard to follow in my steps?”

A state track-and-field champion, I’d been getting frustrated coaching my 11-year-old daughter, Kayah. My jaw dropped when I saw the author’s name—Tonya May Avent was the parent I’d just talked with!

Tonya’s struggle resonated with me so strongly, it brought tears to my eyes. Like her, I judged my daughter on her athletic accomplishments and treated her differently when she didn’t perform up to my standards. I too based my ego on my daughter’s achievements. I called Tonya back, and she shared more about her experience, giving me the encouragement I needed.

I no longer coach Kayah. Now I’m a supportive and cheering mom in the stands. My hope is that she enjoys the sport without pressure from me. Our relationship has improved over the past year. I feel this story was written just for me!—Tiffany Scurry, Winslow Township, New Jersey

Doors Opened

In July 2011, Guideposts published my story, The Reel Mower, about how I learned to slow down my busy life and savor each moment, such as smelling fresh-cut grass. A reader in Tennessee was so impressed he googled me and hired me to edit a story written by a stranger with whom he shared an interest.

The stranger, from California, hired me to edit several of his books. In 2017, we all finally met in Solana Beach, California. We had a great time and have been best friends ever since. They have introduced me to new ideas and people and given me the opportunity to travel to unfamiliar cities and countries, including France, which I particularly appreciate. I’m so grateful my story has opened the door to new work, new friends and new adventures!—Jan Weeks, Grand Junction, Colorado

The Right Career

Some 35 years ago, I was working in church preschools, unsure if teaching was what I wanted to do forever. Then I came across a January 1985 Guideposts story, A Genius for Loving, by Mary Ann Bird. She reflected on growing up with a cleft palate and being teased for it. She was convinced that no one outside her family could love her—until one special day. During a hearing test, her second-grade teacher, Mrs. Leonard, whispered a sentence to each student, which the student had to repeat. What she whispered to Mary Ann—“I wish you were my little girl”—changed Mary Ann’s life forever. That such a simple act could so profoundly touch a child’s heart made me want to become a teacher like Mrs. Leonard.

Mary Ann Bird’s story cemented my career path. As a public school teacher, I make sure my students know I listen. I learn about them and their lives, what is easy and fun, what is sad and hard. All these years later, the story still inspires me as I do the thing I love most—reach second graders with compassion and knowledge.—Susan Williamson, Reseda, California

Hope for the Hopeless

Thirty years ago, I was homeless. And hopeless—or so I thought. Then someone gave me the November 1971 issue of Guideposts, with a story by singer and actor Clint Walker, star of the Western series Cheyenne. His story, When I Asked for Help—about how his life changed after a desperate prayer during a near-fatal ski accident—gave me hope that I could change my life. All I had to do was ask God for help.

Clint’s story led me to seek Jesus Christ. I would not be a person of faith today without Guideposts and its stories. Reading about other people’s miracles has taught me that miracles are possible for me. I’ve learned to trust that God can help me through my problems, big or small, and he has many times.

Clint’s stirring story saved me. Thank you, Guideposts, for bringing people closer to God!—Arthur S. Johnson, Jeffersonville, Ohio

Spirit Lifter

During lockdown, the active adult community where I live was anything but active. The clubhouse was closed, and all activities were suspended. I began sending e-mails with jokes, advice, beautiful photos and inspirational stories to my community friends to lift their spirits. Reading Rogene Hingston’s story in Someone Cares (in the October/November 2021 Guideposts) told me she was doing the same.

Like Rogene, I enjoyed the daily messages so much, I’ve continued sending them even though activities in my community have resumed. My e-mails—including Up Side quotes from time to time—go to more than 70 people. I’ve received so many positive responses from friends. They tell me that my e-mails have brightened their days. I’ll continue as long as it makes people happy...because it makes me happy too!—Doris Kuegler, Columbus, New Jersey

Cards for Troops

In the June/July 2020 issue, I wrote a Someone Cares about my nonprofit, Making Cards for Our Troops. Our all-volunteer group makes and ships unsigned Christmas and all-occasion cards to deployed troops so they have cards to send to loved ones. I asked Guideposts readers to join in. Thanks to you, Making Cards for Our Troops took in 76,012 cards last year—a 1,000 percent increase!

Readers nationwide continue to make cards for us. We also get notes from military members who are so grateful to have cards for family. What an exciting journey! Thank you, Guideposts, for being such a pivotal part of our growth.

E-mail us at [email protected] to learn how you too can pitch in.—Pat Brodsky, Annapolis, Maryland

Comfort in Loss

I’ve enjoyed reading Lou Dean’s stories in your magazines over the years. The Advice I Needed showed me that Lou and I have a lot in common. Both widows and very independent, we love living alone in the mountains with our animals. Like Lou, I read lots of Scripture each morning and talk to Jesus all day long but prefer not to attend church. I loved reading about Lou’s friend Red, who is always looking out for her. He reminds me of the small group of friends I have—they love me for me.

This past April, I lost my Jack Russell terrier, Bailey, whose cuddles helped me through the loss of my husband nine years ago. Lou’s Angels on Earth story Trust in Him—about her barn cat Two Socks—hit the mark. I’ve learned to accept that some things are beyond my control. Just as Lou trusts in God to protect her beloved animals, I am trusting the Lord to bring me comfort under all circumstances.—Laura H. Lewis, Lostine, Oregon

Healthy Prayers

Bob Hostetler’s blog post, 4 Prayers to Keep You Healthy, couldn’t have been more timely. It directed my attention to the importance of praying for continued health—for myself and others—during the pandemic. It also reminded me to thank God for his covering during my senior years.

Bob’s prayers, which include a request for protection and a petition for increased health, are so easy to follow. I keep a copy in my Bible, where I can refer to it daily, and took a copy to my primary care provider. She keeps it on her desk!

Thank you, Bob, for your words of wisdom and for reminding me that I need to rely on God for everything in my daily life, including my health.—Mary Silvey, Springfield, Ohio

Blessings of Moving

Over my 40-year marriage, my family and I moved 13 times. My husband, Stan, was a college and professional football coach who changed teams often. The anguish I felt at starting over again sometimes left me thinking there was something wrong with me.

Then I read Elizabeth Gray’s story Redeployed, in the February 2020 issue—about the stress she faced every time the Army reassigned her husband, forcing their family to move—and realized I wasn’t alone. Elizabeth and I both knew how unsettling it was to know hardly anyone in a new community and how awkward it was to use strangers as emergency contacts.

Yet there are advantages to living in various parts of the country. It introduced my family and me to different cultures, letting us understand more about the history of each place we lived in. Like Elizabeth, over time and with God’s help, I learned to cope with the challenges and value the hidden blessings of moving.—Rebecca Hixon, Leland, North Carolina

More Than Enough

When my devotional Mornings With Jesus 2021 arrived, I skimmed the back of the book to learn more about the au­thors. One was Pamela Toussaint Howard. I was so pleased to see that a woman of color had contrib­uted to this year’s edition. I tried to memorize her name, so I would recognize her work.

I woke on January 24, unsettled by a bad dream. I opened Mornings With Jesus. That day’s story—about a woman whose friend nicknamed her Frugal Franny—spoke to me. I always look for ways to save money. Feeling lighter, I flipped to the back of the book to read about the author. It was Pam Howard! God knew I was looking forward to reading her work and made sure it resonated with me on a day I particularly needed it. Thanks to Pam, I’m learning to let go and trust Jesus to provide me with “more than enough.”—Leeann Pettis, Westchester, Illinois

Together When Apart

Last year, I spent Christmas alone—for the first time in my 84 years—to protect myself and loved ones from Covid-19. During my devotional time on Christmas morning, I read the December/January 2021 issue of Guideposts, which included Sam Sifton’s article, Faith in Food. I followed his tips on adapting long-standing traditions to help make the unusual holiday season joyous.

I decked the halls (my retirement community suite) with a small, decorated tree, electric candles and a lighted manger scene. I “set the table with intention” using special china, silverware and battery-operated candles and enjoyed a delicious dinner. Most important, I counted my blessings. I’m grateful for remaining free of the virus, recovering from unexpected surgery and being able to connect with my community and loved ones virtually. God has blessed me beyond what I could ask or imagine.

Thank you, Sam, for your suggestions. I can still make physically distanced celebrations meaningful.—Marilyn D. Harris, Warminster, Pennsylvania

A Debt Repaid

It was so inspiring to read Roberta Messner’s story Debt Relief, about her medical debt journey, in the March 2021 Guideposts. Many years ago, I was in a similar situation. Even with health insurance, my medical debt was more than three times my annual income. Like Roberta, I was weighed down by stress. Thankfully, I was able to pay off my debt over time.

But what about those who can’t? Did Roberta’s story make you wonder what you can do to help people struggling with medical debt? I came across the nonprofit RIP Medical Debt. Every $100 donation allows the orga­nization to forgive $10,000 in medical debt for the neediest indi­viduals and families. To learn more, visit ripmedicaldebt.org.

I hope Roberta’s story gives readers with similar challenges the motiva­tion to face the terrible psychological and financial burden of medical debt. I also hope it enlightens more people to the hardships faced by those who do not have access to adequate health coverage.—Jan Babiak, Nashville, Tennessee

You've Got a Friend

I made a friend through Guideposts! The April 2005 Up Side featured a cartoon by artist Cuyler Black. I loved the cartoon and wanted to see more of Cuyler’s work, which you described as “the Bible meets The Far Side.” I enjoy art that lets people of faith express the fun and joy God brings to our lives.

I contacted Cuyler via his website and bought some of his greeting cards. He started a blog, which I still follow. His posts provide food for thought. We stay in touch over e-mail. I’ve gotten to know and appreciate Cuyler’s humble attitude toward his gifts for cartooning and writing. I value his quirky personality and the chance to laugh without being disrespectful to others. My friendship with Cuyler has shown me that when God connects his children, even in small ways, there’s a big impact.—Christel Springmire, Sycamore, Illinois

Filling the Net

Amy Eddings’s January 4 devotion in Daily Guideposts 2021, about “deep ruts of…resentments” in her marriage, reminded me of my journey. Fifteen years into our marriage, my husband’s addiction to his work as an ordained minister had left me to care for our three preschoolers on my own. I felt frustrated and lonely. I prayed for God to help us find common ground, casting “my net of need,” as Amy put it. Then another couple invited us to a Marriage Encounter Weekend. My husband and I emerged with tools that helped us reshape our relationship. I finished reading the devotion, grateful for God’s answer—47 years later, our marriage continues to grow. Struggling in your relationship? Marriage Encounter is being offered as a series of virtual date nights. For info, go to encounter.org.—Vivian Weiting White, Humble, Texas

Coffee Connection

In the January 2016 Guideposts, Carol Allston-Stiles shared her story, Strong Brew—about how starting a coffee company helped rehabilitate her husband, Peter, who’d suffered major head trauma in a car accident. In November 2018, the Stileses sold Pike Creek Coffee Roasters to me and two of my childhood friends from church, Andrew Moore and Paul Mason. Guideposts readers nationwide who’d supported Carol and Peter’s efforts form the bedrock of our sales. Just as God used the coffee company—and its story in the magazine—to bless the Stileses, so he has used it to help my two partners and me grow, both as business owners and as people of faith.—Brad McDowell, Oxford, Pennsylvania

Ongoing Miracle

After suffering chest pain and shortness of breath for more than a year, I was diagnosed with lupus last fall. Despite trying two medication regimens, I wasn’t able to return to my job as an emergency room physician assistant. I was at my lowest point and feeling as if nothing in my life would ever be the same. Then I read Cliff Shiepe’s story Miracle on Hold, in the October 2020 issue of Guideposts. His line “Miracles are not onetime but living things” jumped out at me. It reminded me that the God who sustained me through a painful divorce, bankruptcy and single motherhood is the same God who will sustain me through my present trials. I have good days and bad with lupus, but I’ve learned to celebrate each day the ongoing miracle that is my life. Thank you, Cliff.—Jennifer Dobrinen-Morgenstern, Glendora, California

Gratitude A to Z

Rick Hamlin’s blog post Pray the Alphabet (Instead of Counting Sheep)—about praying for others, beginning with folks whose name starts with A and going to Z—inspired me to do my own version. I struggle with depression and have difficulty falling asleep, so at bedtime I go through the alphabet and pray my gratitude for a blessing that starts with each letter. “Thank you, Lord, for another day to spend with my loved ones, for the beauty of a sunset, for my cats....”

This alphabet approach puts me in a different mindset. It shows me how much I have to be thankful for. I feel closer to God as I thank him for everything he’s bestowed upon me, my family and friends. Ending my day on a happy note helps me sleep better and lets me wake up thanking God for another day.—Kathy Moore, Beulah, Colorado

Uplifting Read

I used to read my parents’ Guideposts magazines every morning before heading to school. Its powerful, positive stories were so uplifting. Last summer, my dad got me my own subscription. I’m so happy Guideposts is back in my life! The inspirational stories assure me that God is working real miracles in people’s lives every single day.

I write Up Side quotes on sticky notes and put them up around my home. When I’m going through a rough patch, these quotes help me stay positive. They keep my faith strong and serve as a reminder that, no matter my circumstances, God is still good, he is still faithful and he will work all things out in his own perfect timing.—Holly Bradbury, Noblesville, Indiana

Treasure Every Moment

I had the privilege of working with Gerry Sowards on his Guideposts story, The End of the Line (April 2019), about finding his freedom from addiction. At the time, I had no idea the prescription opioids I was taking for chronic pain had me in their grip.

Recently I called to check on Gerry [pictured]. I found myself telling him about my own addiction, saying, “I wasted 63 years I can never get back.” With wisdom beyond his 38 years, Gerry said, “Life for both of us is wonderful now. We couldn’t be the people we are today without those yesterdays.”

Gerry’s video on guideposts.org shows him at a cemetery, where the first grave he dug (at his post-rehab job) was for a friend who’d overdosed. Things seemed bleak until Gerry left his old life for a God-given destiny. His redemption encourages me to treasure every moment. — Roberta Messner, Huntington, West Virginia

Promise Kept

In our July 2014 Guideposts cover story, You Are My Brother, we told about how hard it was for Janis to get a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) to bring his family to the United States from Afghanistan. He was an interpreter for the Army and had saved Matt’s life in battle.

After almost three years and multiple threats from the Taliban, the Shinwaris arrived in Washington, D.C., in October 2013. Once they were settled, we used some of the donations we’d received to start No One Left Behind (NOLB), a nonprofit that advocates for the SIV program and provides funding and job search assistance to these brave men and women who have served alongside U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

We are pleased to announce that the Shinwaris became U.S. citizens this past summer, just in time for Independence Day. Janis still serves American service members. In addition to NOLB, he works for a company that makes rescue beacons for sailors. Matt passed the baton to new leadership at NOLB and is writing a book about Janis’s life.

Guideposts readers have been a powerful sustaining force for NOLB. We lost count of the letters we received—often with offers of substantial support—and the occasions we would give a talk and find that audience members had learned of our story through Guideposts. Thank you for helping our country keep its promise to the people who stood with us in Afghanistan and Iraq.—Matt Zeller, Oakton, Virginia, and Janis Shinwari, Woodbridge, Virginia

Shared Experience

I gave my aunt Bernice a Guideposts subscription during her last couple years in an assisted living home. She would carry the magazine wherever she went. When I’d call Aunt Bernice for our weekly prayer, she’d ask, “Sandy, have you met this person yet?” Then she’d excitedly introduce me to someone featured in the magazine and tell me their story, as if they’d become a new friend. And in a way, they had. Their stories triggered my aunt’s memories and feelings, which she would share with me.

Aunt Bernice showed me that Guideposts is more than a magazine. The stories are not just something to read. They’re an experience to cherish and share with the ones you love.—Sandra Clifton, Tulsa, Oklahoma

A Brighter Future

My husband and I are full-time RVers. This past summer, I read back issues of Guideposts while on the road. Becca Stevens’s story, Love Heals Every Body, in the November 2018 issue, touched my heart. Becca had been sexually abused as a child and confronted her abuser as an adult. Her experience led her to found

Thistle Farms, a nonprofit residential treatment center for women recovering from addiction and sex trafficking. Thistle Farms is headquartered in Nashville, which is where we were when I read the story. My husband and I are always downsizing (there isn’t a lot of room in an RV), so I was able to donate clothing, purses and jewelry. I thought Thistle Farms residents might be able to use them as they move forward with their lives.

I believe this was all God’s timing. I’m glad these items will help women starting anew, thankful for Becca’s ministry and hopeful that all Thistle Farms residents have a bright future.—Charlene Black, Green Cove Springs, Florida

Good Dog

A January 2017 Guideposts story, Legal Guardian, told about Lori Raineri’s dog, Daisy Grace, who worked in the Yolo County, California, Courthouse, comforting child sexual assault victims. Lori recently told us that Daisy had passed away at age 14. “So many people who knew Daisy as my service dog were happy to learn about her other role, comforting crime victims,” Lori says. Daisy made new friends as she traveled the country for Lori’s work. “The article was a wonderful highlight of our lives together and our effort to help others,” Lori says. “Thank you for all you do to inspire your readers and for including Daisy and me in Guideposts’ mission.”—Daisy Urgiles, Editor

Uplifted

Bill Giovannetti’s August 5 devotion in Daily Guideposts 2020 meant so much to me. In the days leading up to it, several events I’d eagerly awaited were canceled because of a spike in Covid-19 cases.

I was feeling discouraged. But Bill’s devotion, about realizing we’re richer in blessings than we think, gave me the lift I needed. At the top of the devotion was a favorite verse of mine, Ephesians 3:20: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”

I have leaned on it whenever I couldn’t imagine how things would work out. I needed the reminder that God will give us the strength to get through whatever comes. Thank you, Bill.—Paula O'Donnell, Springfield, Missouri

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