On this morning’s local news there was a story about an image, which has appeared on a garage door in one of the local communities. This image appears to be a reflection of light, though no one can see where the reflection is coming from. The reflection to some appears to be the image of the “Virgin Mary”. One could not make out the image from the view the camera gave us, even the news reporters admittedly could not make out the image of Mary. However there was a throng of people gathering to view this image. The Catholic Church who often investigates this type of phenomenon stated that they were not planning on conducting an investigation.
People who had gathered to view this image of Mary on the garage door were interviewed, and many stated that they could see the image of Mary and they believed it to be a miracle, a sign from God or that “Mary” was attempting to send a message. People will no doubt gather to view and pray before this image. Some will bring their sick in hopes that this image will afford them some special blessing. Others will leave gifts, signs of tribute to the image on the garage.
As I sit and watch how people react to this image it makes me ask the question, why? Why do they see this image and why are they so drawn to this image. I believe that the answer lies in how many people think. One of the reasons people are drawn like a magnet to this type of image is that they are hungry for answers about their own faith and they are even more hungry for something which validates their faith. To me, it is very interesting that so many people believe that will find that validation in some external thing, that what they seek is some how beyond themselves.
I think the seeing of an image like this comes from a need to see it. I am a big believer in ‘signs’, I see them all of the time, however I believe part of the reason I see ‘signs’ is because I have an awareness, and the more aware I become the more signs I see.
Think about it, when you increase your awareness about anything, you begin to see more of what you have increased your awareness about. An example would be, you go buy a car, which you believe is fairly unique in style and color. You don’t remember seeing very many on the road. You feel pretty great that you have something unique that not too many other people have. You may even view yourself as a trendsetter, then you drive it off the lot and within the next 48 hours, you suddenly begin to see the exact same car that you bought all over the place. What changed? People didn’t suddenly rush out and buy the same car you did, no, your awareness is what changed.
I believe this is the same with ‘signs’ in whatever form they may take, be it an image of Mary or Jesus, a rose, a butterfly, whatever the sign you are looking for is.
‘Signs’ are great, they are a reality, which we create to validate beliefs, or decisions that we are making. I do not discount these signs, I believe they are there for a reason and that each of us must discern what that reason is. There are many things, which we cannot explain with logic or science that does not make them any less valid to each individual.
As for me, I won’t be traveling to the garage door to see the reported image of ‘Mary’, I believe I would see a refraction of light and this is probably because the image of ‘Mary” is not the sign that I need right now.
For those people who do see “Mary” in this image on the garage door, my love and blessings go to them. May they find what they are seeking, may this image give them pause for increased health, peace and love in their life’s and may that love, that pure energy transcend their being and illuminate all of us.
Posted by Alexys Fairfield on August 30, 2007 at 11:10 pm
Hi Mark,
Like love, I think people are looking for light in all the wrong places instead of looking within their own Soul. They get caught up in media hoopla and become part of the herd without mastering themselves.
Posted by Random Magus on August 31, 2007 at 2:36 am
I reallly believe in signs and I also believe when you believe in something it becomes true for you and it works for you. God has been really kind to me both in giving me signs and letting me have the vision and heart to understand them and recognize them.
Posted by SurfaceEarth on August 31, 2007 at 5:37 am
Posted by Bop on August 31, 2007 at 7:20 pm
One of my own regularly recurring prayers is, “Lord, speak to me in a way I can understand.” When I remember to ask for this, I am usually rewarded in some method. It has never been a vision of Mary, but the answers have always come in way unique to my own personal experiences, background, personality and place in my journey. I think too often we, as individuals, get busy with life and forget to take the time and energy to reconnect with our “Source,” the Divine in whatever form we experience him/her/it. I know am as guilty as anyone of letting too much time pass between points of serious connection. When we do take the time to disconnect from the things of this world and reconnect with the divine, however, we are most always rewareded with unique “signs” of affirmation or guidance or signs that may be meeting whatever else our needs are at the time.
I love the scene from the movie “Bruce Almighty” where Jim Carey’s character, Bruce Nolan, is asking God to give him a sign because he is oblivious to all that signs God is already putting before him, and a truck filled with traffic signs of various messages that could be interpreted to fit Bruce’s situation pulls out in front of him and still he misses it. We do have to make ourselves open and ready to receive communications from our creator, if we are to truly gain value from the messages being sent. A lot of this involves getting out of our own way.
Posted by scarletbegonia on August 31, 2007 at 9:57 pm
I too believe that there are signs out there for us. and I agree, they are there it’s just whether or not we are aware.
Now I’d be there, only because I love to watch people. To see their expression and take on what it they are seeing and to try and understand what it is they receive from this sign.
Posted by Lisa on August 31, 2007 at 10:15 pm
Great, great post, Mark! So on the money. I believe this works in the negative, also: I have seen people who have red flags–no, make that flaming, red billboards–right in front of their faces telling them that something is amiss, but because they choose to remain ignorant of their situation, they just refuse to see them (I have a hard time saying that they “can’t” see them–they just choose to remain unaware because it’s less frightening to them and easier to deal with. Ignorance is bliss, after all).
I do see signs, and sometimes they even make me laugh. One time during my divorce, I visited my mom’s grave on a breezy fall afternoon. Her grave is underneath an old oak tree. I remember feeling extremely desperate and sad, praying both to my mother, asking her to hear me, and to God begging him to give me a sign that everything would be alright. I specifically asked, almost in sarcasm, for a very obvious sign–that if God heard me, could he just make an acorn fall from the tree and hit my head or something? At that moment–and I’m not kidding–the wind started to blow, and about 100 acorns fell off the tree all around me! Plop, plop, plop…all I saw were acorns bouncing on the grass and on the cement by my feet! Needless to say, I did what any spiritual person would do…I ran to my car in fear! I still laugh when I think of that day. And it made me feel that God has a sense of humor!
Posted by Paul Martin on August 31, 2007 at 11:12 pm
Yes, I think externalized views of faith are genuinely helpful for many people. As long as they’re of the non harmful variety, they’re fine.
Where it becomes a problem – not sure I can articulate this exactly right, maybe I’ll resort to a metaphor – is when people think they have God in their hip pocket. And this alll powerful Being just happens to hold exactly their own views on, for example, politics.
I think people like that can be dangerous because they believe their own threatened, agitated egos constitute the wrath of God and feel free to impose themselves on others.
Posted by Grace on September 1, 2007 at 1:28 am
Namasate, Mark.
I love winks from the Universe. For me they are affirmations and ‘atta girls’ and ‘keep going!” and “wait!!” “STOP!!” signs. I love it that God can and will speak to me through symbollic language. I also love it that we all have the ability to hear that Still Small Voice within. Fortunately, we do not need to choose one or the other method of communication. Fortunately, one way of hearing from God is not more or less miraculous than another. The important thing I believe is that we listen. That we really hear what is being whispered to us. Because The Voice is always speaking to us – even in the silence. Even through the stars and the trees. Even through our own heartbeats and laughter and tears. And those of others.
Posted by Lisa on September 1, 2007 at 6:29 am
Hi again, Mark-
I keep rewriting this to try and make it short, but basically, I feel like God was talking to me all day today. I was really depressed because of various life circumstances that all seem to be hitting me at once. One sign happened while I was cleaning out my car, and involved finding a dirty, old piece of paper that anyone else would’ve thrown out. Because of what was on that paper, my whole day changed from a really blue one to a more hopeful one. I also received a phone call from a mere acquaintance that I haven’t spoken to since the beginning of the summer, and that changed my attitude about another stressor. She said she was thinking about me today, and trust me, she couldn’t have called at a better time to make me feel better! And then my husband came home with a ginormous boquet of flowers for our anniversary tomorrow (he’ll be camping with his son, so I got them today). Since I was the one who actually forgot, this meant the world!
…Sorry for hogging so much comment space!
Posted by writerchick on September 1, 2007 at 8:30 am
Hi Mark,
You have a good point – they are looking for something to believe in or hold onto. Something greater than themselves and their suffering or problems. It’s okay with me, if they see the Virgin Mary – if it eases their souls or minds some how, then I think that’s a good thing.
WC
Posted by T on September 1, 2007 at 11:25 am
Mark,
Your comment that people see these signs because they need answers logically I agree with. But there are many things that people see that make no sense. Let’s see the picture if Elvis ina potato … now thats a sighting! ;;;smiles:::
All kidding aside, I too believe in signs and also can attest even that the more you are aware or open, the more that we see makes sense. Maybe these are guides that in past live we sent to outselves. Or maybe it truly is angels that, like the movie, “City of Angels”, lean in close, touching our shoulders, giving us a loving sign that everything will work out.
On the flip side, people must becareful not to delude themselves. One can want so badly that they get all the signs they want but only those they made up inside their own minds. This can be dangerous, at least that is what i believe. We all want to know how our lives or loves with get along. But cannot fail ourselves by never questioning, even when we have to question ourselves.
Per usual, you have once again brought a great topic to the table. I expected nothing less. Just wonderful!
Soct love Mark,
T
Posted by tumel on September 1, 2007 at 7:14 pm
I think the signs I most relate to now are that of birds, or things that fly, maybe because my mother gave me a book about birds a long time ago, and I wondered at the time why she gave this to me since I never really showed an interest in birds.
I do not always see different birds but I find when I am sitting outside, thinking or wondering about certain things, and even sometimes when I think about my mother, birds I have never seen before come about, different looking birds that I do not see daily. When I see them they always make me smile.
So, Mr. Mark, thank you again for reminding me of things.:)
Posted by Sue Ann Edwards on September 2, 2007 at 1:36 am
Mark…..
I just can’t resist…
thank you for the opportunity….
Signs…
‘Do Not Disturb” is compatible with ‘Out To Lunch’.
Posted by enreal on September 2, 2007 at 8:21 am
Signs… I agree with this all. I think that signs are intended for each and everyone of us. Sometimes, they are right in front of our faces and we are not ready to see them, intuition and awareness are also a big factor in signs. The trick is, how do we interpret the signs? It may be great to see signs…but is it a sign, or is it our subconscious guiding us?
Thank you for the article…it was great. It was a sign for me. It helped me analyze all the craziness around me. Have a great weekend!
Posted by knightofswords on September 2, 2007 at 8:27 pm
Yes, I think you’re right when you say those who see it need to see it. I find that similar to those who find mean in the birds they “chance” to see, taking note of ravens on the driveway as they leave the house for work.
Malcolm
Posted by Lucid on September 2, 2007 at 9:31 pm
I believe signs are shown to those who need them, or need an extra boost to their faith. A sign of mine may be meaningless to my neighbor, but for me it is priceless.
I believe signs are given as guidance, confirmation, peace, hope…. Maybe these people needed confirmation that the Mother Mary is real and watching over them….
It is interesting how one will see and one will not. It shows 2 things; the power of the mind to see what it wants to, and the form of personal revelation.. For your eyes only so to speak…
Have a great holiday weekend Mark… Peace
Posted by Singleton on September 2, 2007 at 11:55 pm
Beautifully written and so very, very true. I find signs all the time, tripping over them, spying them in the accidental sky, and they’re good signs. The spooky thing is when folks are freaked out over what they percieve to be “bad” signs….and stop living, laughing, believing in fate or chance…..
A week-end of peace
Posted by Life Reflection on September 3, 2007 at 6:11 pm
I think if you believe in signs, you will be able to find it because your mind will see what you want it to see. This explains why different people will see and intepret different types of signs. We all have different belief systems and our minds are looking out for different type of signs.
Posted by jennifer on September 4, 2007 at 6:40 pm
Hi Mark…
Beautiful post!
I have the sense that we can create meaning as we wish, or desire, or possibly even require.
I do not know if “signs” are put there for us, or perhaps they are there for us to discover as we search!
Warmest wishes to you Mark,
Jennifer
Posted by RubyShooZ on September 4, 2007 at 7:52 pm
Seeing the signs is one thing but looking behind the signs and investigating what they mean to us is important to me – I think that seems to be the general consensus from the comments I’m seeing here – many excellent views and words here, thanks all.
I’m not one who would be going to see the garage door either.
Peace today.
Posted by motherwintermoon on September 4, 2007 at 11:49 pm
Great post Mark! I’d love to dive into it, but ever since I read the title, my mind’s been overtaken by the 1990 song, “Signs” by Tesla.
Warning! Lyrics emerging….
And the sign says “long hair freaky people need not apply”
So I put my hair under my hat and I went in to ask him why…
He said you look like a fine outstanding young man I think you’ll do
So I took off my hat I said “Imagine that, Huh, Me working for you…”
Signs Signs
Everywhere there’s signs
Blocking up the scenery
Breaking up my mind
Do this, don’t do that
Can’t you read the signs
Oh Say now mister
Can’t you read
You got to have a shirt and tie to get a seat
You can’t watch
No You can’t eat…
Signs Signs
Everywhere there’s signs
Blocking up the scenery
Breaking up my mind
Do this, don’t do that
Can’t you read the signs
And the sign says “You got to have a membership card just to get inside” Huh…
And the sign says “Everybody welcome
Come in, Kneel down and pray”
But then they passed around a plate at the end of it all
And I didn’t have a penny to pay
So I got me a pen and paper
And I made up my own little sign
I said “Thank you Lord for thinking about me
I’m alive and doing fine”
Signs Signs
Everywhere there’s signs…
Anyone with a hankering can hear it on YouTube. I tried to put in the link, but it made WP eat my comment.
OK. I’ll be back when it’s out of my system.
Posted by tobeme on September 5, 2007 at 2:03 am
Alexys,
People often do find inspiration in the external, however it is often the internal which manifests these signs. We can only hope that these signs which people see bring them back to an internal awareness.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Posted by tobeme on September 5, 2007 at 2:06 am
Random Magus,
Signs can be very powerful for people. Having the insight to interpet them as they apply to you is true wisdom. Thanks for your thoughts.
Posted by tobeme on September 5, 2007 at 2:12 am
Surface Earth,
Glad that you enjoyed this post. Sorry, I was unable to locate any pictures. Maybe the next sighthing of Mary will yield a photographable image. I am sure you would be there if you could be! Thanks for your thoughts.
Posted by tobeme on September 5, 2007 at 2:16 am
Bop,
I love your thoughts on this. It is great that you ask for signs and receive them. You are a creator! This is a wonderful thing to do.
I too love that scene in “Bruce Almighty”. It is very true, signs rarely come as we expect them to. We must be open and aware to the possibilities. Great thoughts, thanks for sharing.
Posted by tobeme on September 5, 2007 at 2:17 am
Scarletbegonia,
You are right, a great reason for me to have been there would have been to be the observer. Hmmm, I should have made the trip, you have increased my awareness today, thank-you.
Posted by tobeme on September 5, 2007 at 2:26 am
Lisa,
I love your acorn story!! I love how our universe works. You are right we must be aware of all signs good and bad. As you said, many people put on their blinders when it comes to the red flags in their life. It seems to be easier than facing the reality which they are creating. Great thoughts, thanks for sharing.
Posted by tobeme on September 5, 2007 at 2:33 am
Paul,
You expressed yourself very well. Our ego can distort much to fulfill itself and it’s selfish needs. Many a horrible thing has been done in the name of a higher power. Thanks for your thoughts.
Posted by tobeme on September 5, 2007 at 2:39 am
Grace,
Thank-you for your wonderful thoughts that came straight from your heart. Yes, we must be dilligent and listen, keep our eyes open to see and keep are arms open to feel.
Posted by tobeme on September 5, 2007 at 2:41 am
Lisa,
Your thoughts never take up to much space, no need to ever apoligize here.
I love that your day got better and that you were aware of all the signs that came your way. You are truly blessed. Thank-you for sharing so much of you.
Posted by tobeme on September 5, 2007 at 2:43 am
Writer Chick,
I agree, if you can find something positive in a sign, some comfort then by all means use the signs that come your way! People are truly blessed when they see the good, no matter what form it may take. Thanks for your thoughts.
Posted by tobeme on September 5, 2007 at 2:47 am
T,
I agree, we must be aware of ourselves. It is too easy to see only what we desire to see. The more aware we become, the more discerning we become of such things as signs.
I love your reference to “City of Angels”. One of my all time favorites! There is much wisdom buried in that movie.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Posted by tobeme on September 5, 2007 at 2:51 am
Tumel,
Thank-you for sharing your memories of the book your Mom gave you and your signs that the birds provide. Birds are great, a sign of peace, freedom and sometimes majestic power.Thanks for your thoughts.
Posted by tobeme on September 5, 2007 at 2:51 am
Sue Ann,
Yes it is! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by tobeme on September 5, 2007 at 2:56 am
Enreal,
Glad that you found value in what I wrote. Yes, it is one thing to see a sign, it is another to know what to do with it. As you said, many signs are always there, though we are not yet ready to see them. I know that as I move forward in my journey, sometimes I come across things that I know are important, yet I am not yet ready to understand. Thanks for your thoughts. Peace!
Posted by tobeme on September 5, 2007 at 2:58 am
Malcom,
It is true, we often see what we need to see. The key is not to confuse this with what we desire to see, for then we can decieve ourselves.
Posted by tobeme on September 5, 2007 at 3:03 am
Lucid,
Yes the power of our mind combined with the power of the Universe is incredible. Sometime we need a sign, and the Universe is happy to provide signs. We must simply be ready to receive them in whatever form they may take. Peace and love.
Posted by SurfaceEarth on September 5, 2007 at 6:04 am
Posted by tobeme on September 6, 2007 at 12:06 am
Singleton,
We should be respectful and aware of all signs. Some signs are there to warn us and keep us safe. Thanks for your compliment and your thoughts.
Posted by tobeme on September 6, 2007 at 12:13 am
Life Reflection,
Very well said. Yes, we do create what we see, that is why so many of us see so many different signs in different forms. Thanks for your thoughts.
Posted by RubyShooZ on September 6, 2007 at 2:06 am
:/
Posted by tobeme on September 6, 2007 at 2:41 am
Jen,
Thank-you for your beautiful thoughts. The key is to be aware and open to the possibilities.
Posted by tobeme on September 6, 2007 at 3:04 am
Ruby,
I agree seeing signs is one thing, know what they mean to us is the real test. Thanks for your thoughts.
Posted by tobeme on September 6, 2007 at 3:06 am
Motherwintermoon,
Thanks a lot! Ha! That song has been playing in my head for days. I love the words in this song and what they spoke to then and now. Great song, thanks for sharing. Pardon me, while I go listen to something else to flush this song from my mind. Have a great night.
Posted by tobeme on September 6, 2007 at 3:07 am
Ruby,
Thanks for checking in! Hope all is well.
Posted by tobeme on September 6, 2007 at 3:08 am
Surface Earth,
Thanks for finding the picture. So, what do you see?
Posted by Liara Covert on September 13, 2007 at 12:06 pm
I agree that each of us “sees” and “experiences” precisely what we’re ready to believe. Signs can seem like genuine miracles. And if we do sense some astonishing event, then this is satisfying a deep, inner need within ourselves. In such a case, the miracle is an occurrence that may or may not be considered spiritual or religious. It is something we attract and draw toward ourselves. We all perceive at our own level, at our own pace. We all find our own answers.
Posted by tobeme on September 14, 2007 at 1:46 am
Liara,
I love that you said a sign is what we attract, for it truly is and we will see it when we are ready to see it and when we increase our awarness. Thanks for your great thoughts.