METHUEN, Mass. — A Massachusetts woman who recently separated from her husband, had her hours at work cut, and moved into an apartment, says an image of Jesus Christ she sees on her iron has reassured her that “life is going to be good.”
Mary Jo Coady first noticed the image on Sunday when she walked into her daughter’s room.
The brownish residue on the bottom of the iron looks like the face of a man with long hair.
The 44-year-old Coady, who was raised Catholic, and her two college-age daughters agree that the image looks like Jesus and is proof that “he’s listening.”
Coady tells The Eagle-Tribune she hopes her story will inspire others during the holidays. She says she plans to keep the iron in a closet and buy a new one.*
………
When I first read this story, I shook my head in disbelief. To me the residue looked as much like the Sphinx or a poodle as it does a person. To me, I thought, it would reassure me I needed to clean my iron.
But then the Lord convicted me of my condescending arrogance and lack of compassion for this poor woman. Recently separated, work hours cut, having to move into an apartment, probably from her home, and desperate to be reassured that “life is going to be good.” How sad, lonely and hopeless she must feel to be starting life over at 44 without a husband.
How heartbreaking that her religion seems to have failed to inform her that God speaks through his Word, and that she’d be so desperate she’d look to a smudge on an iron for hope.
How tragic that she doesn’t appear to know that the Bible is filled with promises from God – wonderful, bright promises that he’ll never to leave us nor forsake us, that he will never cease doing good to us, that he causes all things to work together for our good.
How pitiable that she doesn’t seem to know that though life isn’t always good, God is.
And how heart-rending that she believes some residue on the bottom of her iron would prove that “he’s listening,” that she wouldn’t know “The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry,” and “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (PS 34.15, 17, 18).
How merciful God has been to reveal to me that the Bible is God’s very word, his love letter to me, by which I can fellowship with Christ. How kind God has been to give me his “great and precious promises,” upon which to build my faith, and not “signs” on irons. How merciful God’s been to assure me by his Word that he cares for me and will provide for me.
Let’s give thanks today for the gift of God’s Word, and pray for this woman and multitudes of others to come to a true knowledge of Jesus and a hope that is sure.
*Foxnews.com, AP
Praising God for giving us the Bible and that He reveals Himself through it. It directs us to the truth.
Amen Caroline! We’re so blessed to have the Bible and to know it is God’s Word and to benefit by all the ways it blesses us.
You’ve very nicely summed up my usual reaction to these stories. My question has always been “how are we so sure it’s Christ (or Mary, usually)?” Maybe it’s something nefarious!
It’s probably best that I’m not called upon to counsel people in such situations…
Hi Rick,
I’ve never had to counsel someone in that kind of situation. Yeah, I agree, how are we sure it’s who we think it is?
Hey Mark,
I am so very thankful for God’s word that communicates His love towards me a desperate and notorious sinner. Thank you so much for yet another timely dose of encouragement!
P.S. I have a waffle that has a nativity scene on it if you’re interested!!
Blessings
Ron Reffett
Hey Ron,
Are you kidding? A waffle with a nativity scene? Do you have any idea what that’s worth?
Your condescension is astounding.
Jim, it is hard for me to know how to read your comment – whether you see me being condescending through the whole post or, as I mentioned, I realized my initial arrogance and condescension. I truly do not look down on this woman, but truly feel compassion for her, and have prayed for her. At any rate, I’m sure I have little idea of the depths of my pride, so if you would pray for me I would be grateful.
This article was on the front page of our town newspaper! I was amazed by the news.
Hi Peggy,
Wow – front page. Sounds like your newspaper might be a little desperate.
kinda looks like Troy Polamalu…
Brilliant Andrew!
I *always* appreciate when you turn around and notice your arrogance, which then leads to lovingkindness: “But then the Lord convicted me of my condescending arrogance and lack of compassion for this poor woman. Recently separated, work hours cut, having to move into an apartment, probably from her home, and desperate to be reassured that ‘life is going to be good.’ How sad, lonely and hopeless she must feel to be starting life over at 44 without a husband.”
You have done this again and again. Your example is one to follow. God is working miracles through you.
“It’s a miracle! Dead man’s brokenness over his own sin brings him to life, leads him to be compassionate on others!” Now THAT kind of miracle needs to make Fox News headlines.
In other news, Man sees image of toast in virgin Mary picture:
http://tominthebox.blogspot.com/2008/03/man-sees-image-of-toast-in-virgin-mary.html
Hey Chris,
Toast article is hilarious. Yes, I’d like to see headlines like you said need to be in Fox News headlines. Thanks for your comments and encouragement!