connecting with your spirit 161
and their resulting physical healings. All of us humans seem to
learn and then relearn lessons many times, on many levels, during
our healing journeys. At the Rice Diet Program or any place or time
when we slow down and look within, we open up more easily to
such awakenings and to other people. Although it is often easier for
us to see a spiritually connecting thread or a life lesson in illnesses
or tragedies that befall others, rather than in our own lives when
we are in the midst of our own trials, it is enriching and rewarding
at those times to be surrounded by trusted fellow sojourners whose
spiritual maturity we have confi dence in.
While Anna Marie credits the Rice Diet with saving her life,
she has been a spiritual beacon for countless others whose lives
we ’ ve shared. Anna Marie is one of the most loving friends and
fellow Ricers I know and is herself profoundly blessed with a gift
of healing. Like many other people with that gift, she has suffered
numerous dramatic health crises and healings of her own. In the
process, she has learned to prioritize her own health needs in
order to receive the miracles she so generously facilitates for many
others. She categorizes her specifi c needs into those that are physi-
cal (a very - low - sodium diet), emotional, and spiritual (creating time
for her mind and heart to commune with her Creator for her own
benefi t, as well as for others ’ ). Her comical and creative way of
describing her faith is contagious, as you ’ ll see below!
Someone once said, “ Miracles are only miracles because we
don ’ t believe they can happen. ” I believe that often crisis
speaks God ’ s design to increase our faith and belief in pos-
sibilities. I am a miracle, and I know angels dwell among us.
On December 26, 1997, my whole world was turned upside
down! It was my birthday. I knew I was tired. I thought it was
due to a heavy lecture schedule in Venezuela the week before
Christmas. I was wrong. My heart stopped that day in the
mountains of Virginia. The rescue squad had been called and
responded accordingly. I was transported to Augusta General,
breaking speed limits in an ice storm. I don ’ t remember any-
thing but a feeling of slipping away... even peace.