It could be a cloud in the shape of a loved one's face or an extremely relevant song playing on the radio at the exact time of a friend's death--if we allow ourselves to stop, look, and listen, we can identify what spiritual teacher Ann Bolinger-McQuade calls personal oracles. And when we tune into these subtle messages from Spirit, we will discover guidance for navigating life's most trying situations.
In this illuminating book, readers will learn that the universe is constantly conspiring in our favor and is ready to lend a helping hand when we need it most--if only we can look closely and open our hearts to the divine messages that are on display around us. Sharing stories of divine inspiration from her own life, as well as the lives of others (many of them well-known historical or contemporary figures), McQuade shows readers how:
A PAIR OF SPARROWS SAVE A MAN'S LIFE: Journalist Byron Pitts narrowly escaped being hit by a car and saw a couple birds circling in front of him. The birds reminded him of the lyrics to his mother's favorite hymn: "His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me." The comforting reminder of guidance and provision encouraged him to persevere in his challenging career in broadcast journalism, which was ultimately rewarded when CBS offered him a position on
60 Minutes.
A LITTLE BOY BRINGS HOPE BACK INTO A WOMAN'S LIFE: Nancy was reeling from her husband's recent diagnosis of AML, a rare form of leukemia, when a seven-year-old boy knocked at her door collecting donations for AML research. He smiled at her warmly as he told her how he had had AML since he was two, and then he announced proudly that a transplant had saved his life.
SIR ISAAC NEWTON'S APPLE WAS ACTUALLY AN EVERYDAY ORACLE: Many are familiar with the story of how Sir Isaac Newton first discovered gravity when an apple fell on his head. It is a lesser known fact that Newton was interested in the supernatural. Born in the 1600s, when astronomy and astology were considred one and the same, the highly respected alchemist looked to the heavens to assist him in his quest to decode the mysteries of the universe. The falling apple that arrested his attention acted as a personal oracle.
In addition to illuminating oracles through examples, McQuade discusses the history and science of oracles in general and of personal oracles specifically, offering the reader practical instructions for identifying and decoding the divine messages in their own lives.
Ann Bolinger-McQuade has always sensed the world as alive, nurturing, and filled with personal oracles -- concepts deeply seeded in her Native American ancestry. Before becoming a full-time writer in 1999, then a monthly columnist, regular radio show guest, lecturer, and workshop facilitator, she worked in advertising and sales, writing for a trade publication in the fashion industry and later owning a small business in California.
Personal oracles have been playing a major role in Ann's life for almost three decades. She fully recognized them after her diagnosis of breast cancer. They have guided and offered comfort to her as she dealt with the loss of her father, the passing of a close friend, and the death of a beloved animal companion. While Bolinger-McQuade struggled with each of these challenges, she ultimately was able to move forward with peace in her heart. Personal oracles continue to assist her on a daily basis. Ann has been part of the spiritual communities of Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico for the past three decades. Before his death in 2009, Native American Elder Richard Deertrack of the Taos Pueblo honored Ann in a sacred ceremony. Deertrack supported her vision to expand the consciousness of an interconnected universe through the awareness of personal oracles.
Ann divides her time between Tucson, AZ and Taos, NM with her husband, two dogs, and one cat, all of whom she adores.
