The Story

It all started with one bracelet.

I had rosaries all over the place but never seemed to have one on hand when I needed it. By making a rosary that could be worn as a bracelet, I was never without a rosary again. The original design had both a cross and a medallion but they seemed to catch on everything and the durability was short lived.

It wasn’t long before I found myself exploring different colors and materials of beads. By taking the beads and arranging them a certain way, a name for the bracelet would just come to mind. From there the stories would develop and take their meaning. This is where the term “divinely inspired” comes from.

Getting off the ground was slow. My site on ETSY was a sleeper, partly because it was so buried, but mostly because the bracelets could not be touched or held. My first time as a vendor at a Catholic Women’s Conference was a great success. Not only because it was profitable, but also because all of my hard work was validated. Women would see the bracelets, touch them, hear the stories; and they were intrigued. They commented that they had never seen anything like them before and gushed about the bracelets’ beauty and unique stories.

The interaction with these women was the best part. The Holy Spirit was truly present, as quickly complete strangers came together and then parted as friends. The joy and love that was shared was contagious. So far I have had the privilege of being a vendor at three events and each time is more successful than the previous one. Again, that success is measured other than monetarily.

And speaking of money, you may wonder why I give 10% to the Sisters of Mercy. Well, I wonder the same thing. From the outset it was clear to me that I should give back to God a part of what he would give to me. Months passed and just when I was sure I had the right charity, I didn’t. I had settled on the Sisters of Charity and when telling a friend about it, instead of saying, “Sister of Charity” I said, “Sisters of Mercy.” (Truly the Holy Spirit put those words in my mouth.) She could barely contain her excitement and went on to tell me of a Sister of Mercy she knew and all the wonderful things they do for the community. After a web search I was sure I had found the right charity - Sisters of Mercy it is!

Many times I have asked God why I am on this particular path. At the conferences I feel as though I am getting closer to finding the answer, but so far it has remained elusive. It is as though the closer I get to the answer, another question comes up. So, in faith I remain; making one bracelet at a time.