One afternoon last fall, I had a particularly unnerving experience that I knew was not only a wake-up call for me, but also an important word for the Church. But, I have not felt released to share it until now.

At the time, I had been lamenting over the difficulties in my life and was feeling doubtful, sad and discouraged. I had gone to a park near the water to walk my dogs and after spending some time in the car first praying and journaling, I had gotten out and started walking down the path, when I realized that a group of vultures had flown in and were now sitting in the tops of the trees and on the roof of a building next to the water. Immediately, I felt an uneasiness in my spirit, but I tried to ignore it and continue on my walk. For a little while, they didn’t move. They just stayed perched there - seeming to watch my every move.