Mysterious Ways Archives

Doggies on the Doorstep and a Hero Hound

In Australia, a family became unwitting neighborhood dog rescuers. In Cyprus, a dog saved her owner’s life from an unseen danger.

Miracle Pup Comforts Grieving Family

By Adam Hunter2 min read

After losing the dog they loved, a California couple receives an unexpected and mysterious gift—a new puppy.

A Thank You to a Subway Angel

By Adam Hunter3 min read

Someone close to me had somebody watching over her… I’ve written before about the “Mysterious Ways” that my family has experienced over the years. Recently, one of these moments happened to my girlfriend, Nicole, on the NYC subway.

A Ghostly Voice Helps Unite a Family

By Adam Hunter2 min read

Sometimes, the messages God needs us to hear are delivered in the most mysterious way…

The Superstar Sister She Never Knew She Had

By Adam Hunter3 min read

Circumstances tear people apart from each other, but very often, Mysterious Ways bring them back together…

Snow Day Serendipity

By Adam Hunter2 min read

Forty-nine of fifty states had snow on the ground yesterday—thankfully, more than just road salt will help keep us safe.

I know you don't know me, but my name is Lael, also...AND I'M FROM CHARLESTON! Now, how weird is that? It's not like you see or hear our name very often. Just curious how you got your name? Are you from here? Lael Kershaw Byrd . Hello, nice to hear from another 'Lael'. I was born and raised in Moncks Corner, SC where I still reside. I was actually named after a Citadel Cheerleader. In 1972, my father attended a Citadel basketball game and saw the name on a cheerleaders uniform. He loved the name so much he went home and told my mom he had found the perfect name. So that is how I got the name. When I was a little girl, my family and I were having dinner at The Trawler in Mt. Pleasant and we actually meet the mother of the cheerleader. Have you ever met another Lael? Lael Bodiford Ford . Guess who the Citadel cheerleader was/is????!!! IT'S ME! And the person who was working in the gift shop of the Trawler was my mom, Ruth Clinkscales (who passed away unexpectedly March 14th of this year). OMG...I was feeling so depressed trying to decorate for Christmas, and I think she just sent you as a gift to me. No kidding! I remember when this happened. She called me when she got home that night and said, "There was a little girl running around in the gift shop, and I heard someone call out her name, "Lael." Mama said, wait a minute....there's only one Lael and that's my daughter. The young man, told my mom the story about seeing the name on the sleeve of the cheerleader at The Citadel. This is UNBELIEVEABLE! I still have that sweater, but I'm sure it's probably dry-rotted by now! LOL So, Miss Lael...not sure if you know, but the name Lael means "gift from God." You, my dear, just made that more true than you know. You were just sent to me as a gift from God. My faith has just grown 10-fold. If you can see my photos, you can also see pictures of my precious mom. So, from one Lael to another, thank you for answering that crazy message to you. Wow...I still canNOT believe this. And, yes, I have met - and talked with - a couple of Lael's. My name was the name of an author that my dad found in a book he was reading. Boy, wish my mom was here right now so I could give you the author's last name. But she actually mailed my parents a letter; which I'm certainly going to have to search for now. Evidently my dad wrote to her after naming me after her. Strange how this is coming full circle just when I need it. I'm sitting here shaking my head. I live in Mt. Pleasant and have some very good friends who live in Moncks Corner. Maybe one day we can me meet. Thank you, Lael. (That felt weird to type!) But, truly, thank you. My heart is bursting...a true Christmas gift. (Sorry, I can get a tad mushy!) Tell your dad, and tell him thank you!! Lael Clinkscales (Kershaw) Byrd.

Facebook Strangers Share More Than a Name

By Adam Hunter2 min read

We’ve all done it—looked up our name on Facebook to find our “name twins.” One woman found a whole lot more. Did God’s grace play a role?

A Christmas Tree for a Family in Need

By Adam Hunter2 min read

A reader shares their story about one minor Christmas miracle…

A Safe Home for the Holidays

By Adam Hunter2 min read

The lights of Christmas are so bright, they sometimes make us blind to danger… One woman’s dream helped her see.

A Christmas miracle was needed for a charitably event at a local firehouse.

The Firehouse Christmas Miracle

By Peggy King2 min read

Sixty kids were coming to the holiday party, but we only had 40 presents to give. We needed Santa—the real one.

Happy Chanukah!

By Adam Hunter3 min read

Tonight, the Jewish people celebrate Chanukah, a Mysterious Ways story for the ages.

Woman looking up in autumnal park hearing inspirational thanksgiving stories

Three Inspiring Thanksgiving Miracles

By Adam Hunter4 min read

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Hope you receive some blessings this holiday, like these three Guideposts readers did…