Lovely. Amanda Martinez Beck

telling, leading us to the place where we can truly say: “My body is good, and I love the story that it tells.”

      Let Jesus come with you as you begin the work of remembering. Let him lay his hands on your memories. This is the mercy of Jesus — he may not erase the pain, but at his touch your sadness can comingle with joy. Your memories are like the mysteries of Mary’s Rosary, distinct points in your life that lead you to the cross, to the resurrection, and to the glory of a deep and abiding relationship with God.

      It is my hope that you will feel brave enough to look at your own story-telling body with joy instead of loathing. Maybe you just can’t believe that your body is good, right now, right where you find yourself. I hope that changes as you read this book. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and believe me when I say that it is a journey worth taking.

       For reflection

      Who in my life needs my mercy?

      What story do I think my body has to tell?

      What memories of my body can I bring before the Lord, with Mary’s help?

      What are the sorrowful, painful mysteries I need to allow Jesus to touch so he can heal them?

      Chapter 3

       This Is My Body

       You are enough. You are not too much.

      J. NICOLE MORGAN

      I found an old keychain when my parents moved out of the house where I grew up. The keychain is shaped like a megaphone, and if you hold the smaller end up to your eye, you can see an image against the cap on the larger end. The keychain itself is only about two inches long, and its pink-and-white body is etched with golden letters, the name and number of a long-forgotten Little League photographer.