Explore the short films.

In a series of signature short films, see how the God Box project unfolds and enhances lives.

“Do you have a God Box?” follows the personal journey of those who write heartfelt petitions and faithfully tuck them away. Truly, anyone, anywhere, anytime can bring Mary Lou’s mother’s powerful note-writing ritual into his or her own life and learn to let go.

Acclaimed singer/songwriter Aron Wright out of Nashville generously contributed his then unreleased - now released - song "Life is a Holy" to this short film. Please click here to download this track at iTunes. The song is wonderfully lyrical.

In this short documentary film, we follow Mary Lou from her family farmhouse in Bucks County, Pennsylvania to her life in New York City as she embarks on the personal journey of a lifetime. We learn why she decided to go public with the story of The God Box and her mother’s most heartfelt notes. And how Mary Lou is sharing her mother’s legacy for all of us to treasure, pass on to others and, importantly, consider incorporating into our own lives.

The book trailer is an intimate portrait of Mary Lou and her mother, Mary. It tells the loving story of a mother and daughter, reveals Mary’s note-writing ritual called the God Box and shows us all why hope, love and faith can never be underestimated. And that the bonds of family never die.

signature short film gallery:

  • Book Trailer

  • The God Box: a daughter's story

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performance clips + more:

  • Share the early days of “The God Box” play

    Every creative project is a journey—early drafts, cut scenes, bumbled lines—but always, a journey of love. Here are clips of our earliest workshops, from the view of Mary Lou and her family and the talented Martha Wollner who first developed, but soon co-wrote and directed the actual production. Even a glimpse into wardrobe jitters.

  • VIEW SCENES FROM THE SOLO SHOW

    See clips from the dress rehearsal of The God Box as performed by Mary Lou in an off-Broadway theatre before a live audience. Also enjoy some fun behind-the-scenes footage as Mary Lou prepares for her stage debut alongside stylist Chase Tyler.

  • The God Box Solo Show by Mary Lou Quinlan

  • The God Box Project: how a little box becomes a global story

MORE >

 

Come meet Mary Lou and experience The God Box: A Daughter's Story at a venue near you.
Learn more

sample chapter
Enjoy a free selected chapter from The God Box.
Download

reading group guide
Invite your book club to join this engaging conversation about Mary Lou’s book.
Download

printable mini cards
Share these mini note cards or write notes for your God Box.
Download

mobile app
The God Box app makes it easy to write notes on the go.
Download

giving back
Ask how Mary Lou can support your local cause with the book and play.
Learn more


press & praise
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  • "A wonderful legacy…Keeping a God Box is an incredibly moving and hopeful ritual that we should all consider adding into our daily lives."
    – REBA, MUSICIAN, AUTHOR, ACTRESS
  • "A beautiful story of love, faith and family. It reads like an intimate, familiar prayer."
    – ELIZABETH GILBERT, AUTHOR OF "EAT, PRAY, LOVE"
  • "The courage and wisdom from the messages left in her mother’s God Box will inspire you to create a God Box of your own."
    – GAIL SHEEHY, AUTHOR OF "PASSAGES IN CAREGIVING"
  • "What a beautiful and profoundly human book....I will keep The God Box in my heart for a long, long time."
    – LAURA SCHROFF, AUTHOR OF "THE INVISIBLE THREAD"
  • "Mary Lou Quinlan shares her mother’s handmade and heartfelt gift of how to persist, believe and move forward with joy."
    – LEE WOODRUFF, AUTHOR OF "IN AN INSTANT"
  • "In the slips of paper that carry this sweet story forward, we can see the love in our own families and the great possibilities of simple faith."
    – JEFFREY ZASLOW, COAUTHOR OF "THE LAST LECTURE"
  • "Mary Lou Quinlan has told the story of her mother in a way that entertains, moves and inspires. The thoughts about life and values will stick with you forever."
    – JIM LEHRER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR OF PBS NEWSHOUR

The God Box App is shiny new and ready to welcome your cares

March 19, 2024
by Mary Lou Quinlan

Since The God Box book was published in the spring of 2012, so many readers have told me that they started their own God Boxes. I love hearing stories of children creating God Boxes and married couples joining their prayer and cares in a family box. (And my mother would be thrilled!)  A 'real' God box is a constant reminder that we are not in control and that letting go is the first step to finding comfort, hope and relief for life's worries. But did you know that many thousands have gone virtual with their God boxes? To help the many busy ...

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