I wish I could take a picture of my room right now without embarrassing myself, so, instead, I'll tell you why clothes and boxes and books and miscellaneous-things-I-am-going-to-have-to-deal-with-at-some-point are in piles around my room:
I'm ORGANIZING.
Yeah! Take that, Judgemental Thoughts!
I have to organize my whole life in less than 8 months (gettin' murried), and I can tell you it is quite a task. The Container Store (a.k.a. Heaven) now has employees who not only recognize me, but know exactly what I'm looking for (or at least the general purpose).
In my need to organize everything, I re-discovered Evernote. If you do not currently use this free program, I'd like to ask why. If the reason is because you've heard too many good things into and you don't want to buy into all the hype, I have one thing to say to you:
Sell-out. And sell-out now!!!!!!!
Evernote is amazing - it can be accessed anywhere and used anywhere. It clips and captures information, and it is super easy to use (especially since you can make up your own tags).
But don't take my word for it: check out Evernote on your own time.
You can thank me in the combox below.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
The Mother's Dilemma
Because I've been slacking this whole week on my Bright Maiden post, I've decided to double it as my 7 Quick Takes for the week! YEAH!
TBM Topic 33: Stay-At-Home vs. Working Mothers
"The Mother's Dilemma" by Julie Robison
"On Motherhood" by Trista at Not a Minx, Moron, or a Parasite
Elizabeth at Startling the Day
We three are from the oft-mentioned, widely-speculated upon demographic of young, twenty-something Catholic women. We're here to dispel the myths and misconceptions- please join us for the discussion on Facebook and Twitter!
The first thing I think about my childhood is chocolate chip ice cream cones, us kids running through the sprinkler, and my mom wearing a headband and swimsuit while she sat in the sun, watching us and reading. What was she reading, you ask?
Oh, you know. The norm. Her cancer research.
Ironic, I know.
My mom is an oncology clinical nurse specialist - that is, an educator, a researcher, article writer, book editor, and well-beloved member of the hospital she's worked at for most of my life.
My mom has also been a Brownie leader, Cub Scout mom, volleyball and soccer coach, a good-enough cook, eater and maker of anything involving chocolate, a good listener, too fair of a judge, encouraging card writer, presents just because buyer, and mom to six kids.
These six kids:
My mom is super woman. My Dad has had to ask that she not head up so many committees because she keeps getting elected to lead organizations. She was "Woman of the Year" at our high school alma mater, Employee of the Year (twice!) at her hospital, and this year she was nominated for "Healthcare Hero" from her hospital, in a city-wide event.
My mom comes from a family where most women are stay-at-home moms, and she definitely forged her own path. She gave up going to medical school so that she could have more scheule flexibility, since she and Dad wanted lots of kids so she could make us dress in matching outfits for pictures. (See below.)
This choice to work has had its perks and downfalls, but I certainly cannot imagine our family life without my mother working as she does. She's a role model in how to deal with tricky situations, time management, multi-tasking, and keeping cheerful when the going gets tough. With so many kids, Mom has really been able to help out the family financially. It also provides an outlet for her to receive outside appreciation in an area where she truly excels.
All woman need this kind of outlet: my maternal grandmother is hostess, flower-arranger, tennis player, and thoughtfulness unlimited extraordinaire. One aunt is a speech pathologist and professor; she is also amazing at sewing and handmade most costumes for her two girls, which were consequently passed down to us six (and held up well!).
Another aunt paints and takes wonderful pictures, which is a skill she's able to contribute to a cancer non-profit she volunteers with. A couple aunts stay at home with their kids and are active at their schools. A couple more work full-time.
All the women in my life have been amazing inspirations for me, and are wonderful at what they do, and this is where I have a beef with this "debate" about women in the work force.
There are as many types of mothers as there are children. My mother, for instance, could not work the way she does if she had a special-needs child. My mother could not have worked as she did when we were younger if my parents could not have afforded extra help. My mother might have had to work more if my father was unemployed, deceased, or not around. My mother may also prefer to work so as to better handle her children's shenanigans (pure conjecture).
My mother is not a stay-at-home mom. She decorates the house for every major and minor holiday, is constantly organizing, and pushes through enough loads of laundry a week to keep her active children clothed. She's never been much of a cook, but she learned and keeps us kids healthy. As much as she loves us, she loves work too. Moreover, she never neglected us and always makes us feel loved. Just because one woman stays home with her kids, it does not diminish another mother's out-of-home pursuits.
Moreover, working women is not a "new phenomena." Women have been putting in their fair share since cave men needed to cook the water buffalo they brought down. So is the question more about equality?
When people say women are being "kept down" because they don't get paid as much as men, I wonder where those numbers are coming from: is this an apples and oranges comparison? Are different jobs being compared or are men and women working the same job and not being paid the same? (Or is it both?)
Nevertheless, if women's power is only showed through a paycheck or a work title, then women are being under-sold and under appreciated.
It must be difficult for a woman to feel she is a competent partner to her husband if she herself does not see her work at home as worthwhile. The marriage partnership between men and women cannot be had without mutual understanding, a willingness to pitch in and listen, respect of self and others, and love. It has nothing to do with how many times a person made dinner verses how many times the other person mowed the lawn.
In my life time, I have seen mostly scorn towards the idea of a woman staying home with her children. But isn't that like teaching? And isn't teaching a worthwhile venture? The formation of little minds and souls? To overemphasize a woman's need to be fruitful outside the home diminishes all efforts done within it. Women are so much more than their job title, and motherhood is more than bearing and raising children.
As I prepare for marriage, I'm in the midst of planning: planning a wedding, planning a move out of my parents' house, planning another move out of the state for B.'s residency (starting 6 or so months after the wedding), planning family finances, and planning for grad school.
I'm also planning and praying about working. I'm not convinced the stay at home without working life is for me, nor would I like to have a time-consuming job outside the home with little ones underfoot.
Women have an awesome opportunity to kick "typical" to the curb and try their hand at new adventures. While men have the duty and responsibility to provide for their family, women have the opportunity to create a home. This home will be run according for the parents, their needs and desires, rooted ultimately in the best they can offer their children.
If the woman works outside the home, the family will function as such.
If the woman works in the home, the family will function as such.
If the woman's work is the home, the family will function as such.
There is no right answer when it comes to one's vocation, as long as it is properly aligned with God and your loved ones.
I'm excited to be a mom. One way I'm inadvertently preparing for this is my part-time babysitting job for a neighboring family. The mom works from home, and I am so glad I get to help their little unit function well. I get to dress her kids, play with her kids, feed her kids, and cart them around. I know she loves to do that too, but I know it's also nice to have a break, get some work done, go to an exercise class, get lunch with her mom, and spend time with friends.
In this life balance we seek, kids are only a burden to the unimaginative. Motherhood is a special role only women can fill and it is in our feminine genius to discern how best to serve one's family in that way. If physical motherhood is not attainable for women (for those called to a religious or chaste single life), then spiritual motherhood is, by being a kind woman children can look up to, other adults can respect, and that awesome aunt kids love to have.
Nothing in this life is less clear-clear cut or for the faint of heart, but being a Mom is certainly the most important job that no one can properly label.
What are your thoughts on motherhood and working?
(Thanks to Jen for hosting!)
ONE
TBM Topic 33: Stay-At-Home vs. Working Mothers
"The Mother's Dilemma" by Julie Robison
"On Motherhood" by Trista at Not a Minx, Moron, or a Parasite
Elizabeth at Startling the Day
We three are from the oft-mentioned, widely-speculated upon demographic of young, twenty-something Catholic women. We're here to dispel the myths and misconceptions- please join us for the discussion on Facebook and Twitter!
TWO
The first thing I think about my childhood is chocolate chip ice cream cones, us kids running through the sprinkler, and my mom wearing a headband and swimsuit while she sat in the sun, watching us and reading. What was she reading, you ask?
Oh, you know. The norm. Her cancer research.
Ironic, I know.
My mom is an oncology clinical nurse specialist - that is, an educator, a researcher, article writer, book editor, and well-beloved member of the hospital she's worked at for most of my life.
My mom has also been a Brownie leader, Cub Scout mom, volleyball and soccer coach, a good-enough cook, eater and maker of anything involving chocolate, a good listener, too fair of a judge, encouraging card writer, presents just because buyer, and mom to six kids.
These six kids:
 |
| We're the kids your mom probably warned you about |
THREE
My mom comes from a family where most women are stay-at-home moms, and she definitely forged her own path. She gave up going to medical school so that she could have more scheule flexibility, since she and Dad wanted lots of kids so she could make us dress in matching outfits for pictures. (See below.)
 |
| Christmas card! |
FOUR
This choice to work has had its perks and downfalls, but I certainly cannot imagine our family life without my mother working as she does. She's a role model in how to deal with tricky situations, time management, multi-tasking, and keeping cheerful when the going gets tough. With so many kids, Mom has really been able to help out the family financially. It also provides an outlet for her to receive outside appreciation in an area where she truly excels.
 |
| Mom in her makeshift office during hospital renovations |
Another aunt paints and takes wonderful pictures, which is a skill she's able to contribute to a cancer non-profit she volunteers with. A couple aunts stay at home with their kids and are active at their schools. A couple more work full-time.
All the women in my life have been amazing inspirations for me, and are wonderful at what they do, and this is where I have a beef with this "debate" about women in the work force.
FIVE
There are as many types of mothers as there are children. My mother, for instance, could not work the way she does if she had a special-needs child. My mother could not have worked as she did when we were younger if my parents could not have afforded extra help. My mother might have had to work more if my father was unemployed, deceased, or not around. My mother may also prefer to work so as to better handle her children's shenanigans (pure conjecture).
 |
| We don't have special needs, we're just "special"... |
Moreover, working women is not a "new phenomena." Women have been putting in their fair share since cave men needed to cook the water buffalo they brought down. So is the question more about equality?
When people say women are being "kept down" because they don't get paid as much as men, I wonder where those numbers are coming from: is this an apples and oranges comparison? Are different jobs being compared or are men and women working the same job and not being paid the same? (Or is it both?)
Nevertheless, if women's power is only showed through a paycheck or a work title, then women are being under-sold and under appreciated.
It must be difficult for a woman to feel she is a competent partner to her husband if she herself does not see her work at home as worthwhile. The marriage partnership between men and women cannot be had without mutual understanding, a willingness to pitch in and listen, respect of self and others, and love. It has nothing to do with how many times a person made dinner verses how many times the other person mowed the lawn.
In my life time, I have seen mostly scorn towards the idea of a woman staying home with her children. But isn't that like teaching? And isn't teaching a worthwhile venture? The formation of little minds and souls? To overemphasize a woman's need to be fruitful outside the home diminishes all efforts done within it. Women are so much more than their job title, and motherhood is more than bearing and raising children.
SIX
As I prepare for marriage, I'm in the midst of planning: planning a wedding, planning a move out of my parents' house, planning another move out of the state for B.'s residency (starting 6 or so months after the wedding), planning family finances, and planning for grad school.
I'm also planning and praying about working. I'm not convinced the stay at home without working life is for me, nor would I like to have a time-consuming job outside the home with little ones underfoot.
 |
| Most of us in super-hot Tennessee |
If the woman works outside the home, the family will function as such.
If the woman works in the home, the family will function as such.
If the woman's work is the home, the family will function as such.
There is no right answer when it comes to one's vocation, as long as it is properly aligned with God and your loved ones.
SEVEN
I'm excited to be a mom. One way I'm inadvertently preparing for this is my part-time babysitting job for a neighboring family. The mom works from home, and I am so glad I get to help their little unit function well. I get to dress her kids, play with her kids, feed her kids, and cart them around. I know she loves to do that too, but I know it's also nice to have a break, get some work done, go to an exercise class, get lunch with her mom, and spend time with friends.
In this life balance we seek, kids are only a burden to the unimaginative. Motherhood is a special role only women can fill and it is in our feminine genius to discern how best to serve one's family in that way. If physical motherhood is not attainable for women (for those called to a religious or chaste single life), then spiritual motherhood is, by being a kind woman children can look up to, other adults can respect, and that awesome aunt kids love to have.
Nothing in this life is less clear-clear cut or for the faint of heart, but being a Mom is certainly the most important job that no one can properly label.
 |
| Aunts, Grandmother, Mother: real-life feminine geniuses |
(Thanks to Jen for hosting!)
Thursday, April 26, 2012
It Happened One Night
 |
| Another engagement picture with B., who loves me. |
We also talk about love, relationships, God, yada-yada-yada. It's pretty awesome and humbling.
The ever lovely Pat Gohn had us (again!) on her Among Women podcast and featured us on her blog.
This interview is Part II; see here for the awesome Part I interview on what young people are so dang excited about in our Catholic Church (2,000+ years and still kickin' out encyclicals!).
Thanks for listening! Any thoughts on what we talked about? Anything you'd like to see us talk about more?
Shameless plugs/ resources:
Me on G+
Me on Twitter
Bright Maidens on Facebook
Bright Maidens on Twitter
Pat Gohn's Among Women Podcast on Facebook
Pat Gohn on Twitter
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
A Muslim Looks at Respect for Life
"In a world preoccupied with material wealth and convenience, the gift of life is often minimized and sometimes forgotten altogether. Modernity encourages us to view “unwanted” life as a burden that will hold us back. For Muslims, however, just as for many in other faith traditions, life must be acknowledged, always and everywhere, as a true blessing.
In the pre-Islamic period, the practice of female infanticide was widespread in much of Arabia, but it was immediately forbidden through Islamic injunctions. Several verses of the Quran were revealed that prohibited this practice to protect the rights of the unborn and of the newborn child: “When the female infant, buried alive, is questioned for what crime was she killed; when the scrolls are laid open; when the World on High is unveiled; when the Blazing Fire is kindled to fierce heat; and when the Garden is brought near; Then shall each soul know what it has put forward. So verily I call” (81: 8-15).
Indeed, there are many verses in the Quran that remind us of the sanctity of life. We are told that “Wealth and children are an adornment of this life” (18:46), and we are commanded to “Kill not your children for fear of want: We shall provide sustenance for them as well as for you. Verily the killing of them is a great sin” (17:31). While the religious injunctions reverberate through faith on a spiritual level, the blessings of life touch us daily on a worldly level, as well. As the mother of three beautiful children, I can truly attest to and appreciate the gift of life. But I also understand how heartbreaking it is to lose it."
--Suzy Ismail, from "A Muslim looks at respect for life" at MercatorNet
Monday, April 23, 2012
Why Stay A Catholic?
"I am in the Church because, despite everything, I believe that she is at the deepest level not our but precisely “his” Church. To put it concretely: It is the Church that, despite all the human foibles of the people in her, gives us Jesus Christ, and only through her can we receive him as a living, authoritative reality that summons and endows me here and now. …
This elementary acknowledgement has to be made at the start: Whatever infidelity there is or may be in the Church, however true it is that she constantly needs to be measured anew by Jesus Christ, still there is ultimately no opposition between Christ and Church. It is through the Church that he remains alive despite the distance of history, that he speaks to us today, is with us today as master and Lord, as our brother who unites us all as brethren.
And because the Church, and she alone, gives us Jesus Christ, causes him to be alive and present in the world, gives birth to him again in every age in the faith and prayer of the people, she gives mankind a light, a support, and a standard without which mankind would be unimaginable. Anyone who wants to find the presence of Jesus Christ in mankind cannot find it contrary to the Church but only in her."
--Pope Benedict XVI
As quoted in "On Fifteen Years A Catholic" by Carl E. Olson
Saturday, April 21, 2012
The Past Does Not Define Your Future
 |
| Engagement pictures were Friday - more to come! |
"The devil will try to upset you by accusing you of being unworthy of the blessings that you have received. Simply remain cheerful and do your best to ignore the devil's nagging. If need be, even laugh at the absurdity of the situation. Satan, the epitome of sin itself, accuses you of unworthiness! When the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future!"
-- St. Theresa of Avila
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Best Job or Bestest Job?
I cried watching this. My sister mocked me, then texted my brother, so he could mock me too.
BUT IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!
P&G is a hometown company - so proud! And YAY for the Olympics this summer!
UPDATE: My mom cried too.
BUT IT'S SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!
P&G is a hometown company - so proud! And YAY for the Olympics this summer!
UPDATE: My mom cried too.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Close to Home
Q: You mention that it is good for abuse victims to pray for those who have harmed them, but acknowledge that doing so may be impossible without stirring up up painful memories. What do you recommend for those kinds of situations?
A: I once got a very helpful tip from a Sister of Life. I was talking to her about how I felt that I owed it to God to pray for a certain person, but that it was painful for me to think about this person. The sister advised me to commend this person to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, to say to Mary, “Please place this person inside your Immaculate Heart, so that every time I’m praying for the intentions of your Immaculate Heart, I am praying for him.”
--Jen Fulwiler interview with Dawn Eden
A: I once got a very helpful tip from a Sister of Life. I was talking to her about how I felt that I owed it to God to pray for a certain person, but that it was painful for me to think about this person. The sister advised me to commend this person to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, to say to Mary, “Please place this person inside your Immaculate Heart, so that every time I’m praying for the intentions of your Immaculate Heart, I am praying for him.”
--Jen Fulwiler interview with Dawn Eden
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Divine Mercy: One Year Later
Today is the second Sunday of Easter, also known as Divine Mercy Sunday. Last year, Osama bin Laden was killed and Pope John Paul II was beatified.Here is my reflection ("Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?") at The Imaginative Conservative.
"But child, you are not yet in your homeland; so go, fortified by My grace and fight for My kingdom in human souls; fight as a king's child would; and remember that the days of your exile will pass quickly, and with them the possibility of earning merit for Heaven. I expect from you, My child, a great number of souls who will glorify My mercy for all eternity." -- from Sr. Faustina's Diary (1489)
For my Bright Maidens Lenten post series on the spiritual works of mercy, see here.
Pax tecum!
Friday, April 13, 2012
We Want More! We Want More!
Do you ever think,
I need more Julie Robison in my life!
I wish I could talk with the Bright Maidens...
What does the Voice of Reason sound like?
If so, you're in luck! Here is the Bright Maidens's interview with Pat Gohn on her Among Women podcast. (She is the Voice of Reason, by the way.)
Here's the interview I did with Pat last year too, if the above isn't enough. Two words: feminine genius.
You want more, you say? Can't get enough, you say? Well! Fear not! The above interview is part one of two. Yes, you read that right. Next week, Pat will be releasing her second interview with us!
Now, for a little Friday remix: "I'm Glad You Came" by The Wanted
Happy Friday, folks!
Shameless plugs/ resources:
Me on G+
Me on Twitter
Bright Maidens on Facebook
Bright Maidens on Twitter
Pat Gohn's Among Women Podcast on Facebook
Pat Gohn on Twitter
I need more Julie Robison in my life!
I wish I could talk with the Bright Maidens...
What does the Voice of Reason sound like?
If so, you're in luck! Here is the Bright Maidens's interview with Pat Gohn on her Among Women podcast. (She is the Voice of Reason, by the way.)
Here's the interview I did with Pat last year too, if the above isn't enough. Two words: feminine genius.
You want more, you say? Can't get enough, you say? Well! Fear not! The above interview is part one of two. Yes, you read that right. Next week, Pat will be releasing her second interview with us!
Now, for a little Friday remix: "I'm Glad You Came" by The Wanted
 |
| Story time on Easter! |
Shameless plugs/ resources:
Me on G+
Me on Twitter
Bright Maidens on Facebook
Bright Maidens on Twitter
Pat Gohn's Among Women Podcast on Facebook
Pat Gohn on Twitter
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
How Divine
"As a Catholic, my faith tells me that the Church has a divine origin,
but my own experience tells me that it must be divine because no human
institution run with an equal mixture of ineptitude and wickedness would have lasted a fortnight." --Hilaire Belloc
Monday, April 9, 2012
More Maurice Sendak for All!
Home sick today and Alicia from On Earth, As It Is reminded me of this fantastic childhood book/ song with her chicken and rice "medicine" recommendation:
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Rest In Peace! And Keep In Touch
TBM Topic 32: Pray for the Living and the Dead
"Rest In Peace! And Keep In Touch" by Julie Robison
Trista at Not a Minx, Moron, or a Parasite
Elizabeth at Startling the Day
We three are from the oft-mentioned, widely-speculated upon demographic of young, twenty-something Catholic women. We're here to dispel the myths and misconceptions- please join us for the discussion on Facebook and Twitter!
During Lent, we will be discussing the Spiritual Works of Mercy.
Why pray for the living and the dead?
This Lent, we Bright Maidens have been discussing the Spiritual Works of Mercy. This topic is a good one for Lent because
Praying is how we communicate with God, be it in praise, penitence, thanksgiving or petition. It can be freeing and intimate. It can also be humbling and intimidating. Life is overwhelming, and even starting prayer may be difficult. Luckily, even sitting quietly in the presence of God is praying. Taking time to listen to God is just as important as talking with him. In this way, we can pray without ceasing! (1 Thessalonians 5:17) This is how all relationships work at a human level.
When Blessed John Paul II was asked how the pope prays, he responded, "You would have to ask the Holy Spirit! The Pope prays as the Holy Spirit permits him to pray. I think he has to pray in a way in which, deepening the mystery revealed in Christ, he can better fulfill his ministry. The Holy Spirit certainly guides him in this. But man must not put up obstacles" (Crossing the Threshold of Hope).
Praying for others is just as important as your personal relationship with God. As we humans are all interconnected, it is an act of fraternal charity. Moreover, not praying for a person because "they are dead" insinuates that there is not a communion between Heaven and Earth. People departed from this life are not gone; they are at a higher level of communion with God.
This is why Catholics pray to saints; not "to" them, as one would pray to God, but to them like we ask our family and friends to pray for and with us. I pray to St. Anthony (patron of lost things) fairly often. I could pray directly to God, but I like including my saintly friends in my daily tasks. If a person work in a big corporation, would they go to their boss for every little thing? Or do you ask a co-worker to help you out with a minor problem?
This is not to imply that we should not pray to God for the little things: but remember, he already knows all. So he might be sending an angle to watch over you, or a new friend into your life, to help guide and shape you. In the Gospel of John, a story is told in which Jesus gives Peter the power and strength to continue his ministry:
Prayer is an act (work) of love. Even Billy Joel got that in his scandalous song, "Only the Good Die Young": You said your mother told you/ All I could give you was a reputation/ Ah she never cared for me/ But did she ever say a prayer for me?"
There is one mediator between God and humans, and that is Christ (1 Timothy 2:5); but there are billions of helpmates to be found on earth and in heaven, continuing the mission of Christ, peacefully and together. This is why we pray for the living and the dead: to partake in this life, an extraordinary one, and rejoice in the hope with encapsulates all of us as members of the body of Christ, the great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1).
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, thankful for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel thus about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruits of righteousness which come through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:3-11)
"Rest In Peace! And Keep In Touch" by Julie Robison
Trista at Not a Minx, Moron, or a Parasite
Elizabeth at Startling the Day
We three are from the oft-mentioned, widely-speculated upon demographic of young, twenty-something Catholic women. We're here to dispel the myths and misconceptions- please join us for the discussion on Facebook and Twitter!
During Lent, we will be discussing the Spiritual Works of Mercy.
Why pray for the living and the dead?
This Lent, we Bright Maidens have been discussing the Spiritual Works of Mercy. This topic is a good one for Lent because
1. The spiritual works of mercy are reminders of our unofficial duties as Christians (verses the precepts of the Church); they're ways people can attempt to better their spiritual lives through daily graces verses physically abstaining from foods or forms of entertainment, too.The last point is an important point: some Christians say praying for the dead is useless and unbiblical. If that's the case, then so is praying for the living. If our fate is so fixed, why ask God for help? Why seek a relationship with Jesus if believing in him is enough?
2. The marriage between the spiritual and earthly world can be tangibly shown.
3. The marriage between grace and works can be manifest in writing, as well as in thoughts and actions.
When Blessed John Paul II was asked how the pope prays, he responded, "You would have to ask the Holy Spirit! The Pope prays as the Holy Spirit permits him to pray. I think he has to pray in a way in which, deepening the mystery revealed in Christ, he can better fulfill his ministry. The Holy Spirit certainly guides him in this. But man must not put up obstacles" (Crossing the Threshold of Hope).
 |
| At a convent's cemetery in Salzburg |
This is why Catholics pray to saints; not "to" them, as one would pray to God, but to them like we ask our family and friends to pray for and with us. I pray to St. Anthony (patron of lost things) fairly often. I could pray directly to God, but I like including my saintly friends in my daily tasks. If a person work in a big corporation, would they go to their boss for every little thing? Or do you ask a co-worker to help you out with a minor problem?
This is not to imply that we should not pray to God for the little things: but remember, he already knows all. So he might be sending an angle to watch over you, or a new friend into your life, to help guide and shape you. In the Gospel of John, a story is told in which Jesus gives Peter the power and strength to continue his ministry:
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
He then said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”
He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” [Jesus] said to him, “Feed my sheep” (John 21:15-17).So, we too must continue this ministry, out of love of God. So, too, we must pray for the living and the dead, out of love for self and neighbor. Praying for all people is biblical, as well as being part of a Christian's core mission.
Prayer is an act (work) of love. Even Billy Joel got that in his scandalous song, "Only the Good Die Young": You said your mother told you/ All I could give you was a reputation/ Ah she never cared for me/ But did she ever say a prayer for me?"
There is one mediator between God and humans, and that is Christ (1 Timothy 2:5); but there are billions of helpmates to be found on earth and in heaven, continuing the mission of Christ, peacefully and together. This is why we pray for the living and the dead: to partake in this life, an extraordinary one, and rejoice in the hope with encapsulates all of us as members of the body of Christ, the great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1).
 |
| Church in Munich, Germany |
For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruits of righteousness which come through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:3-11)
Friday, April 6, 2012
Turn Around!
Today is Good Friday. At noon, my family will drive to Mt. Adams, to a hill overlooking the Ohio River. We will descend many steps, cross a bridge, and then go down many more, before reaching a landing, turning around, and going back up each step, one rosary bead at a time. I will wear a rain coat, because it always rains on us.
It is an activity I both love and dread. It is penance, good to be sure, but still humbling, as well as physically and emotionally taxing. A good hundred or so people will be there at any given time.
"The Steps" (as we Robisons call it) is not an official prayer meeting place. The steep steps are there to connect hilly Mt. Adams to Eastern Avenue, down by the river. I am not even sure how or when people started coming here to pray, but I know my family started going when I was younger, and it is a defining moment of Triduum weekend for me. I cry every time it starts raining, at some point between noon and three. I think, God is dying. God, my Savior, is suffering death-- for me!
Continue reading at IGNITUM TODAY >>>>>>>
 |
| This raincoat! (Getting rained on in Salzburg) |
"The Steps" (as we Robisons call it) is not an official prayer meeting place. The steep steps are there to connect hilly Mt. Adams to Eastern Avenue, down by the river. I am not even sure how or when people started coming here to pray, but I know my family started going when I was younger, and it is a defining moment of Triduum weekend for me. I cry every time it starts raining, at some point between noon and three. I think, God is dying. God, my Savior, is suffering death-- for me!
Continue reading at IGNITUM TODAY >>>>>>>
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Whom Would Kindness Kill More: Them or You?
TBM Topic 31: Comfort the Afflicted
"Whom Would Kindness Kill More: Them or You?" by Julie Robison
Trista at Not a Minx, Moron, or a Parasite
Elizabeth at Startling the Day
We three are from the oft-mentioned, widely-speculated upon demographic of young, twenty-something Catholic women. We're here to dispel the myths and misconceptions- please join us for the discussion on Facebook and Twitter!
During Lent, we will be discussing the Spiritual Works of Mercy.
"Today I told off a cashier who was trashing the president" read the Daily Kos headline. Color me intrigued; I clicked on it. I read it. I cried (figuratively).
The writer was just a member of the site, not an official writer, and proudly stated how he actively listens to progressive radio and keeps up on current events via The Nation and Mother Jones. He apologetically admitted he grocery shopping at Meijer (not sure why, but now I know they're "Michigan owned, .. unionized and ha[ve] a very respectable selection of organic produce as well as locally baked breads.")
He described the cashier as an older white woman who "looked like she'd had a hard life." The writer, a self-described "very political person," says he "often feel[s] bad when I see older people still working when, in a just society, they shouldn't have to. Obviously I don't know her story but there she was checking and bagging groceries, a job which keeps you on your feet for hours on end, at 8:30 on a Friday night."
That was a poignant moment for the writer. He feels a bit of compassion for this woman. But he doesn't act on that compassion when he hears the older woman say, "Of course Obama says there's no inflation. I don't think the man has ever had to buy groceries in his life. He probably gets his employees to do it for him. You know, buy his arugula?"
First comment: I had to look up arugula. It's a salad green.
Second comment: It's a silly connection to make between inflation and greens, but nothing inflammatory. The woman's point is that Obama is an elitist. An elitist is not someone who is well-off financially; it's anyone who thinks they know better than you, and worse, wants to make you follow their plan, and not allow for deviation. Progressive liberals can be elitists. So can Republicans. So can Independent voters. It's a personality trait, usually associated with ambitious people, and not a party line. Obama fits that definition; individual health care mandate, anyone?
The author felt differently:
Ahem. This is where I get to my point about comforting the afflicted: they're not just the physically sick. They can be spiritually sick. Or just lack good manners. I miss the old ladies who would keep order by calling the naughty child's parents. If you want a much-needed reality series, I think Miss Manners should take to the streets!
Comfort is more than sharing a meal or a beer or a laugh. It means firmly and gently showing people the way. Whether it be a friend giving advice or a offering a stranger a smile, people find comfort in kindness. The author of the above was unkind. No opinions were changed through the experience. No hope blossomed that America's fractured politics could reconcile themselves. Instead, a man swore at a woman and claimed victory and, worse, the moral high ground.
This post isn't about politics. It's about love, peace, and Jesus (who, coincidentally, brings both of those things to the party). The writer is right to say we shouldn't back down from defending our beliefs, but never at the cost of another person's dignity. Souls are converted by fellow souls: we must never forget that Christians are the face of Christ for the unbeliever.
As Blessed John Paul II wrote in Crossing the Threshold of Hope, "Before ascending into Heaven, Jesus said to the apostles: "I am with you always, until the end of the age" (Mt 28:20). Though invisible, He is personally present in His Church. He is likewise present in each Christian, by virtue of baptism and other sacraments. It was usual to say, as early as the era of the Fathers, "Christianus alter Christus" ("The Christian is another Christ"), meaning by this emphasize the dignity of the baptized and his vocation, through Christ, to holiness."
Dignity isn't a mercantilism: dignity is for all, and there is an unlimited amount to go around, for loved ones as well every single person you disagree with or dislike. A person's character is not measured based on the love they give when they feel it, but rather, loving (action verb) when feelings dictate otherwise. It's those times in which it's necessary to take a deep breath, smile, and offer up a situation that is out of your control to God. Every person is unique, and therefore, going to disagree with you on certain points. Offer it up. Do not hurt another person to achieve victory. Offer it up. Let it go.
All for the glory of the Kingdom, people.
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:36)
"Whom Would Kindness Kill More: Them or You?" by Julie Robison
Trista at Not a Minx, Moron, or a Parasite
Elizabeth at Startling the Day
We three are from the oft-mentioned, widely-speculated upon demographic of young, twenty-something Catholic women. We're here to dispel the myths and misconceptions- please join us for the discussion on Facebook and Twitter!
During Lent, we will be discussing the Spiritual Works of Mercy.
"Today I told off a cashier who was trashing the president" read the Daily Kos headline. Color me intrigued; I clicked on it. I read it. I cried (figuratively).
The writer was just a member of the site, not an official writer, and proudly stated how he actively listens to progressive radio and keeps up on current events via The Nation and Mother Jones. He apologetically admitted he grocery shopping at Meijer (not sure why, but now I know they're "Michigan owned, .. unionized and ha[ve] a very respectable selection of organic produce as well as locally baked breads.")
He described the cashier as an older white woman who "looked like she'd had a hard life." The writer, a self-described "very political person," says he "often feel[s] bad when I see older people still working when, in a just society, they shouldn't have to. Obviously I don't know her story but there she was checking and bagging groceries, a job which keeps you on your feet for hours on end, at 8:30 on a Friday night."
That was a poignant moment for the writer. He feels a bit of compassion for this woman. But he doesn't act on that compassion when he hears the older woman say, "Of course Obama says there's no inflation. I don't think the man has ever had to buy groceries in his life. He probably gets his employees to do it for him. You know, buy his arugula?"
First comment: I had to look up arugula. It's a salad green.
Second comment: It's a silly connection to make between inflation and greens, but nothing inflammatory. The woman's point is that Obama is an elitist. An elitist is not someone who is well-off financially; it's anyone who thinks they know better than you, and worse, wants to make you follow their plan, and not allow for deviation. Progressive liberals can be elitists. So can Republicans. So can Independent voters. It's a personality trait, usually associated with ambitious people, and not a party line. Obama fits that definition; individual health care mandate, anyone?
The author felt differently:
My anger was building up to a boil; I mean, I just wanted to get home to that beer and who knows how many people before me had to hear this crap? So after I was all paid up and everything was in my cart I said to her, "I suggest you keep your political opinions to yourself when you're standing there because you never know who's standing here. I don't appreciate hearing my president trashed like that. That's all I'm going to say." Her eyes flashed with anger and realization that I must be one of "those people". She drew in a breath, about to say something and I said, "If you say one more fucking thing I'll go find your manager and all three of us can discuss this." At that, she suddenly deflated. Now the look in her eyes was fear. She looked down and meekly mumbled "Ok. Sorry sir." I left then, proud of myself and still full of anger.Wow. Tolerance, much? After that, he felt a twinge of remorse and wondered if he had handled that poorly. He says he realizes she's probably just a low information voter, only listening to conservative media, like Rush and Sean (verses only reading and listening to liberal media outlets), and then he threatened her job. But he's glad he spoke his mind; he only wonders if he could have handled that encounter better.
Ahem. This is where I get to my point about comforting the afflicted: they're not just the physically sick. They can be spiritually sick. Or just lack good manners. I miss the old ladies who would keep order by calling the naughty child's parents. If you want a much-needed reality series, I think Miss Manners should take to the streets!
Comfort is more than sharing a meal or a beer or a laugh. It means firmly and gently showing people the way. Whether it be a friend giving advice or a offering a stranger a smile, people find comfort in kindness. The author of the above was unkind. No opinions were changed through the experience. No hope blossomed that America's fractured politics could reconcile themselves. Instead, a man swore at a woman and claimed victory and, worse, the moral high ground.
This post isn't about politics. It's about love, peace, and Jesus (who, coincidentally, brings both of those things to the party). The writer is right to say we shouldn't back down from defending our beliefs, but never at the cost of another person's dignity. Souls are converted by fellow souls: we must never forget that Christians are the face of Christ for the unbeliever.As Blessed John Paul II wrote in Crossing the Threshold of Hope, "Before ascending into Heaven, Jesus said to the apostles: "I am with you always, until the end of the age" (Mt 28:20). Though invisible, He is personally present in His Church. He is likewise present in each Christian, by virtue of baptism and other sacraments. It was usual to say, as early as the era of the Fathers, "Christianus alter Christus" ("The Christian is another Christ"), meaning by this emphasize the dignity of the baptized and his vocation, through Christ, to holiness."
Dignity isn't a mercantilism: dignity is for all, and there is an unlimited amount to go around, for loved ones as well every single person you disagree with or dislike. A person's character is not measured based on the love they give when they feel it, but rather, loving (action verb) when feelings dictate otherwise. It's those times in which it's necessary to take a deep breath, smile, and offer up a situation that is out of your control to God. Every person is unique, and therefore, going to disagree with you on certain points. Offer it up. Do not hurt another person to achieve victory. Offer it up. Let it go.
All for the glory of the Kingdom, people.
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:36)
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Is The Spirit So Willing?
TBM Topic 30: Forgive Offenses Willingly
"Is The Spirit So Willing?" by Julie Robison
Trista at Not a Minx, Moron, or a Parasite
Elizabeth at Startling the Day
We three are from the oft-mentioned, widely-speculated upon demographic of young, twenty-something Catholic women. We're here to dispel the myths and misconceptions- please join us for the discussion on Facebook and Twitter!
During Lent, we will be discussing the Spiritual Works of Mercy.
As I write this post, I begrudgingly admit I am working on forgiving someone for saying something that hurt my pride. I am currently working on cleaning out my room. I am getting married in less than nine months and, in good conscience, I cannot bring into this marriage my very own section of some rain forest.
I have books. Hundreds of books. Then there's the one box from grade school, and two boxes from high school, the huge bin of magazines, and the multiple drawers and boxes of college papers I have yet to go through. Then there's my research, for current and pending projects, and five shoe boxes of epistolary correspondence. I just started on my sixth this past Christmas.
A member of my family, the Purger, said he'd help me, as long as I sign a contract saying I would not get mad about what he threw away.
"Never!" I protested. "What if you threw away my letters?"
"Why are you saving them anyways? It's not like you're Flannery O'Connor. No one is going to read your letters in 50 years."
"I'm not saving my own letters," I huffed. "I'm saving responses to my letters."
The comment stung. Stings. We had to stop the conversation and part on civil terms. I am now typing, depressed in spirit, in my room. Fortunately, I kept cleaning too. I had a church bulletin from the beginning of Lent, and, wouldn't you know it! Fr. Ed says it best:
Early in the morning, as they were walking along, they saw the fig tree withered to its roots. Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God. Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him.Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions. (Mark 11:20-25)
"Is The Spirit So Willing?" by Julie Robison
Trista at Not a Minx, Moron, or a Parasite
Elizabeth at Startling the Day
We three are from the oft-mentioned, widely-speculated upon demographic of young, twenty-something Catholic women. We're here to dispel the myths and misconceptions- please join us for the discussion on Facebook and Twitter!
During Lent, we will be discussing the Spiritual Works of Mercy.
As I write this post, I begrudgingly admit I am working on forgiving someone for saying something that hurt my pride. I am currently working on cleaning out my room. I am getting married in less than nine months and, in good conscience, I cannot bring into this marriage my very own section of some rain forest.
I have books. Hundreds of books. Then there's the one box from grade school, and two boxes from high school, the huge bin of magazines, and the multiple drawers and boxes of college papers I have yet to go through. Then there's my research, for current and pending projects, and five shoe boxes of epistolary correspondence. I just started on my sixth this past Christmas.
A member of my family, the Purger, said he'd help me, as long as I sign a contract saying I would not get mad about what he threw away.
 |
| Writing messages long gone, unlike my letters. (far L) |
"Never!" I protested. "What if you threw away my letters?"
"Why are you saving them anyways? It's not like you're Flannery O'Connor. No one is going to read your letters in 50 years."
"I'm not saving my own letters," I huffed. "I'm saving responses to my letters."
The comment stung. Stings. We had to stop the conversation and part on civil terms. I am now typing, depressed in spirit, in my room. Fortunately, I kept cleaning too. I had a church bulletin from the beginning of Lent, and, wouldn't you know it! Fr. Ed says it best:
I have often thought that it would be nice to have a special name for the final Sunday before the Season of Lent begins. As a culture we have the traditions of Mardi Gras and Carneval during these days, during which people celebrate and eat and "party" before Ash Wednesday. But perhaps the Gospel for this weekend gives us a better tradition to follow: forgiveness.
We have all heard the old saying, "To err is human, to forgive divine," and actually it is quite correct. Who alone but God has the power to forgive sins? Who else but God sees all there is to us, both good and bad, and love, understands and absolves? When we were able to forgive one another for the hurts against us, we are, in effect, showing the face of God to those we forgive. Because we are forgiven first by Him we are able to give that gift to others.
In the Gospel this weekend, a paralytic is brought to Jesus for healing. Little does he expect the first words to him from Jesus: "Child, your sins are forgiven". After this Jesus says the famous words: "Rise, pick up your mat, and walk". Why is the other statement first? Because Jesus heals the deepest wounds first. He shows that the physical paralysis of this man is not as important as the spiritual paralysis that can happen when we fall into sin. He heals this first, and does so with great love, even calling the young man "child" as he does.
What a gift this is for him, and for all of us who have heard the story for the last 2,000 years. Jesus forgives, heals and loves us. Perhaps this gives us an indication of what this final Sunday before Lent can be about: forgiveness, healing and love. In a word, it's about Jesus.And in like fashion, I went downstairs and apologized for overreacting, and then told the Purger I forgave him for hurting my pride. And I mean it. If Jesus can suffer death to redeem my sins, then I can swallow my pride, admit I was wrong, and forgive, just like Jesus. Because it really is about him, not you.
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| Besides: if Anne can forgive Gilbert, anything is possible! |
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Patience: The Virtue No One Has
TBM Topic 29: Bear Wrongs Patiently
"Patience: The Virtue No One Has" by Julie Robison
Trista at Not a Minx, Moron, or a Parasite
Elizabeth at Startling the Day
We three are from the oft-mentioned, widely-speculated upon demographic of young, twenty-something Catholic women. We're here to dispel the myths and misconceptions- please join us for the discussion on Facebook and Twitter!
During Lent, we will be discussing the Spiritual Works of Mercy.
I have yet to meet a person who admits to being naturally patient. I'm not. I bet you're not either. So first there's that: dealing with your own inability to be patient with your own life.
I get it! Places to go, people to see. You don't want to wait: "Waiting for the fish to bite/ or waiting for the wind to fly a kite/ or waiting around for Friday night/ or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake/ or a pot to boil, or a Better Break/ or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants/ or a wig with curls, or Another Chance" (Dr. Seuss).
But perhaps you're beyond that. Maybe you're finding patiently waiting and trusting in the Lord (cue the Psalms). Then, God steps it up: you have to bear other people's wrongs patiently.
He has a funny habit of doing that, doesn't he? Trying to make you more patient? Sanctification of self, as they say.
What usually happens, though: an unkind word (or two), uncharitable thoughts, irritability for an extended period of time, a fight between loved ones, or, more often, viciousness towards a stranger.
But that guy was a total jerk! He took my spot/ coffee/ bumped into me/ was super rude. You're telling me I'm not right to be angry.
Sure. You can be angry. But of all the things to be mad about in the world, does this problem at hand really matter enough to fight back? Or would your kindness help the situation? Would your patience bring light to the matter at hand? Would this problem, too, pass because you chose patience over getting into a pickle?
Blessed Mother Teresa, saint-to-be, said,
“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
As we enter Holy Week, remember the ultimate example of bearing wrongs patiently: God. We mess up every day and have to keep coming back to apologize. But he never gets tired of it: he delights in our remorse, because we apologize not out of fear of punishment, but because we love God so much that we are moved to make right when we are in the wrong.
Jesus told us that we have to forgive one person for the same offense 70 time 7 times. And if they offend you in a different way? Another 490 times. And another? 490. That's bearing wrongs patiently. That's imitating Christ. Is it easy? No. But more importantly- is it possible? Yes!
As one impatient person to another, let us not grow lax in our Lenten goals of self-growth. These 40 days are only the beginning of new life in Christ. If you did not add "bear wrongs patiently" to your laundry list, then perhaps you should add it now. It's never too late to be the person God made us to be.
"A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention." --Proverbs 15:18
How are you learning to bear wrongs patiently?
"Patience: The Virtue No One Has" by Julie Robison
Trista at Not a Minx, Moron, or a Parasite
Elizabeth at Startling the Day
We three are from the oft-mentioned, widely-speculated upon demographic of young, twenty-something Catholic women. We're here to dispel the myths and misconceptions- please join us for the discussion on Facebook and Twitter!
During Lent, we will be discussing the Spiritual Works of Mercy.
I have yet to meet a person who admits to being naturally patient. I'm not. I bet you're not either. So first there's that: dealing with your own inability to be patient with your own life.
I get it! Places to go, people to see. You don't want to wait: "Waiting for the fish to bite/ or waiting for the wind to fly a kite/ or waiting around for Friday night/ or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake/ or a pot to boil, or a Better Break/ or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants/ or a wig with curls, or Another Chance" (Dr. Seuss).
But perhaps you're beyond that. Maybe you're finding patiently waiting and trusting in the Lord (cue the Psalms). Then, God steps it up: you have to bear other people's wrongs patiently.
He has a funny habit of doing that, doesn't he? Trying to make you more patient? Sanctification of self, as they say.
What usually happens, though: an unkind word (or two), uncharitable thoughts, irritability for an extended period of time, a fight between loved ones, or, more often, viciousness towards a stranger.
But that guy was a total jerk! He took my spot/ coffee/ bumped into me/ was super rude. You're telling me I'm not right to be angry.
Sure. You can be angry. But of all the things to be mad about in the world, does this problem at hand really matter enough to fight back? Or would your kindness help the situation? Would your patience bring light to the matter at hand? Would this problem, too, pass because you chose patience over getting into a pickle?
Blessed Mother Teresa, saint-to-be, said,
“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
 |
| "Told you I'd be back - 3 days, people!" |
Jesus told us that we have to forgive one person for the same offense 70 time 7 times. And if they offend you in a different way? Another 490 times. And another? 490. That's bearing wrongs patiently. That's imitating Christ. Is it easy? No. But more importantly- is it possible? Yes!
As one impatient person to another, let us not grow lax in our Lenten goals of self-growth. These 40 days are only the beginning of new life in Christ. If you did not add "bear wrongs patiently" to your laundry list, then perhaps you should add it now. It's never too late to be the person God made us to be.
"A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention." --Proverbs 15:18
How are you learning to bear wrongs patiently?
Monday, April 2, 2012
John Paul II and the Authentic Life
"No one can live a trial life; no one can love experimentally." --Blessed John Paul II
Today, on the seventh anniversary of the death of the Pope most families grew up under, I pause to reflect how one man, our earthly spiritual leader, could have such a profound affect on our world. I remember reading in Time Magazine, how four non-believers were sent to interview the Pope, and all four could feel the presence of something more. Even if you do not intellectually believe, there is a more inner part of a person that embrace revelation and acknowledges God without a needed word. The Pope's serious faith and humility of his position gave way to great fruit, and helped people find freedom in Christ, when this world offered none of it.
How bold he was! Proclaiming Christ, showing us, not just telling us, Do Not Be Afraid! When the world seems so dark and broken, the light of Christ shines through the peep hole, giving us the needed hope. John Paul II was that messenger of hope, the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church on earth, and the friend I never met, and still love very dearly.
Moreover, we are indebted to Pope John Paul II for not letting Cardinal Ratzinger retire, and thus helping give the Church one of her best and most brilliant popes, Pope Benedict XVI.
For the repose of the soul of Pope John Paul II, and all those souls in need of our prayers, let us pray!
How did Pope John Paul II affect you? Did he affect you? Did you see the effects of his life on others?
Today, on the seventh anniversary of the death of the Pope most families grew up under, I pause to reflect how one man, our earthly spiritual leader, could have such a profound affect on our world. I remember reading in Time Magazine, how four non-believers were sent to interview the Pope, and all four could feel the presence of something more. Even if you do not intellectually believe, there is a more inner part of a person that embrace revelation and acknowledges God without a needed word. The Pope's serious faith and humility of his position gave way to great fruit, and helped people find freedom in Christ, when this world offered none of it.
How bold he was! Proclaiming Christ, showing us, not just telling us, Do Not Be Afraid! When the world seems so dark and broken, the light of Christ shines through the peep hole, giving us the needed hope. John Paul II was that messenger of hope, the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church on earth, and the friend I never met, and still love very dearly.
Moreover, we are indebted to Pope John Paul II for not letting Cardinal Ratzinger retire, and thus helping give the Church one of her best and most brilliant popes, Pope Benedict XVI.
For the repose of the soul of Pope John Paul II, and all those souls in need of our prayers, let us pray!
How did Pope John Paul II affect you? Did he affect you? Did you see the effects of his life on others?
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