Finding the Divine in the Everyday
Yes, yes, I know. Christmas for Christians is about the coming of the Savior, not about the coming of Santa.
Yes, yes, I know. Santa is a tool of Madison Avenue, forcing us to debase ourselves and our faith to purchase more things to make other people rich.
This Santa, though? He just showed us all what’s what. THIS is what I believe the love of Christ looks like.
Pastor John Gray and his new, small congregation in Greenville, South Carolina remind us all of what The Church was called to do.
Photo America Magazine
This young priest is giving me hope. She sits there in the middle of a sea of men, unable to vote, but speaking up anyway. I was incredibly frustrated not only with the lack of voting rights for women present (male non-priests were able to vote, but not female), but also with the general lack of interest in or knowledge of the synod in general among my Catholic peers–particularly those who actively urge others to “stay and fight” but then proceed with business as usual. I realize this woman is not a Roman Catholic priest, but her presence, voice, and persistence give me hope.
While you are reading this, a dear friend, that I first made at summer camp eleventy-million years ago, is hugging her son for the first time in months. Today, he graduates from basic training in the US Air Force.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been following social media posts from half a dozen mothers in my life who have entrusted their children to the US Armed Forces in these uncertain times.
I am no war hawk. I hate that we still have a need for armed forces, but I am in awe of the bravery, strength, and dedication of the young people who commit to serving their country this way. I am completely undone by the joy of my mama friends when they share news of letters and video chats from their soldiers-in-training.
If these kids that I watched grow up (some more closely than others, admittedly) are any indication, our military is strong, smart, and compassionate. If these mama friends of mine are any indication (brilliant, beautiful souls, every one of them), the homefront is well taken care of.
