Among Women ReadHER 7.7.12

Among Women ReadHER 7.7.12

Roberts' Rules
By Kathryn Jean Lopez at National Review Online
In the aftermath of the Supreme Court decision upholding "Obamacare", some commentary on the Chief Justice's reasoning.

A Soldier's Wife
By Calah Alexander at Barefoot and Pregnant
Maybe you've come across this "cause" (Battling Bare) on Facebook... military wives writing their spousal messages of love on their bodies in an attempt to shock and raise awareness that not all military husbands' get the help they need for post-traumatic stress disorder. It's powerful, novel, but is it too edgy in terms of propriety? It's a tough call for me. BUT, in my mind, vets not getting the help they need after they serve their country remains a greater sin.


The Dilemma of Worthiness
By Sarah Vabulas at Integrated Catholic Life
You've heard the phrase "YOLO" -- you only live once? More on that.


Optimistic Antidotes for Mom
By Patti Armstrong at CatholicMom.com
I always love Patti's in-the-trenches honesty -- one part giggle and one part common sense that I need! Hear more from her on AW 117 and a ways back on AW 39. 

Group Challenges Downs Syndrome Testing
Posted at Downs Syndrome Daily
H/T goes to my pal, blogger/author and pro-life activist Leticia Velasquez, who is an expert in the family, social, and political aspects of Down Syndrome... Here about her new book on the subject, on AW 121, and her conversion story and pro-life mission on AW 30.

Things You Should Know About Pinterest
By Fr Roderick VonHogen at his blog
Fr. Roderick, the CEO of SQPN, has been blogging more of late at this site, with tips concerning new media and evangelization. This post talks about Pinterest, which is very popular with so many women I know online. I'm on Pinterest... but not everyday. Would love your thoughts about it. In a related note, come see Fr Roderick speak, plus a great line-up at the Catholic New Media Conference this August... or get a virtual ticket if you can't come!


The Pill and Female Sex Drive
Posted at 1Flesh.org
Here's a group of young adults with a new website using blogging and video testimonies to bring about awareness and are launching a rebellion, in their own words, "that sex should be awesome and saved until marriage, that pregnancy can be justly avoided without harmful chemicals, and that love is worth fighting for." See what you think. 

The Saint and the Scapular: St. Simon Stock and Our Lady of Mount Carmel
By Kathy Schiffer at Seasons of Grace
Kathy recalls her journey through France and recalls this Marian title and saint held dear by Carmelites the world over. The Feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel comes up on July 16th.  For more on Carmelite spirituality, you may enjoy AW 109 with Erin Miller who talks about her faith journey and entry as a Third Order Carmelite. And if you want a podcast about my recent trip to France and pilgrimage to Lourdes, you can find the podcast here, and a photo-journal blog post here. 

Have you checked out the new Among Women website... now the entire podcast archives are fully downloadable, and you can listen on your smart phone!  (coming soon to iPad and other tablet formats.)

Among Women ReadHER 5.12.12... the Mother's Day edition & more

Among Women ReadHER 5.12.12

Happy Mother's Day!

For the Moms out there...

A Mother's Day Challenge
By Meg Meeker, MD from her website
This is your conscience speaking... read this... and DO THIS. You'll love yourself for it.

What Moms Really Want... an annual reminder
By Lisa Hendey at Faith and Family Live
Happy Mother's Day to all!


Mother's Day History
FWIW


My favorite song by Jim Brickman... A Mother's Day
This video quality is so-so, but it's a really great tribute song for mothers!


The Right Choice Video Makes Waves on Facebook
By Rebecca Downs at Live Action News
Here is a short post and 7 minute video about an amazing young mother, and her heartbreakingly beautiful love for her disabled son. 


In other news...

Statement of the USCCB regarding President Obama's Remarks on Marriage
By Cardinal Timothy Dolan, President of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, on his blog at the Archdiocese of New York
A short reminder about an important topic.

Nobody Has Ever Died From Not Having Sex
By Katrina Fernandez at The Crescat
Forthright and direct.

Reflecting on Last Week
By Mark Shea at Catholic and Enjoying It
Don't let the title of this post fool you. Mark talks about his thoughts and reasons behind his compassionate stance toward gays and lesbians in light of church teaching, after considerable fuss was made over his previous post memorializing a very accomplished Catholic Christian man who happened to be gay.


The Heartburn of Sex
By Joanne McPortland at egregious twaddle
While Mark and Katrina are on the subject... yet another thought-provoking missive...

4 Reasons to Keep Bikini Pictures Off Facebook
By Mary Lane at Catholic Lane
Just in time for summer...

South Korea: Confiscated "Health Pills" filled with Human Remains

Reported by the LA Times

Warning: This from the sad-but-true department. The epitome of evil, human remains in pill form, likely from aborted babies. Sorry to link to something so chilling, but Catholics who respect life need to know the depths of these depravities so we can argue for true human dignity.

From Olympic Skater to Religious Sister

Posted by Vatican Radio at New.va

The path to religious life for a former Olympian... 

Don't miss this...

This makes me think... about how women can transform the culture...

In transforming culture so that it supports life, women occupy a place, in thought and action, which is unique and decisive. It depends on them to promote a "new feminism" which rejects the temptation of imitating models of "male domination", in order to acknowledge and affirm the true genius of women in every aspect of the life of society, and overcome all discrimination, violence and exploitation.

Making my own the words of the concluding message of the Second Vatican Council, I address to women this urgent appeal: "Reconcile people with life".You are called to bear witness to the meaning of genuine love, of that gift of self and of that acceptance of others which are present in a special way in the relationship of husband and wife, but which ought also to be at the heart of every other interpersonal relationship. The experience of motherhood makes you acutely aware of the other person and, at the same time, confers on you a particular task: "Motherhood involves a special communion with the mystery of life, as it develops in the woman's womb ... This unique contact with the new human being developing within her gives rise to an attitude towards human beings not only towards her own child, but every human being, which profoundly marks the woman's personality". A mother welcomes and carries in herself another human being, enabling it to grow inside her, giving it room, respecting it in its otherness. Women first learn and then teach others that human relations are authentic if they are open to accepting the other person: a person who is recognized and loved because of the dignity which comes from being a person and not from other considerations, such as usefulness, strength, intelligence, beauty or health. This is the fundamental contribution which the Church and humanity expect from women. And it is the indispensable prerequisite for an authentic cultural change.

I would now like to say a special word to women who have had an abortion. The Church is aware of the many factors which may have influenced your decision, and she does not doubt that in many cases it was a painful and even shattering decision. The wound in your heart may not yet have healed. Certainly what happened was and remains terribly wrong. But do not give in to discouragement and do not lose hope. Try rather to understand what happened and face it honestly. If you have not already done so, give yourselves over with humility and trust to repentance. The Father of mercies is ready to give you his forgiveness and his peace in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. To the same Father and his mercy you can with sure hope entrust your child. With the friendly and expert help and advice of other people, and as a result of your own painful experience, you can be among the most eloquent defenders of everyone's right to life. Through your commitment to life, whether by accepting the birth of other children or by welcoming and caring for those most in need of someone to be close to them, you will become promoters of a new way of looking at human life.

--Blessed John Paul II, The Gospel of Life, Evangelium Vitae, par. 99.

The sad anniversary of Roe Vs Wade... some podcasts that speak to life issues...

Here's a reminder about previous Among Women episodes that speak to life issues. Each episode has its own page that lists links to resources that respect life.

The following four episodes are no longer downloadable, but can be listened to online on the Among Women website. 

Among Women 29 -- Guest Kathleen Fitzpatrick chronicles her journey of becoming pregnant as a college student and dealing with her process of acceptance, and her choice to give birth to her son and raise him as a single mother. Statistics show that 10% of all college aged women become pregnant every year. That's why Kathleen's story is so important, and why we need films and information that reach out to women in that age group that accounts for 45% of all abortions. (<--note: this link opens a .pdf file)

Among Women 30 -- Guest blogger and pro-life activist Leticia Velasquez discusses respect life advocacy and building the "culture of life". She gives valuable tips on how average citizens can stay informed on issues and awareness.

Among Women 28 -- Guest Merry Nordeen pioneered the "choose life" specialty license plates now available in Massachusetts. Merry also discusses how the initiative can come to the other states in the Union.

Among Women 40 -- Guest Earline Tweedie shares her faith story and her experiences of raising a son with Downs Syndrome.

The following episodes are available on iTunes or at the Among Women website.

Among Women 74 -- Guest Jessica Schacle, then a high school student, discusses her reasons behind her pro-life advocacy. This episode also features teaching on the Church's profound understanding of the dignity of the human person.

Among Women 75 -- Guest Dr. Theresa Burke, an international expert on post-abortion stress and healing, as well as a clinical psychiatrist, discusses the process of healing after an abortion. Many great resources are available through Rachel's Vineyard.

Among Women 120 -- A compelling story of birth mother and an adoptive mother talking about the decisions they made, the prayers they prayed and the daughter they share via an open adoption... 14 years later after the child was placed for adoption.

Among Women Podcast #121 Each Life is a Masterpiece

Among Women 121 is back with a look at the passionate love and life of St. Clare of Assisi and a conversation with author, blogger, and pro-life advocate, Leticia Velasquez. Leticia and I discuss the unexpected blessings found in raising children with special needs, and we focus on some of the stories found in her new book A Special Mother is Born: 

Parents Share How God Called Them to the Extraordinary Vocation of Parenting a Special Needs Child. 

You can also get your name in for a free drawing of this book, by submitting a request to amongwomenpodcast@me.com, or leaving a note on the Facebook page for the Among Women Podcast.

Leticia is also the founder of K.I.D.S. (Keep Infants with Downs Syndrome), and we look at some of the misunderstandings surrounding Downs Syndrome, and the pro-life cause in light of this year's March for Life on Jan. 23 in Washington, DC.

Listen to the podcast or subscribe to it here.

Among Women Podcast #120 News of a Baby at Christmas

Among Women 120 is one part Christmas story, one part love story, and one part a single adoption story shared by two families.

Download this week's episode and listen to Pat recite O. Henry's famous story, The Gift of the Magi. Plus, listen in to a remarkable conversation between two women who've experienced an "open" adoption, whereby both the birth mother and the adoptive mother not only knew each other from the early days of the child's life, but have become very good friends in the process! It's an amazing story of courage, openness, intergenerational understanding, and love --with a few Christmas "God-incidences" thrown in for good measure!

Don't miss this extra-long, jammed-packed edition of Among Women. And find out how you might win an Among Women coffee mug!

Get involved in SQPN's giving program, and don't miss the SQPN Marathon on Dec. 27th from 9am-9pm. Join Pat at 12 noon EST for the Angelus and the recitation of the Scriptural Rosary. Plus talk and giveaways too! (Find it through the SQPN live show site.)

UPDATE: The SQPN Marathon, originally slated for Dec 27th has been postponed. Stay tuned! We'll announce the new date here when we know it!.

image credit

Among Women ReadHER 12.10.11 Advent, Gadget Craziness, Love, Babies, Charlie Brown & more

Among Women ReadHER 

12.10.11

Advent - Waiting, Hoping, Dreaming, Believing
By Dione Grillo at CatholicMom.com
Chuck full of good stuff. It's never too late to embrace Advent in the home with your family.


O Come Let Us Adore Him
By +Archbishop Timothy Dolan of NY from his blog
Do NOT miss this. Then share it.

Resisting the Electronic Christmas Craze
By Mary Beth Hicks at Family Events
Excellent family gift-buying advice.


"Such Love is Seldom Seen": Mother Mary Walsh OP (1850- 1922)
By Dr Pat McNamara at Patheos
Dr Pat is a great church historian and he retrieves a great story about a woman who heroically lived the beatitudes in the tenements of New York, and brought gifts to children who were forgotten by Santa, and so much more.


Wedding Dresses and Women, or How Women Dream of Prince Charming but Wake Up in "The Hang Over"
By Pia de Solenni from her blog of the same name
As a moral theologian Dr. Pia has some razor-sharp commentary on this, and I was quite taken with the insights of the wedding dress designer mentioned in this post.


Genetic Warrior: Leticia Velasquez and the New Diversity
By Lisa Mladinich at her column at Patheos
Leticia Velasquez is a smart and sassy leader in the pro-life movement, with expertise in the special needs arena. Leticia has been my guest, talking about her life with Christina, her daughter diagnosed with Downs Syndrome, on AW 30.

"A Man for All Seasons" and the Call to Fanaticism
By Joseph Susanka at Patheos
One of my all-time favorite films, and Joseph gives me more reasons to re-view it.


The Gospel According to Peanuts: How A Charlie Brown Christmas Almost Didn't Happen
By Lee Habib at National Review Online
Interesting history behind-the-scenes of the making of this family classic, especially in light of the media's hostility toward Christianity today.

Ah. So That's Where Babies Comes From
Posted by Patrick Madrid at PatrickMadrid.com
Cute and fun video short involving one woman's pregnancy. Rated G.


Because Natural Law is Catholic
By Frank Weathers at Why I Am a Catholic
Big topic covered deftly and with good resources; worth the read.


Catholic University's Same-Sex Dorms Foster Friendship, Respect
By John Garvey, CUA President, at the Washington Post
I have heard John Garvey speak several times and am very impressed with the direction he is taking here. FWIW, out freshman has no problem with the same-sex dorms, and indeed, welcomes them.


SQPN Announces 4 New Affiliates
By Steve Nelson, Exec. Director at SQPN
Catholic podcasting continues to grow. Check out the 4 latest affiliates at SQPN! There might be something that catches your ear! Don't forget, SQPN's annual giving campaign is in full swing, and we need cheerful givers! 



This TED talk has been making the rounds... very encouraging mathematician describing the reaches of technology that visually takes us to the body's interior from conception to birth. (10 minutes long)

Among Women ReadHER 11. 12. 11... war on women, grateful tweets, internet's influence & more

Among Women ReadHer

11.12.11

What I Am Never Going to Tell You
By Elizabeth Foss at her blog, In the Heart of my Home.
This is such an important post by a very wise mother, Elizabeth Foss: even "great" parenting does not guarantee that our children will live lives that reflect our faith and values. (My two cents: Loving children despite their free will is the toughest job parents face... Witness the forgiving father in the parable of the Prodigal Son. Some may one day return to a Christian walk, and some may not.)

The Real War on Women
By Kathryn Jean Lopez
No nonsense, straight talk. Lopez never preaches. Just states it very plainly.


The Personhood Initiative: Mississippi Voters Fail A Reality Check
By Phil Lawler on CatholicCulture.org
We need more discussion on the subject of personhood as a path to promoting the culture of life.


All That We Behold is Full of Blessing -- Wm. Wordsworth
By Maria Johnson
I've been a #gratefultweeter, following the lead of folks like Maria and @MattSwaim... I recommend #gratefultweeting... it can be a form of evangelism, offering a smile rather than a frown to twitter news feeds. There's another take on this, here.


Parents: Beware the Dangers of Peer Orientation
By Jennifer Fulwiler
This subject really resonates with me. As a former youth minister (in the years before my children came) it became very clear to me that parents needed to be the molders and shapers of conscience and perspective, and it their absence, other voices would fill the vacuum. (I write a little bit on the shaping of conscience in a child, this week at Catholic Mom.)


Virtually Pleasuring Ourselves Out of Existence
By Betty Duffy at Patheos
Very astute and challenging about the power of the internet's addictive pull. 


Fr Robert Barron discusses the new translation of the Roman Missal... (under 15 minutes.)

Mississippi & Alabama: Important Movie about an Abortion Survivor in limited release this weekend.

Official movie trailer for October Baby...



Here, Gianna Jessen, an abortion survivor and a well known public speaker shares about her experience with the movie...



The film makers describe the story behind the movie. Check it out....

Among Women ReadHER 10.1.11... prayer help, joy, CNMC and more!!

Among Women ReadHer

10.1.11

Feast of St Therese of Lisieux

I'm in Kansas City! Watch/follow the Catholic New Media Conference (CNMC), going on today on SQPN (look for a live u-stream feed) and follow along on twitter at #cnmc11.

Pray for me, I'm presenting after lunch!

Where is Your Joy?
--Heather King at Shirt of Flame
This is the same Heather King who recently shared about her love of St Therese of Lisieux, whose feast day we celebrate. Hear that AW podcast here.  And no, this post does not mention St. Therese at all, but it is the kind I think she would have delighted in.  

Watch the Human Heart Beating @ 5 Weeks Gestation

--The web team at LiveAction.com

Totally fascinating short video.


Within the Clutch
--Elizabeth Scalia, at First Things
Despite being in the opposite dugout as a Red Sox fan, I appreciate the way Elizabeth spins a yarn of how the blessings of baseball keep us sane when chaos strikes our life and we hope for better outcomes.


When Good Teachers Make Bad Judgments
--Rebecca Teti at Faith and Family Live
A great discussion going on in the post and combox regarding a tawdry book assigned by a high school teacher, and what a parent might or might choose to do about it. There are many levels to this discussion. Worth a read.


A Catechist's Story, Part 1, Stage Fright
--Lisa Mladinich at Patheos
Speaking of teachers, I bet some of you might teach religious education in some shape or form. This is a good article, but what I really love is Lisa's description of Mary's "rescue" of her by sending women of influence to touch her life. You can hear Lisa's 'reversion' story back on AW 43.


Improving Your Prayer
--Sr. Laus Gloriae, OCD at Catholic Education Resource
A good one! Straight talk, helpful guidance.

Among Women ReadHer... 9.3.11

Among Women ReadHer

9.3.11

Explosive New Book Details War on Unborn Baby Girls

--Catholic New Agency

Sad, but true. And we must keep talking about this.


NO Easy Surrenders
--Rebecca Teti at Faith and Family Live
An important look at risks to the first amendment that would seriously impact conscience clauses for Catholics. Please check out all the links. And you may want to write to your Congressperson using this easy link provided by the US Catholic Bishops. Pass this around! Send YOUR opinion to Congress.


Discernment: How Can I Learn God's Will for Me?
--Peter Kreeft, PhD
Kreeft never misses. He truly is a gift to the Church. Of course, go read it!


Feminists Don't Respect Women, the Catholic Church Does
--Jennifer Fulwiler, from her blog at National Catholic Register
Jennifer get to the point and quick. Here, here!

Semper Fidelis
--Dr. Gerard Nadal from Coming Home
About staying faithful in marriage til the end. And about the power of a woman's love in the life of a man.


Friendship and the Artist
-Barbara Nicolosi, over at Patheos
For all the creatives out there, and the ups and downs it brings to friendship. And for all the friends of creatives who stood by and cheered another's giftedness and nudged them toward sharing that their gift. 


The Woman Behind the Icon
--Carolyn Moynihan at Mercator. net
A send-up to Steve Jobs' mother. 


All the Bad Parents Out There, Raise Your Hand
--Mary Beth Hicks, at CatholicMom.com
More Hicks wisdom!


"Game Time" a family movie - Tonight!






One more...Great "summary" video from World Youth Day....

Among Women ReadHer... 7.30.11: Sexy NFP, Prayer and Stress, Saint Therese, Internet Kiddos

Among Women ReadHer

7.30.11

NFP: Making Catholic Sex Sexy

--Ashley E. McGuire at AltCatholicah

H/T to The Anchoress, Elizabeth Scalia for this find. I'm a supporter and a user of NFP... using a symto-thermal method for much of my marriage, but switching to Billings method (BOM) when I hit mid-life. So far, so good. Okay, if this NFP topic is of interest to you, there's more conversation going on with Danielle Bean and with Rachel Balducci over at Faith and Family Live. Finally, you can hear previous episodes of AW on the subject:  AW 42 on the Creighton Model, and AW 46 on the Billings Method.


Seeing Through the Eyes of God: Therese [of Lisieux]
--Heather King at Shirt of Flame
Heather has a way of honestly listening to the heart, and actually sharing what she hears. Her book on St. Therese is coming out soon.


Technology Creates New Risks for Kids, Families
--Mary Beth Hicks at Family Events 
Parents: Stay informed. Now we gotta learn Google +! You may also want to read this one on how kids fool their parents about their online "life". (BTW, Hick's newsletter is worth subscribing to --very solid in the topics & info posted for families.) 


Stress: a Pathway to Prayer?
--Kathy Coffey, with a new column over at Patheos
Some excellent applications to daily life. (I'm not a fan of the yoga reference only cuz so many folks confuse it for a religious/spirituality practice -- or in place of it.) But the experience of deep breathing and using the other "techniques" for prayer are recommended by Kathy and by me. 


Cord Blood and God's Grandeur
--Simcha Fisher at National Catholic Register
I've been a proponent of this, being a cancer-survivor. The technology was not around when I gave birth, but I'm glad to see more women investigating this. Here's a list of places to donate cord blood.

Among Women ReadHer... 7.23.11

Among Women ReadHer

7.23.11

Four Tips for Starting Your Day Right

-- Jennifer Fulwiler at Conversion Diary

Includes counsel from one of my favorite saints, St Francis de Sales. (Plus I'm amazed that this dear woman in the throes of a post-partem fog can even construct coherent sentences! Yay, Jen!) 

Surgery for the Unborn Baby with Spina Bifida 

--Leticia Velasquez, at Cause of Our Joy

Leticia references an article about this procedure, plus news about pre-natal research regarding unborn children with Downs Syndrome.


Prayer in the Midst of Distractions
--Susan Bailey
Susan shares a simple technique that God is teaching her in prayer.


Things I've Learned from Doubt
--Karen Edmisten over at Faith and Family Live
Always love Karen's encouraging, honest voice that comes through everything she writes.


Bishops Oppose Mandatory Contraception and Sterilization Coverage
- Catholic News Agency
Let your voice be heard.


NCR's exclusive interview with Archbishop Chaput on the occasion of his reassignment to Philly
--John L. Allen, Jr.
Long, but read to the end. It's not just comprehensive about church politics and culture, it's Marian.

Among Women ReadHer...6.4.11

Among Women ReadHer

6.4.11

Breathing the Same Air -- Hallie Lord

Yup. Among Women welcomed Hallie Lord back on Episode 84 where we discussed fashion and modesty, and as we anticipate summer, she's got a swimsuit post up at her blog.

When a Child's Love Comes Slowly -- Heidi Hess Saxton

The shaping of an adoptive Mom's heart. Important counsel.


The Fight for Life in Minnesota -- Margaret Bern
Pictures show ordinary folks on the front lines.

The Real World of Motherhood -- Tony Rossi
An interview with Rachel Campos Duffy.


Surprised by Love -- Tim Muldoon
A tribute to marriage, especially friendship in marriage.


If you missed the The Today Show's Vatican visit this week, here are a few videos:
A Day in the life of Pope Benedict and a conversation with Archbishop Timothy Dolan about low church attendance, the John Jay study that focused on the church sex scandal causes and effects. There are more videos on the subject in the sidebar at that website.

Catholic Sisters and the American Civil War - Pat McNamara
Catholic history that comes alive!

And now a story of a remarkable young women...

Wow. Congrats and so much more.


And now a story of another remarkable woman...

HT: Creative Minority Report

The scars that my fingers have had to trace... (God is using them somehow to pour in his grace.)

Fifteen years ago today I found a lump in my breast. I've written about the cancer experience a number of times.  I am still here by the Grace of God, as a poster-child for BCE (breast self-exam) and as one of the happy statistics, thanks to early, aggressive intervention.

I've got scars. If you lined them up end to end they could be measured in a few feet, not inches.

The paradox of scars is that they not only mark injury, they also signal repair and healing. What was once open and threatening to the body is now closed and healed over. No, it's not the same as it once was, and we may have to grieve that, but like gray hairs and wrinkles, scars are unavoidable in life.

The thing I've learned about scars -- be they physical or psychological -- they reveal the very places where God wishes to pour his grace into our lives. He knows those scars are usually where we hurt the most. And the areas of our life that need a healing touch. Scars can be points of access whereby, if we let  him, the Lord can reach in and do his best work in us.

Scars have particular meaning for Jesus. For by his wounds we are healed... (Is. 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24.)  I think it is rather profound that when Jesus was raised from the dead, his scars remained intact on his glorified body, and he actually shows them to the apostles, as if they had any doubt that it was really him. The Risen Lord reveals the scarring seemingly unashamed. And he invites our own doubts to touch him right there. As if to remind us that we can live with the scars... for they are not the end of us. Divine Mercy has seen to that.

I've been given a new life in Christ since that ominous day in 1996. I am truly grateful for his tender mercies.

I'm posting the lyrics to a little birthday/anniversary song that I sing to myself every year, (and that I have sung with other "survivors") that was written in the first year after my recovery. It always reminds me of my sufferings being held close by the Divine Mercy --whose feast day we've just celebrated.

                  "One Year Later"

Happy Birthday... welcome to your new life.

No longer a sickly mom, or an ailing wife...

Now I'm in another place and time.

There's a smile on my face as I taste the New Wine.

I am lifted up, held close by the hands of Mercy divine.

Scapel cut away at my disease, but can never make me truly free.

The only Cure for me is what I believe in.

But the fear really takes its toll...

The kind that rolls around and rocks your soul,

Makes me question all the things that make me whole.

Happy Birthday! Welcome to your new life!

No more a hospital bed for that young man's wife.

Now I'm in another place and time.

There's a smile on my face as I taste the New Wine.

I am lifted up, held close by the hands of Mercy divine.

On this side of Grace, I have more Hope in things not seen

Than any dose of medicine that they can pump in me.

The scars that my fingers have had to trace --

God is using them somehow to pour in His Grace.

My suffering has given way to seeking His Face.

      I have many sisters who suffer this same fate...

      Many have passed on, and some who still wait...

      But for me, I'm given

                                       one

                                             more

                                                     day...

     I'm watching my children play.

     I'm smelling the flowers I planted for May.

     Happy Birthday!

Now I'm in another place and time.

There's a smile on my face as I drink in New Wine.

I am lifted up, held close by the hands of Mercy Divine.

©1997 Patricia W. Gohn

(I buy myself flowers very often, if not every week if something in the yard is not flowering. It's a life-giving exercise, a reminder to bloom. Plus I thought that would be a nicer picture to post, rather than something related to cancer.)

The Tide is Turning - Pass this one on! (College students: Check this out!)

HT: Patrick Madrid

This makes me think... RIP Dr Bernard Nathanson

I know every facet of abortion. I was one of its accoucheurs: I helped nurture the creature in its infancy by feeding it great draughts of blood and money; I guided it through its adolescence as it grew fecklessly out of control….

I am one of those who helped usher in this barbaric age. I worked hard to make abortion legal, affordable, and available on demand.  In 1968, I was one of the three founders of the National Abortion Rights Action League. I ran the largest abortion clinic in the United States, and as its director I oversaw tens of thousands of abortions. I have performed thousands myself….

Abortion is now a monster so unimaginably gargantuan that even to think of stuffing it back into its cage is ludicrous beyond words. Yet that is our charge - a herculean endeavor.

---Dr. Bernard Nathanson, The Hand of God: A Journey from Death to Life

Dr. Nathanson would later undergo an enormous change of heart and change of direction in his life, and become one of the foremost American pro-life spokeperson. A synopsis of his pro-life advocacy is here.

Dr. Nathanson also became a Catholic in 1996. He is being laid to rest today at a funeral Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York. Archbishop Timothy Dolan will preside, and he posts his thoughts about it here.

UPDATE: The Archdiocese of New York has posted a pdf file of the homily for Dr. Nathanson, given by Fr Gerald Murray, here. 

Note to the Young: Thank you for your witness to life!

I am a mother of three young adults. 

I have long believed that the most important pro-life work I could do is to raise a family for God. I'm no saint or parenting expert, but together with their father, we have striven for years to lovingly and persistently remind these three that being their Mom and Dad was one of the greatest things that ever happened to us. And that's why we pursued their conscience formation... to teach them to choose good over evil, life over death, to trust that grace and mercy wins over sin and death. 

We ordered our lives around Love of God and Love of Neighbor, creating a context for their lives to flourish in. We were pro-life every time we reminded them of their dignity...

That there is a plan for your life that is for your good, and the good of others... 

That people always come first before things... 

That truth, beauty, and goodness should always be pursued for they lead to the One who is Truth, Beauty and Goodness... 

That with freedom comes responsibilities...  

That we should not scorn the struggles in our lives, for suffering in any form, when it is joined to Christ, can have redemptive value...

And that forgiveness is a restart button for every mistake and foible, large and small, so that we can start again. 

Finally we felt it was a mandate that God gave us as parents -- to teach that life is a sacred gift, and that one spends a lifetime giving thanks for it in a myriad of ways. 

I know other parents have done the same, often in the face of an uphill battle against the moral relativism that is ever-present in our culture. 

And now we are looking over our shoulder at the generation we've raised... and their strength that is at hand to raise the conscience of a nation...

For now they must choose for themselves, and they are choosing wisely...

Their voices and their actions affirm that life is sacred; they have a profound sense of celebrating survivorship, knowing that a large segment of their generation suffered death through abortion. Their message rings loud and clear: do not grow weary, don't stop believing, do not give in to the lies. We are alive! Alive to the truth, goodness and beauty that is Life!

These are the new witnesses to life. And many of them are going to be great parents one day...

Just look at some of the fine company they keep....

Pro-Life Month- Part 4 of 4: Resources

For women with an unplanned pregnancy:

BirthRight

The Nurturing Network

In Northeastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire: Pregnancy Care Centers

For Post-Abortive women:

Rachel's Vineyard -- for retreats, Q&A, counseling, and more...

Silent No More -- post-abortive women who regret their choices take their message to the world.

For voters:

Oct 27: Priests for Life webcast about the coming election: Tonight at 9pm EST!

National Right to Life Political Action Committee 

Comprehensive information on respect life issues:

Priests for Life

Human Life International

One woman's perspective:

This is a talk and some articles given by former-atheist-now-Catholic Jennifer Fulwiler of Conversion Diary.

One woman's perspective, take 2:

This is Lila Rose's discussion of the work of Live Action, her org that, among other things, exposes Planned Parenthood's tactics in subterfuge.

image credit 

Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem delivers 50,000 baby! Meet 8-day old Aisha...

In a follow-up to what was reported earlier, Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem, (yes, the Bethlehem where Jesus was born), has delivered its 50,000 baby.  Yes, I'm a bit behind in posting about this, but happy to have little Aisha's picture to post.