"Dancing In Church?" (Messages From The Pulpit)

Isaiah 40:31
 "They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength , they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."
   The other day at Mass the priest told us a story of what happened when he was a kid at Mass. His mother was in the choir and being a little boy often found church boring. As a kid sitting still during church often seems impossible. The child's mother found a solution. Mom sent her son to hang out with his grandmother. Grandma was very animated during the worship portion of The Mass. She would move with the music in The Holy Spirit. It seems grandmas energy was contagious. During a song based on the quote from Isaiah 40:31 the boy who would become a priest made gestures of being able to soar with the eagles.
     So what's the point? While many churches tend to be a bit subdued when it comes to dancing. And that's OK.
     My point is that when we go to church we should get carried away in the Spirit in which worship was attended. It's meant to be a time when the music of the celebration of the anticipation of receiving Jesus in the Eucharist. It builds up our spirits to hear The Word of God through the scriptures and what the priest or pastor has to say.
    When you think about it waiting to receive communion sounds like the opening line of Isaiah 40:31. They who wait for the Lord shall  renew their strength.
     This reminds me of another scripture that says, "I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me."
    Spending time with God makes us stronger. For greater is he who is in me than who is in the world. For God has overcome the world.
     When God is our source of strength we can overcome any temptation or evil that may come our way. Through the Lord we can soar above our aches and pains and all that makes us weary.
     We find true strength when our walk is with The Lord.      

"The Good and Bad of The Basement"

  Recently I went to Mass in my churches basement which doubles as a church museum. We'd been holding it there this summer not only due to the fact that it's cooler down there but weekday attendance is a bit low.
   On that particular day on of my fellow parishioners who hasn't been to Mass very often gave his reason why.
    He doesn't like to attend Mass in the basement even if it doubles as a museum. His arguments made sense.
    He said that the main chapel upstairs was far more beautiful. With the stained glass, beautiful artwork, stations of The Cross, statues of the patron saints, the Crucifix, and the tabernacle which holds the host of the Eucharist.
     To be honest I don't blame him. Having something beautiful to look at while pondering the things of God and his kingdom can be nice.
     Certainly change can be hard. Whether it's moving from a beautiful chapel to a basement or moving from one city to another things change.
     New city means new neighbors. Now think of this, Moving from a large beautiful chapel to a small basement chapel can be similar.
     While upstairs the few people that attend are spread out quite a bit. Downstairs the setting is more intimate.
     I know that our pastor likes to see us as a close knit community in front of him while we celebrate Mass.
   I see his point. As a lector and someone who once saw myself desiring the role of Pastor/ Priest I know I would prefer to see more people at Mass.
     Just before Mass began I prayed for my fellow Christian. I prayed that God would ease his soul and help him to see the bigger picture.
     Some people would be lucky to have the option to worship in the first place. But there is a far more obvious piece when it comes to going to a place of worship. The most important part of worship is the one we are going to celebrate. For Christians that person is Jesus Christ.
     It's true that God is everywhere. No matter if you worship in a grand basilica, a basement, or in the privacy of your own home God is there.
    It also shouldn't matter if you are worshiping with hundreds, a dozen, or in solitude God is there. He appreciates out honest attention. He honors our prayers. And his presence can be felt if we just quiet ourselves an await his glorious arrival into our hearts and souls.        

"Zombies: A Satanic Obsession"

It's almost Halloween.
The TV is full of ads about where to get the best Halloween costumes.
One commercial has a baby dressed as a devil at the end.
Why?
I know people who have had miscarriages as well as stillborn babies.
I know how it sickens everyone that had to deal with these loses.
People claim there is no such place as hell. Is that why it's OK to dress a baby (who had no choice in the matter) as a demon?
Is that why Satan has become so popular?
If there is no hell then why bother creating it all around us?
Now let me get to zombies.
Zombies are what happens when evil takes over a dead body. The body now reanimated hunt the living in order to eat their brains.
Again why?
Why do we have charity events where people dress as the living dead?
Have you ever lost a pet? Did you cry?
Have you ever lost someone you lost dearly? Do you still cry? Do you still grieve?
Would you like to see your grandmother come back from the grave only to kill your family and friends?
Some people bring up Communion that takes place within the Christian church. They like to mention that the Eucharist is supposed to be The Body and Blood of Jesus who rose from the grave.
So lets mention it.
The sacrifice of Jesus upon the cross was a way of atonement for our sins.
His resurrection is proof that God has the ultimate power of death.
The Body of Christ is a symbol of eternal life. The Blood of Christ is what cleanses us from sin.
Cleanses us from sin.
It brings us back to God and our sins are forgotten.
It's the opposite of hell. It conquers death. It destroys the power of Satan. So much as we stop giving power to Satan by glorifying him with our entertainment.
Most people don't want to go to hell. Although there are those who are misguided who think that hell isn't so bad. Some think that hell is just one big keg party and orgy. Not true.
If hell is so great then why did Jesus and his disciples drive demons out of people?
And then when people were free of demons they were healed.
Being free of everything that Satan has to offer brings healing. When that happens you'll no longer wish to watch zombie movies.
The Lord warns us to depart from this wicked generation.
So won't you join me by doing so?
Please don't dress your babies like ghosts and goblins. Don't let your kids parade as flesh eating monsters. Especially if you are followers of Christ. It's not harmless. It's not funny. It shouldn't be entertaining.
In all things let us glorify God who created all things. That same Holy Spirit can rest within us.
       

"From Triumphant Entry to Innocent Martyr..."From Stranger to Best Friend"

During most of Jesus' life his message was met with confusion and opposition.
But through the many miracles that Jesus performed many people began to follow him.
The people which included his disciples, thought he was to be a miraculous new leader of the Jewish people.
On Palm Sunday the people of Israel lined the streets with palm branches at the height of popularity. Jesus was the man.
Then come Friday most of his disciples besides John had fled. The people had turned against him. They had been insulting him, spitting on him, and throwing stones.
Possibly the very stones in which Jesus said, "He who is without sin cast the first stone." They were hurling rocks at the only in human history that lived without sin though he had know temptation.
So the people perhaps were afraid that he would as many times before, would reveal their sins. So why not let him hang for their crimes.
And so they did. They watched as he was nailed to the Roman torture device which doubled as an execution device. Jesus was nailed to a cross.
Even while Jesus suffered for all our sins the people they mocked him while wearing his royal crown, which was made of thorns.
"You can heal everyone so why not come down from your cross? Show yourself."
When he died he indeed showed himself.
He showed himself again when he rose from the dead.
He showed death and hell who was in charge.
Now for many of us Jesus is a stranger.
You may know of Jesus but you don't know him personally.
Maybe you wear a cross but don't know the person it represents. Maybe you don't know the power of the one who died upon the cross.
Maybe you aren't aware that Jesus wants you.
As a disciple.
He wants you as someone like John who was an ever faithful companion.
Maybe Jesus wants to forgive you for once boldly proclaiming The Kingdom of God but you have turned from him.
As it was with Peter who denied knowing Jesus. He hasn't forgotten you.
Let The Holy Spirit rekindle renew the flame that was sparked when you first knew him and his healing touch.
Maybe you're like Paul who has been an enemy of God.
Jesus calls us all to allow him to be your best friend.

"Just What I Needed. Just What You Needed" (Messages From The Pulpit)

I had been in a funk as of late. I thought that perhaps I had exaggerated just how much talent I have as a writer.
To be honest it wasn't a funk. It was nearly full blown depression.
I had missed going to Mass for quite a while.
Then I went today.
God spoke directly to me through the words of The Gospel and the wisdom of the priest.
The Gospel passage spoke about hiding the light that God has given us to shine in what is often a very dark world.
I was convinced that my creative light had been snuffed out.
Not true.
I simply refused to acknowledge that the enemy of our souls was on the prowl seeking to devour me.
Listening to the words of the father of lies brought me low.
I was reminded today that depression can lead to regression.
I could mean moving back to a state where my soul was lost.
Today The Lord reached out to me and assured me that he has not lied to me nor has he taken gifts away.
I have a light to share.
I can not hide in the dark. For everywhere I go The Lord follows.
The Lord is faithful and just to finish the good work he has begun in me. To finish what he started in all of his children.

"Two Minute Drill" (Messages From The Pulpit)

In the world of American Football the last two minuets of the game is commonly referred to as the "two minuet drill."
This drill also acts as a free timeout.
This drill is especially important in games that are close or tied.
The time out is a small period when the coach gathers his team and hashes out the final strategy.
The coach may point out weaknesses of the opposition as well as the strengths of the team he's "in charge" of. What's working and what is not.
Many people are facing their very own two minuet drill. They may be laying on their death bed. They may be contemplating what and whom they are leaving behind.
More importantly they are likely trying to find courage when it comes to who and what lies ahead of them the moment they take their last breath.
Will there be angels, saints, and God? Or does Hell await?
The Bible tells us to be prepared for we know not the hour that your life will be demanded from you.
 There is a saying, "Live every moment as if it's your last." And so we should.
How would you spend your last day?
Would you go skydiving?
Would you have one last party and drink yourself into oblivion?
Would you seek one last sexual encounter (perhaps with a high price prostitute) that will indulge in your greatest sexual fantasy?
Maybe gather with family and/or friends for one last get together?
Or would you quietly prepare yourself to meet your maker? To ask for the peace that passes all understanding?
If so would you look back at your life and regret not spending more time with your creator?
I recently read an article from The Good News (a Christian magazine) that asked the question, (which was based on a true story) if you only had a short time to rescue your most prized possessions from your home which items would you grab?
Many would grab photos and keepsakes that remind them of their loved ones and cherished memories.
Some say they would grab their Bible.
But the writer of the article who had an experience of terrorism in which he grabbed his passport and plane ticket.
The writer went on to say that no matter what you chose to take with you, your character and soul would not be destroyed.
What do your prized possessions say about the condition of your soul?
If you were to rescue your Bible what would you do to show God just how priceless His word is to you?      

"A Royal Priesthood"

     For Christians Jesus is The Ultimate Priest. He is also the Lord of Lords and The King of Kings.
       So when The Bible speaks of the followers of Christ as being a royal priesthood what does that mean for us?
      We have been given authority by our king. Christ has set his seal upon us.
      Since his kingdom has no boarders we are on a mission of bringing the world into The Kingdom of Heaven. For every knee shall bow and every tongue confesses that Christ is Lord. From every tribe tongue and nation.
       We are to (through the love of God) bring freedom to the captives. Whether people are imprisoned physical or spiritual shackles. For whom the son sets free is free indeed.
     Jesus gave us power over the kingdom of darkness that covers the earth. It is in the name of Jesus (which is the name above all names) we can cast out demons.
     Through HIS power we can heal the sick.
      In his name we can raise the dead. This might be those who feel spiritually dead. Spiritual death is the worst kind of death. But for those of us who are the light of the world we can reach into the place where those who seem dead exist and show them the way out of the pit. For he who is within us is greater than he who is in the world.
     We have the God given ability to cleanse the lepers, the untouchables. We are to reach out the outcast. We are to reach out to the one who sits alone in the cafeteria. We can approach the person sitting in the back corner of the churches we go to.
      It means bringing a meal, a warm coat, and through charity bring the message of the our creator. The message of Christ to the lost and wounded souls we encounter daily. To bring hope to those who no longer know what hope means anymore.
      Our vocation includes praying for the nations. Praying for those who are in power and those who labor under the power of world leaders.
      We can pray for those whom the media casts as idols. A prayer who in many ways are also untouchable.
    

"The Cost of Free Movie Tickets"

     A few days ago I was given two free movie tickets. I planned on using them as part of a date night.
There was one major problem though.
      The movie was all about smuggling drugs and one of the characters was a stripper. The main characters were supposed to be posing as a family. The movie is supposed to be a comedy.
      My fiance and I are both Christians. We've both known people who have lost their lives in one way or another whether they died or are now dealing with the spiritual damage done by years of drug use.
      I'm soon coming up on 5 years without a drop to drink and not one single intake of my drug of choice which was Marijuana.
     So we could not condone seeing a movie that makes light of smuggling drugs simply to make an insane amount of money.
     For us there is nothing funny about drugs even what some people call a "harmless" drug such as pot.
     We have made a vow to ourselves and each other not to get involved in drinking or any other drugs.We made the very same vow to God. After all we will answer for our lives someday. I thank The Lord that my sins are forgiven.
    Forgiveness isn't a one time deal. It is not to be taken lightly.
     Though God is faithful to was away our sins and toss them into the sea of forgetfulness the point of repentance is turning our backs on our sins. Saying sorry must mean something. We must make a conscience effort to turn from those sins forever.
    You wouldn't want someone to say sorry for stealing money from your dresser and then continue to do it.
   Another part of this tale is the fact that my fiance and I agreed not to give those movie tickets away to anyone else.
     For me that would be the same as helping someone pay for a six pack of beer when they may be a little short.
    The cost of doing so would be something that would grieve The Spirit.
Freedom isn't free. Jesus gave his life for us. He died to set us free. And whom The Son sets free is free indeed.

“Faith Healer”

 Jesus once told someone who needed healing “Go, your faith has healed you.”

Many people have trouble believing that faith alone can bring healing.

Some people beg God for healing and never see the fruit of their prayers.

I've been there. I know the feeling.

But sometimes while God is working in mysterious ways someone else who is going through a terrible trial refuses to give up.

You may see an individual who is dying from cancer give great talks about how God has blessed them despite their ordeal.

I have often been inspired by people “less fortunate” than me.

We can also take a cue from The Beatitudes. “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of God.” (Matthew 5:3)

Biblical commentary suggests that “poor in spirit” doesn't necessarily mean those who are depressed. Some say that the poor who are in the spirit rely on God for everything. Therefore “those less fortunate” have the Kingdom of God to supply all their needs.

Of course not having possessions or losing “everything” perhaps after a natural disaster can bring despair. But people somehow find strength to carry on.

Human beings are oddly resilient.

We face the most dire situations and so often keep the faith and fight the good fight.

Why is that?

Most people believe in some form of God or higher power. Most people believe that after this life we will be united with God and our loved ones.

It may be hard but not blaming God for our troubles is sound advice. Even when we face trouble from “acts of God.”

The Book of Job is a tale of great woe. In it Job says, “Are we not to expect troubles from God?” Yes God is in charge and yes he does allow troubles to fall on the just and unjust alike.

God doesn't bring us into the desert just to abandon us.

So have faith. Your faith can heal you.

"Where Have You Been?"

The Bible has many scriptures about going into the House of The Lord together. Also included is going together with joy.

What happens when we don't go to church?

We miss out on so much.

We miss out on hearing the word of God. Many inspired messages are heard when we listen to what is being preached from the pulpit.

We miss the spiritual blessing of taking communion. The Body and Blood of Christ sustain us. We know that no one can live on bread alone. No amount of money can buy everything that Jesus provides.

We are spiritually nourished when we partake of the sacrifice of our Savior. The saving grace of God is present in the Eucharist.

When we are baptized we are spiritually made one with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. All of us who are baptized (no matter what denomination we belong to) with the same elements and are forever grafted into the body of Christ which is the church.

That brings me to one other thing we miss when we skip church.

We miss meaningful contact with fellow believers as well as those being saved. I can personally attest

to this.

When I see someone that I consider a friend attend church services I light up.

When they're not their I am momentarily crestfallen.

What's more is that I am saddened and concerned when someone who has been struggling with the faith goes missing even after just one service.

Why? Because those who are genuine in their faith and devotion it's a reminder that I do not stand alone.

Iron sharpens iron. We have a powerful enemy who stalks the earth seeking whom he may devour. The devil comes to kill, steal, and destroy. The devil is a stalking lion. And as with lions in the wilderness a predator will go after the weakest of prey.

If you are beat down, weak, tired, and alone you will be torn to pieces by the enemy of your soul.

So if you have found a home church by all means don't stay away.

We're a family. We are all children of God. We are all called to stretch the healing hand of Jesus to the whole world.         

"Refuse to Abuse The Good News"

     I think we've all seen messages in which people say that God hates gays. Does anything strike you as odd when you see such a statement? It should.
     Some Christians point out scripture (from The Bible) that condemns homosexuality. Some of these people use such scriptures as a way to protest gay rights. Some of these people use those words to create hate speech.
     Such people are quite short sighted. The Bible has far more scriptures about God's love and his calling all of us to repentance. God continually spared his rebellious children. Even at the cost of his son Jesus Christ.
     God didn't bring Jesus into the world to condemn it but instead that through his son we might be saved. Jesus came to teach about love. About loving our neighbors as ourselves and as Jesus has loved us to the very laying down of his life.
     There are many sins that people commit. But God chooses to forgive all who come to him with a humble and contrite heart.
     God genuinely forgives genuine repentance.      
 I'm straight. I have and had friends that are gay. I'm 100% sure that God loves them.
     God is love and in him there is no darkness.
    I pointed out that some Christians use The Bible to back up their ideas about hate.
       Like most people of faith spreading fear and hate in the name of God is just plain sick.
         Let me also point out that in my heart Christians such as myself Refuse to Abuse the Good News.
     Will you join me?

"We Have Been Called Out Of Darkness" (Messages From The Pulpit)

     As a person who identifies with the teachings of the Christian church I've come to believe that we must eventually make a decision to acknowledge that we are imperfect creatures. That we all fall into sin. That we all fall short of The Glory of God.
     When this happens we are come boldly before God and confess our sins. Some confess in the privacy of our homes and as with Catholics whom confess in our hearts as well as go to confession in which a penitent person offers themselves to a priest who listens to the confession and offers a penance (such as reflecting upon the sin and envisioning Jesus coming to us and accepting our heartfelt apology) and finally assuring the penitent solace and assurance of forgiveness.
     What ever the case may be God throws our wrongs into the sea of forgetfulness.
     Everyone who does so has come to a point in their lives that they realize that they are heeding the call into the perfect light of God.
      This is one way of God's correction. When one of us sees the light we become a light to those around us who are still in darkness.
     You see God has made the best of the fall of mankind. Our freedom becomes a ripple effect. Christ didn't come to condemn the world he came that through him we may be set free.
     We can identify with others whom have shared similar worlds of darkness, sin, and corruption. And it's with such common bonds that we can relate with others and offer ourselves as an example of how God has pulled us out of quicksand that threatens to swallow us whole.
      The church chose to celebrate the birth of our Savior on December 25th. You see December 25th is when the days grow brighter.
      We are confirmed in Christ in the sacrament of baptism as we symbolically die to our sins, our old lives are buried and are raised from death and into eternal life.
      Our conversion doesn't end when we make our vows before God at the time of our baptism. With our sins ever before us we must daily take up our cross and walk toward the light of the risen Christ.
     When we see fellow Christians falling under the cloak of darkness we should lend a helping hand.
     No longer the blind leading the blind. We are the forgiven leading the forgiven.  

"You Look Different" (Messages From The Pulpit)

     There's a passage in The Gospel According to Luke that tells of Peter and John going down to a nearby town when a man came upon them. This man heard about some huge news. Peter and John were surprised that this man hadn't heard about their great leader who had been crucified, buried, and then raised from the dead. Basically they asked the stranger, 'Have you been hiding under a rock?'
     This stranger began to tell of scriptures that pointed to Jesus being the Son of God, The Savior of all who believe in him. Peter and John were impressed by this strangers knowledge of the scripture.
     Peter and John invited this stranger to eat with them. The man broke bread, and offered up a prayer. It was then that Peter and John realized that this stranger was their beloved friend. This man was the resurrected Jesus Christ.
     Some people may ask how could you spend three years with The Son of God and not know him when you see him?
     Let me put it to you like this. Sometimes we have a friend that may get a makeover. Perhaps a new haircut, new clothing, or maybe they lose weight. Sometimes even with a new haircut we might not recognize our good friend.
     Now imagine your best friend being whipped, beaten, starved, crowned with thorns, and then nailed to a cross and eventually buried.
     Being so distraught that your friend who had promised to lead the people to a great victory over the kingdoms of the world only to be put to death.
     You may not recognize that friend. Then your friend says a prayer and breaks bread with you. Hopefully your eyes would sparkle with love and joy at being reunited with your friend who was wise, gentle, and performed miracles.
     Have you lost sight of The Son of God? Are you filled with doubt? Perhaps you don't understand why your prayers haven't been answered. Maybe you're confused as to why the wicked prosper.
     Maybe you have neglected the breaking of bread with fellow believers. Has bitterness driven you from attending church services?
     Coming together with the family of believers can change lives. Communion is the breaking of bread with your brothers and sisters. It's a coming together of a community.
     For Christians it's a special feast in which Jesus is the guest of honor. We are bound in one baptism and one mission. We are the messengers of God. We are united with one Spirit.
   Come let us break bread together and eat the bread of life and drink the water of the eternal spring.  

"It's My Treat" (Messages From The Pulpit)

     When we are told to treat others as we wish to be treated people somehow fall short of what I believe is the full extent of "the golden rule."
       Obviously avoiding doing evil is important. The golden rule has some of us "just being nice." Again that is a great goal but what if we took it farther?
      How is it that we want people to treat us? With respect. With kindness. With sincerity. With courtesy.
    These are great steps in the right direction.
       Are you selfless in your actions?
    Willing to go the extra mile for someone in need?
      Do we share the gospel? Or to put it another way do we share the good news?
       The nightly news if often filled with bad news. But what can we do to bring good news into our community?
      Here in Western New York one of our news channels celebrates kids making a difference in our city and suburbs. For example organizing a fund raiser to help those less fortunate. There was a story where people got together to help an autistic child get a special van so that he could get out of the house with his family. Something most of us take for granted.
     It wasn't done to get glory.
     God forbid a similar situation should befall any of us. But if it did wouldn't it be nice if perfect strangers gathered together to remedy such woes? Yes of course it would.
    We're not meant to just avoid evil. We are meant to be the light of the world.
     We need to bear one another's burdens.
      To treat others to the bounty of the blessings that God has given us. If you think about it God has given us more than we may be aware of. Take some time. Count your blessings.
    Then do unto others as God has done for you.
         

Jesus didn't have Facebook.

     The popularity of Jesus was not aided by technology. He didn't tweet where he was going to be. He didn't make announcements via Facebook. The buzz about Jesus spread by word of mouth.
      People were seeking contact with a miracle worker. Everywhere he went people were healed, set free of evil spirits, and he even raised the dead.
     People heard him speak the word of God and were mesmerized. Many people followed after him which included his mother Mary, the 12 Disciples, and others that found his charisma irresistible.
     People found Jesus because they were seeking God. They needed healing. Their bodies, souls, and minds were in desperate need of a divine touch. Healing that ancient remedies couldn't heal.
     It was the word of the testimony of those touched by Jesus the caught the imaginations of those who sat in the path of The Great Physician.
     Now in 2013 we do have technology. You can type anything into a search engine and you'll get an overwhelming response. Some results will have nothing to do with what you are searching for.
     People may wind up looking for God in all the wrong places.
      That is why we are told to test the spirits. To come against anything that sets itself up against the word of God.
     Ask and you shall receive.
      Remember just because someone says they're representing God doesn't mean that they are.
     When people pray there are many reasons. Overall people are seeking the assistance from God.
     God doesn't want to lead us astray. God wants to draw us closer to his loving grace and healing that comes from being in his presence.
       The Bible gives examples of being able to see a glow on the faces of those whom have been in the company of God.
     So whether people hear about God via the internet, house of worship,or maybe those who are earnestly seeking God will be able to see the light of God shining on your face.
     Then your words and actions will lead people to the God of the universe.
        The work of Christ will continue.      

"Not on the Sabbath You Don't" (Messages From The Pulpit)

     Jesus was always test the boundaries between what his Father in Heaven was saying and what The Law said. In a sense Jesus lived outside the law.
     Healing on The Sabbath (unless in a life or death situation) was forbidden and yet Jesus openly healed those in need any time they needed him.
     In these modern times some people (Christian or not) will openly refuse to help or even show love to people they deem to be sinners. For some praying at a distance (if conversion is rejected) is close enough.
     There are people such as lepers that have been seen as untouchable. This term is used in the caste system that refer to the lowest of the low.
     Here in The United States exclusions sometimes take different shapes. For example refusing service to
African American's before, during, and after the civil rights movement was quite common especially in the segregated south.
     Muslims have been kicked off of planes simply for "looking Muslim and/or sounding Muslim."
     In some communities Gay and or Lesbian couples were asked to leave churches because they might corrupt the youth.
     Some people will pray that a person does things their way." Join my church or depart from me." Become a doctor or you are no longer part of the family. After all it's tradition.
     God designed all of to be unique and to take his image. Excluding someone is excluding God.
       People in need don't care where the aid comes from. The food pantry may take place in the basement of a Catholic Church or in the gym of a nearby high school. Needs are being met.
     People are meant to be social creatures. No man stands alone. Man doesn't live on bread alone.
       You will never know if you need a blood transfusion came from the blood of a gay man. Sometimes social conventions go against many things that we are taught in our hallowed halls and places of worship.
     Having faith in the unseen doesn't make sense to people who think that if it can't be proven then it must not be true.
     If one of the greatest teachers that ever lived stepped outside the box when he was here on earth in order to heal then maybe we can really follow in the footsteps of true greatness.
      Greatness that doesn't boast and isn't flashy. Healing through humility. Love beyond judgment.
    The world is hurting. It needs you. It needs peace. It needs healing.

Gun Control and Other Causes of Division

     Recent tragedies involving gun violence has caused a great rift about the rights of gun ownership and The 2nd Amendment.
     This isn't the first nor will it be the last issue of contention of public policy and laws in The United States.
     A nation divided against itself will surely fall.
     Just how united is this country? We continue to fight over gun rights, abortion, health care, gay rights, legalization of marijuana etc.
     How far are people willing to go to prove a point or stand for cause? Protest and violence that happens during the course of a protest. What are we saying when some of our citizens feel that killing an abortion doctor is a form of justice? How do we react when such actions are supposed to be the will of God?
     Thankfully the majority of the population agree that violence is never OK.
     Violence in the name of God just pushes people away from the source of love and peace.
     Hate and Kill are both 4 letter words but so is Love. The greatest of these is Love.
     Let's no longer use our tongues and actions for violence. So often pain leads to thoughts of revenge.
Revenge can manifest in violence. Violence against others or violence against self in the act of suicide.
     Even with all the violence that happens in our country it is still seen as a superpower.
      Maybe our "superpower" can be manifest as forgiveness, healing, unity, and love.