Showing posts with label culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label culture. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
In Their Own Words
Moments after I published the last post on the new abortion clinic in Columbus, I came across this graphic. And some still defend the moral foundation of Planned Parenthood...
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Test of Fire
I'm not a big fan of election summers. They're typically an endless barrage of political ads, mudslinging and media personalities bickering about the latest gaffe or mishap. I decided months ago who I was going to vote for (and his name rhymes with "pit" in case you were wondering), so all the chatter is meaningless to me.
Once in a while, however, a really good ad or discussion of substance will come up. The video below is one of those. Admittedly, I have mostly kept to myself about this election - preferring to focus on the daily duties of my family, job, etc. This video made me reflect, that not only is it our civic duty to cast our vote, but we also have a moral responsibility to vote and help others vote the right way. I think all Catholics should see this video and spend some time reflecting on.
Our choices have lasting and far-reaching consequences. This election is no exception. Think about it, and make it count!
Once in a while, however, a really good ad or discussion of substance will come up. The video below is one of those. Admittedly, I have mostly kept to myself about this election - preferring to focus on the daily duties of my family, job, etc. This video made me reflect, that not only is it our civic duty to cast our vote, but we also have a moral responsibility to vote and help others vote the right way. I think all Catholics should see this video and spend some time reflecting on.
Our choices have lasting and far-reaching consequences. This election is no exception. Think about it, and make it count!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
The New Scar on My Soul
I end up reading a lot of articles. Some of them I like, most are just information that I process and move on. A few really grab me and leave a lasting impact. A handful have made me shed a tear. That is the case of the article below penned by an anonymous author about his abortion experience.
Abortion is one of the most tragic and traumatic events a person can endure. Throughout the 2 years I had the pleasure of working at Bethesda Post-Abortion Healing Ministry, I came to see in a new and profound way the scars that these men and women carry with them. Women are more likely to come forward for healing, but that doesn't mean the man involved is not grieving and deeply pained.
This story of a father and the tragic decision he and his wife made to abort two of their children is heart-rending and eye-opening. With two little boys of my own that I shudder to even think of losing, my heart goes out to this dad who will only see his children in heaven.
Let his testimony be a motivation to continue praying for all pre-born children and their safety, as well as the grieving parents who wish they could have their children back.
The New Scar on My Soul
My
soul carries a new scar. The pain is fresh and keen, and I know that
while time might see the pain fade, I will never fully recover from what
I've seen, and done. For I have failed, intentionally and knowingly,
in the first duty of a parent: protecting the lives of two of my
children.
My wife and I wanted children; alas, we needed IVF treatment to realize this dream. Several cycles and multiple embryo implantations later, we welcomed our blessing from G-d, who is the light of our lives.
Recently, we tried for another.
"It never rains, but it pours," said the fertility doctor -- of the three embryos that were implanted, all three took. We were faced with the news of triplets. I was shocked, knowing the burden that would entail, but since G-d gave us three, I was prepared to do whatever I needed to do to help, manage, and provide.
My wife? Something snapped. She insisted that we do a "selective reduction" from three to one, or else she would have a full abortion. She was adamant. She would not carry three. She would not carry two.
I was presented with a Coventry-esque decision: save one, or save none. I chose the former, though I tried on several occasions to convince her to at least keep twins. I failed.
We were told, point-blank, by the doctor who would do the procedure that they would inject potassium chloride into the placenta to stop the hearts. We were told, point-blank, that it was painless. Even then, I knew I was being lied to, but given the choice presented, I agreed anyway. My mantra became "Save one, or save none."
My wife and I wanted children; alas, we needed IVF treatment to realize this dream. Several cycles and multiple embryo implantations later, we welcomed our blessing from G-d, who is the light of our lives.
Recently, we tried for another.
"It never rains, but it pours," said the fertility doctor -- of the three embryos that were implanted, all three took. We were faced with the news of triplets. I was shocked, knowing the burden that would entail, but since G-d gave us three, I was prepared to do whatever I needed to do to help, manage, and provide.
My wife? Something snapped. She insisted that we do a "selective reduction" from three to one, or else she would have a full abortion. She was adamant. She would not carry three. She would not carry two.
I was presented with a Coventry-esque decision: save one, or save none. I chose the former, though I tried on several occasions to convince her to at least keep twins. I failed.
We were told, point-blank, by the doctor who would do the procedure that they would inject potassium chloride into the placenta to stop the hearts. We were told, point-blank, that it was painless. Even then, I knew I was being lied to, but given the choice presented, I agreed anyway. My mantra became "Save one, or save none."
Read more: http://www.americanthinker.com/2012/03/the_new_scar_on_my_soul.html#ixzz1uWrWPy7P
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The Disturbing Truth of Abortion
The horror and tragedy of abortion has never really been a secret, but sometimes we catch glimpses of the motivation of those who inflict this suffering on vulnerable girls and women. The clip below is an upcoming documentary that tells that story and gives and inside look at the multi-billion dollar industry abortion has become. This movie is intense and contains some graphic pictures related to abortion, so be forewarned.
After having experienced the pregnancy and birth of my son, Killian, all these issues hit home much more than ever before. More than ever, we must double our efforts in defense of the unborn and in outreach to those who have been harmed by the lie of abortion providers.
After having experienced the pregnancy and birth of my son, Killian, all these issues hit home much more than ever before. More than ever, we must double our efforts in defense of the unborn and in outreach to those who have been harmed by the lie of abortion providers.
Monday, March 8, 2010
"And the Word was made flesh; and dwelt among us."
A few years ago in college seminary, one of my classmates introduced me to the song "I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe. I'm not a big fan of "praise and worship" music, but this song in particular helped me to appreciate more deeply one of the most stunning, yet often overlooked, realities of our lives as Catholics: Jesus Christ is truly present in the Eucharist.
This song is a reflection on what it will be like to enter the heavenly presence of God after a life of serving him here on this earth. The awe, the excitement, the humble gratitude for Christ's redemptive sacrifice on the cross, the overflowing joy...What a glorious day that will be.
But the lyrics should lead us to reflect on what our sentiments are every time we come before Our Lord in the Eucharist. Though veiled behind the species of Bread and Wine, Jesus Christ is truly present there before with all of his Divinity, just as in Heaven. Are we flooded with wonderment, reverence, love, joy, excitement? We don't really have to wonder what it will be like to enter the presence of God at the end of our lives, because we have that experience every time we come before him in the Tabernacle. This period of Lent can be a great time to grow closer of Our Lord in the Scripture and in the Eucharist. He's has given us the chance to experience here on earth what it is to enter his presence.
The real questions before is whether that encounter with Him after our death will be one of long-time friend whom we saw often, or rather that of a long-lost acquaintance we hardly knew. Let's get to know him now.
Go visit him and see for yourself what it will be like to come before your Lord...
This song is a reflection on what it will be like to enter the heavenly presence of God after a life of serving him here on this earth. The awe, the excitement, the humble gratitude for Christ's redemptive sacrifice on the cross, the overflowing joy...What a glorious day that will be.
But the lyrics should lead us to reflect on what our sentiments are every time we come before Our Lord in the Eucharist. Though veiled behind the species of Bread and Wine, Jesus Christ is truly present there before with all of his Divinity, just as in Heaven. Are we flooded with wonderment, reverence, love, joy, excitement? We don't really have to wonder what it will be like to enter the presence of God at the end of our lives, because we have that experience every time we come before him in the Tabernacle. This period of Lent can be a great time to grow closer of Our Lord in the Scripture and in the Eucharist. He's has given us the chance to experience here on earth what it is to enter his presence.
The real questions before is whether that encounter with Him after our death will be one of long-time friend whom we saw often, or rather that of a long-lost acquaintance we hardly knew. Let's get to know him now.
Go visit him and see for yourself what it will be like to come before your Lord...
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