Priority

As defined by the Encarta World English Dictionary:

pri·or·i·ty [ prī áwrətee ]

1.     greatest importance: the state of having most importance or urgency

2.     somebody or something important: somebody or something that is ranked highly in terms of importance or urgency

3.     right of precedence: the right to be ranked above other

Now that we have an understanding of the word by definition... how would this word apply in someone's everyday life?

Americans live and breathe "priorities." But, have we ever really stopped to think about what measuring stick we're using to prioritize? I have recently undergone a lot of changes in my life, which have resulted in a great deal of re-thinking and re-organizing my priorities. I have to be honest, the way in which my priorities are listed are quite different than they might have appeared a year ago.

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells a parable of a rich man. This parable essentially discusses priorities. How we behave in this life does in fact have an impact on our next life. Where is God placed in the scheme of things?In the past several months that I have gone through so many transitions, it has sometimes been difficult for me to put God first. It's funny how the times you need Him most are the times you fail to seek Him. It has taken a decent amount of time, but I have finallly discovered some methods to avoid doing so. In order for me to put God first, I have to invite Him into my life more. He is a true Gentleman... He will not "intrude" without an invitation.

So, I began setting aside daily times to pray. It seems so simple, but in all actuality - it was difficult for me to do. Reason being, I had always "tried" to fit in times here and there and never really had a set time to pray. For my kind of personality, I need structure if I am going to remember to do something daily. Once I set this time aside and it became regular... it's amazing how much God has made a difference already. When I simply let Him into my life, things changed very quickly. I became happier. At times (when I first moved into my apartment) I felt lonely. Once I began daily prayer, the loneliness disappeared; this happened not only because God filled the void... but because He brought some wonderful people into my life.

As soon as I made God my first priority, everything else fell into place. My life is still busy and hectic, but it makes more sense and doesn't feel empty. Moving to a new place, starting a new job and leaving everything you know 600 miles behind you is a hefty task. I had no idea what I was initially getting myself into... but God did. He knew I would need Him. He knew what I could handle and carried me through the roughest times. I never want to feel as low as I did when I was first faced with all of these big life changes. I want to be armed with God behind me every step of the way. As I said, God is a Gentleman. So, He will always be there... you just have to invite Him to come closer and you will discover His abounding grace.

Beauty and Romance

The title above may lead you to think along different lines than those I will be highlighting. I aim not to deceive you, but will discuss those that do have such intent.

I must first be honest; I have always been one of those girls that loves a good chick flick. I appreciate other films as well, but sometimes it's nice to have that "feel-good" romantic movie. It is something that I'm sure many women would also say is a statement of fact for them as well.

I recently engaged in a discussion about this very topic... and it (without my knowing) changed my perspective. I just watched the new release "Letters to Juliet." It is a very typical chick flick. (**SPOILER ALERT**) I put that alert just to be kind; however, it's kind of difficult to ruin a chick flick these days. When anyone sits down to watch one, the outcome is generally understood... which, 9 times out of 10 is why they are watched in the first place. This movie was about a girl who is engaged, goes on a "pre-honeymoon" (something of which I had never been aware of its existence...) to Barcelona wither her fiancé. The two of them end up spending barely any time together, realizing they are not meant to be together and the girl ends up finding the "love of her life" while helping another to do the same.

Now, to the deception... The conversation I referenced above was one, with a certain perspective, of high controversy. In the conversation, an analogy was made between romance novels/chick flicks and pornography. This was not a perfect analogy by any means, but certainly one worth taking the time to consider. Pornography is an attack on the dignity of the human person. One of my favorite quotes (which I, of course, fail to remember at the moment...) discusses how pornography doesn't show too much, but shows too little. The "too little" is obviously not referencing the physical. The beauty of the human person can be shown in a non-sexual way. Pornography emphasizes the sexual and takes away the humanity of the individual. The analogy took (just for this purpose) pornography as being a temptation for men... and compared it to romance novels/chick flicks to be a similar temptation for women. This analogy breaks down when you remember that pornography is evil at its root... whereas romance novels/chick flicks are not. However, both distort and misguide the beauty of the human person. Pornography does it in the way I have just described; romance novels/chick flicks do it in a different and, dare I say, an even more deceptive manner. These stories latch on to the female emotions and place desires and things to be desired in her mind. Women are always longing for that “prince charming” who is perfect in every way. These stories give women the criterion with which they can “measure up” their significant other. Sorry guys, but, the man is bound to fail.

What the women (and those who produce the films/stories) may or may not realize is that these desires for the perfect “one” is completely normal and legitimate. Don’t worry, I didn’t just contradict myself. This “One” is Jesus Christ Himself. While men and women both desire to be with Christ at their core… women do it in a very unique way. Because, as it says in the Ephesians 5, men are called to love their wives as Christ loved the Church… and women are called to be subordinate to their husbands – as the Church is to Christ. This is a hefty task for both parties. At the same time, the woman must realize that her husband is not perfect. He can strive to be Christ-like, but cannot attain perfection. These films may not portray men as perfect, but they teach women to desire perfection and accept nothing less. This is dangerous. This causes women to create a “laundry list” of sorts for that perfect one. This list takes away the humanity of the individual just as pornography does. Once again, this is on a different level, but has some comparable factors.

Now, any time I watch romantic films/chick flicks, I really try to keep this in mind. This is not to deter women from ever watching these again. However, it is critical that you keep yourself at a safe emotional distance. Remember, you can always find happiness… but, happiness is not for “ever after”… it is something that you must work for and realize that only true happiness comes with God’s grace. I’ve heard many times from happily married couples that they must *choose* to love each other every day. The desire may not always be present, especially at the most difficult times! I hope this has given you something to seriously consider.

A Journalist's Perspective on Sarah Palin

I have to be honest. Before this evening, I (along with much of the American population) was completely misguided into not thinking much of Sarah Palin's abilities. I am now 100% ashamed about that fact. Granted, I'm not so sure she should be the one to fill the GOP ticket for the 2012 presidential election -- but that is undoubtedly for other reasons than her "lack of ability." She is a powerful speaker. She is real, passionate and is way beyond the terrible label the media give her.

Sarah is dignified. She has a bold presence that is impossible to ignore. I had the pleasure of shaking her hand, along with about 10 others, out of the 1500 that were present for the Vitae fund raiser tonight. As a journalist, I fail to understand how one could still feel like a true journalist after tearing a woman like this apart. If any of these so-called "journalists" were actually present when she spoke to a crowd, and were honest about her impact -- we would never see the kind of coverage she has been given. I went to this event with a bias... and not one in her favor. I left with my eyes opened and I now see her for how she should be seen. I have gained so much respect for her after tonight's event. I greatly admire this woman who stands so strong when so many stand against her.

Her speech tonight was invigorating. She spoke about a number of things relating to the pro-life cause. She was real. I could tell that it wasn't a "show" to gain support. We were all there for one reason -- to join together as pro-lifers and inspire each other to do more in the movement. She did her part and shared with us all that she had been through with the challenges God has placed in her life. She talked about her daughter's struggle and how Bristol has used her personal difficulties to help others. Unlike how the media want to pummel Bristol, saying she is a hypocrite... Bristol is using her experiences to tell others how difficult it is and wants them to learn from her as an example of what could happen. Sarah mentioned her struggle with finding out her son had down's syndrome and truly "walking the walk" of accepting what God has put before her and standing strong. She talked about how she knows God doesn't give people more than they can handle and through faith -- she could face any challenge. She talked of what a joy her son is and how she knew as soon as she held him in her arms that she was ready.

I admire Sarah for being so honest about the experiences and challenges that have been placed on her family. Contrary to what the media tell the world, these challenges do not make her weak -- they make her (and her family) a solid example for how to pull through and trust in God. Whether it was Bristol's unplanned pregnancy or her son's diagnosis -- the Palin family stood together and supported each other. I feel blessed to have been at the Vitae event tonight. Not only did I meet some great people, but I learned what the media have covered up for so long -- the beauty and passion of Sarah Palin.

Sunday Reflections

I've been trying my best to be a little bit more reflective and analytical of what has happened in my life lately. I have had a massive swirl of changes that all occurred within a very short span of time. In all reality, I have been abundantly blessed. I need to learn more of how to appreciate that fact.

I'm realizing that every challenge that has been thrown in my direction has been an opportunity. When I recount my experience of first moving to where I am now... I am astounded at how God guided me through that journey. The first challenge was the incredibly long drive. I was fortunate to remember that two good friends live approximately halfway through the 10 hour drive. So, my sister and I stayed at their place and had a wonderful time catching up and spending some time with them. Many good things came from that decision. Then, once my sister and I got to my new apartment, I was given an opportunity to embrace patience with the staff of the complex... and perseverance in dealing with the humid 106 degree temperatures and the flight of stairs that stood between my 2 carloads of stuff and my new home. The challenges that immediately followed included time constraints, gate changes for my flight and a severe lack of sleep.

Even though it was a very time-pressed weekend moving in, I appreciate how God eased me into my new life. After that weekend, I spent a week of training in DC and met lots of great people. It gave me the mental and inspirational support I needed. Once the week was over, I was exhausted... but in a way that made me realize what was to come. It was only the beginning! I got back to my region and jumped in head-first. Started going off to schools, making meetings and appointments and working as hard as I could. My first week was not as productive as I had hoped. However, I was able to reflect, look at the mistakes I made along the way and work to improve.

The next challenges that came were a bit more unexpected. Dealing with a bit of loneliness and frustrations with those who disagreed with the work I do has been difficult. Fortunately I am slowly meeting people, found a great young adults' group and a small discussion group to attend. All the people are great and it's so good to be back sharing the faith with others. It is so important to have fellowship to help keep you on track and feel like you're not alone in this journey. I know the challenge of loneliness will fade with time, but I just need to get over the obstacle now and press on. Facing the opposition is a whole different story. It's necessary to learn strength and not let attacks touch you at such a personal level. That is one aspect I don't believe I prepared myself for very well. It will take some learning and strategy, but I know it can be overcome.

All in all, things are good... I just need to take these challenges and use them as opportunities like I previously stated. The only direction I can move is forward, the past is behind me and I only see better things lying ahead. For, "if the what you did yesterday still looks big to you, you haven't done much today."