Finding the Words

I have been mulling over the many recent events, trying to figure out what to say. I am baffled at how the world has come out to attack the Catholic Church. Though, when I think about it more, how can I really be surprised?

The Church has unwaveringly stood solid on the foundation of her teachings. Now, things like this HHS mandate are coming at her, and she does not back down. Eyes are beginning to open and see how strong she really is, even under tremendous pressure.

I have never been anything but Catholic my whole life. So, it is sometimes difficult for me to see where others are coming from when looking at these types of situations. I feel blessed to have my own "life reference book" -- otherwise known as the Catchechism of the Catholic Church. If I have any question about my faith, some answer can be found... and I don't stop there. I do not recommend living your life blindly accepting what is presented before you. I do my research to understand WHY my Church teaches what it does. The more I investigate, the more sense it makes. I used to be a "Catholic lite" where I would only look at the surface and only accept what I understood without finding any reason to search deeper for Truth.

Now, we are amidst quite possibly one of the most important election years to date. So many things are happening and I'm finding that we are being robbed of our freedoms... ever so slowly. The more government that steps in, the less say we have as citizens.

I have to say, I really am not a fan of politics. I get annoyed with all the fake politicians and people who are in it for the wrong reasons. But, when my freedoms are being threatened, I'll suck it up and do something about it. I am not going to mention any names right now, but I do wish to ask that if you are reading this... PLEASE think about what it would mean to vote for whomever you are giving your vote. Would that person impose more government or less? What would America look like after years of his or her policies?

We need more people who are willing to REALLY research candidates and not just accept what the media tell us. I think it is very important for everyone to vote. However, whatever you do, don't take my word for it - do your own research and really think about the impact you are making with your vote.

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.

Freedom

Ronald Reagan is one of my favorite presidents. He speaks an excellent point on the topic of freedom:

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free."

As does the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI:

"True freedom blossoms when we turn away from the burden of sin, which clouds our perceptions and weakens our resolve, and find the source of our ultimate happiness in him who is infinite love, infinite freedom, infinite life."

It seems that much of our nation has forgotten what it means to have what we call freedom. Freedom is more than the ability to "do whatever you want." It is the ability to exercise the capacity to freely choose good. The Holy Father could not have spoken truer words. Sin is binding. The devil uses sin to cloud our minds and negatively influence our decisions.

You are never truly free until you detach yourself from the burden of sin. Think about it. If you think you are free but are unable to say no, is that freedom? This extends far beyond just sin. Are we free in America? Will it soon be illegal to not have healthcare? Is it illegal to take out student loans with anyone but the government?

Our freedom in America is slowly dying. I plan to help stop that from continuing. I love my country and on the day of its birth, I pledge to do whatever I can to preserve what this country was built on. I pledge to bring back the constitution and the principles our founding fathers believed in.

AND

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

And furthermore, I would like to share with you the end of the Declaration of Independence -- the document that was signed by 56 people 234 years ago:

"We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."

We should all take the time to read over the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States on this day of our country's birth. We need to be reminded of what the flag stands for, what so many people have fought to defend and for what so many lives have been lost.

On this day, I am happy to live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. I am PROUD to be an AMERICAN.

Discoveries

As I have taken more steps towards (what I feel) is my true purpose in life, I have discovered a great deal. I have learned on a deeper level what it takes to truly stand for something. Even as little as 3 weeks ago, I may not have found certain things in the political arena to be of high importance. However, now that I am fully living out my faith and beliefs- I have gained a greater understanding of what it means to do so. It is certainly not easy, but completely worth it.

Something else I have come to realize is quite scary. I have become aware of just how much the sacredness of God and the Holy Catholic Church have come under full attack. Never before has it been even remotely possible for such an extreme amount of blasphemes to be said in public. There are books, movies, TV shows, radio broadcasts, newspaper articles.... just about any form of public communication has partaken in some form of attack. Not all have been obvious or incredibly harmful. But, every attack makes way for another. One example that was brought to my attention is a new show coming out on Comedy Central. I don't know a lot about it, but from what I'm told-- it depicts Jesus as someone who is trying to break away from his "powerful but apathetic" father and winds up "finding himself" in New York. I really think that there is a difference between a good joke and an all-out mockery. I can laugh at jokes about my religion, but this show is way over the line.

Along the same lines of "blaspheming"-- I have come upon many organizations that pretend to be something they aren't. They try to represent something that is clearly-defined on its own... while making their own revisions. No matter what idea, religion or organization we are talking about, this is deception. If you don't understand something, go to the original source and discover its truth. For EXAMPLE... if you're going to run a "Catholic" organization, you better be ready to refer to the Bible, the Catechism and the hierarchy of the church for reference. I will admit that many people who run these organizations could be severely misguided under no fault of their own. As Catholics, it is our responsibility to show others the Truth. I know I am by nature a seeker of Truth. I think all humans have that natural inclination. Otherwise, we would all be completely disordered.

Lastly, my final thought for today-- logic and reason could save you and others from a lot of aggravation. I have been asked why I am Catholic. My constant reply will always be along the lines of this: I can find nothing more logically sound and filled with reason. Every question I have can be directed through prayer, logical reasoning and reference. If there is anything I have discovered about the Catholic faith, it's that if you are seeking Truth, you will find it in the Catholic Church. I do not mean this as an attack on those who are not Catholic-- I am only stating why I believe what I do. As my life goes through countless changes, I know that the only change within my faith will be an increase in strength.

It's not over

After the initial shock of the passage of the healthcare bill, I tried to think logically and reasonably. Yes, I was still unbelievably upset and disappointed... however, what good does it do to merely be upset- that only makes it seem that nothing can be done.

Something CAN be done. Does anyone know what happens in November 2010? Yep, all the congressmen who voted in favor of this bill better be ready to face the consequences of their actions. The majority of the American people did NOT support this bill being passed. What is the job of our *REPRESENTATIVES* in Congress??? To *REPRESENT* the American majority. It seems to me, that is failing to happen.

Secondly, this bill is not set to go into effect until 2013. What does this mean? The next presidential election is also pivotal. The bill could likely be overturned if Republicans take back the House and a solid candidate is elected president. This could be a long shot... but, if the American people truly read up on what is actually in the bill- there could be more of a revolt than expected.

I would love the chance to understand what is going through the heads of political leaders. What happened to the America I know and love? What happened to a country built on freedoms of LIFE, LIBERTY and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS?? There are a few things that I carry around with me on a daily basis- among those things is a pocket Constitution and Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration of Independence states: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

I wrote something on this a while ago and it seems to definitely apply now:

Unalienable rights? What does this mean? This simply means that these rights cannot be given OR taken away. They are simply regarded as rights that any and every human being is endowed... not by man, no... but by their Creator. In many cases this means God. This is not necessarily to bring about a discussion of whether or not God exists - but to explain that every human being has these rights, whether or not they are stated by another. Now, to explain further, there is a difference between having these rights and having a "right to" these rights. A man who chooses to murder another, for example, has given up his rights to liberty. He chose to inflict on another person's right to life, therefore he shall be put in jail. Choices we make in life will certainly have an effect on what rights you will have a "right to have." As I have said in the past... not all freedoms are awarded to those who bear ignorance. If you do something stupid, there will be a consequence.

The referenced original post I previously wrote can be found here: http://lavidadesheri.blogspot.com/2009/06/epiphany.html ... or here: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=95966911244

I mention this because of the misguided reasoning of those endorsing nationalized healthcare. Will this help some people? Yes. Will it accomplish what it is SAID to accomplish? Most likely, NO. The government will be taking OUR tax dollars to pay for something that will minimally cover a great number of people and inflict on ALL of these aforementioned UNALIENABLE RIGHTS. This bill will also restrict care to those who are truly in need. All you need to do is reference countries who already have nationalized healthcare- are they better off? NO. Canada and England are two good examples. Life expectancy for people who have life-threatening disorders, diseases or conditions is DRAMATICALLY less than it has been in America. There are so many problems with this bill and I don't think I could even begin to describe them here... and I haven't even mentioned the problem that I fight for every day of my life- defending the life of the unborn. I am outraged and ready to take action. Whatever it takes, I will fight for the America that I know and love. I will fight for the right of every human being to have LIFE from conception to natural death, LIBERTY to live in a country of the free, and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS- so long as it does not impede another's God-given right to the same. I stand for what this country was built on and will NOT back down.

I will leave you with the words of Ronald Reagan:

"There are no easy answers' but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right."