Concerning: The March For Life

 Every January, A nation will rise. A common cause will unite us. We will descend upon the capital of the United States to fight for the Right to Life for every child, born - and unborn. 650,000 or more people from around the world will peacefully protest the slaughter of the already-outdated number of 56,662,169 children since the passing of Roe Vs. Wade, the law that declared that abortion was legal in the United States- 41 long and painful years ago. 

Why. Why go trekking across the country to join a crowd to protest something that has been around for more than 40 years?

Listen to the words of this unlikely source. This is why we will march: 

"They had their entire lives ahead of them - birthdays, graduations, weddings, kids of their own. This is our first task: caring for our children. If we don't get that right, we don't get anything right. That's how, as a society, we will be judged. And by that measure can we honestly say that we are doing enough to keep our children - all of them - safe from harm? I've been reflecting on this the last few days, and if we're honest with ourselves, the answer is no. These tragedies must end. We will be told that the causes of such violence are complex, and that is true. But that can't be an excuse for inaction. If there is even one step we can take to save another child, then surely we have an obligation to try. Are we really prepared to say that we're powerless in the face of carnage? That the politics are too hard? Are we prepared to say that such violence visited on our children year after year after year is somehow the price of our freedom?"  ~ President Barack Obama

Because babies. 

We will march. 

We will march because we believe that every child has the same chance at life that we have. Each baby is blessed with a soul, an independent biological life of their own, and their own destiny from God from the very moment of their conception. It is not not for a law to declare who gets to live, and who is convenient, and who needs to be removed. Enough is enough. There is no "choice" when it comes to murder.

"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." ~The Declaration of Independence

We will march in the cold, wind, and snow, because it is the least we can do. When you think of what the poor innocent children have to go through - being ripped apart with sharp instruments inside of their mother, being burnt alive, etc. - jumping around in snowy, 15-degree weather does not seem so bad. We can offer up our numbness and unite it with the sufferings of the aborted babies, in prayer for the conversion of all those who are pro-abortion, and the repeal of Roe V Wade.

We will march because it is a universal prayer. There are no riots, there are no demonstrations of vandalism; more often than not, you see those gathered under a specific banner praying a prayer of their respective religion. The March for Life is not a Catholic event. It is not even a strictly religious event. Granted: there are innumerable religious organizations represented throughout the entire event, (for example: Lutherans for Life, Byzantines for Life, Atheists for Life) and it may have been founded by a Roman Catholic convert, but Life is not strictly a religious concern. It is a human one. All of humanity should be concerned about each other, and if their children are being murdered, that we all have a responsibility to do something about it, as our President so aptly put it. Jesus prayed that "They all might be one...", and for this brief day in January, all of humanity is one. United under a common cause, we all address our respective gods, or whatever else we do or do not believe in, asking for an end to the war on Life.

We will march to support the parents who have lost a child through abortion, and may feel alone. "Abortion is a traumatic event, something no one ever wants and so many deeply regret. There’s an ache in the hearts of men and women who have been through it, because they know that they have become parents – without having their babies." Rachel Allen, Lifeteen Blogger

We will march in thanksgiving for our own lives. 

We will march to remind our leaders that the voiceless have a voice. 

We will march full of love. Full of hope. Full of vigor. Full of spirit. Full of peace. Full of enthusiasm. Full of Adrenaline. Full of caffeine. Full of life.

We will march. 

<3 (From Catholic Memes)

Lewis/Tolkien Blog Party!

And now, for something a bit different!

My dear friends Aspirer and Peregrin invited me to a blog party, in which we discuss some of our favorite authors, the great J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis! Now, bearing in mind that I've only read the Middle Earth trilogy once (and that happened to be while I was 12) and I'm only half-way through Narnia, I'm probably going to be basing most of my opinions on the movies, and what my dad has told me from his immense Tolkien knowledge. 

And so! Without further ado...

Favorite character from Lord of the Rings?

Ain't he just flawless?

Legolas. Because he's simply fabulous. 

And because I can relate to him in a way I can't with any other character, particularly in his relationship with Gimli. He's prejudiced against all dwarves in the beginning of the tale, but by the end he had grown very fond of him (he even lived with him after the quest, for gosh sakes) I think that I'm very like that. There's some people that I just can't like when I first meet them, yet over time I've learned not to judge a book by its cover and not be so quick to hate people. 

Favorite character from Narnia?

Goodness. How can I pick? Can I have 2? Because its really a tie between Eustace Clarence Scrubb (because I also relate to his tale of brat-gone-right) and Susan, because she's completely tough and smart and sensible and beautiful...basically everything I want to be when I grow up. 

Favorite scene from Lord of the Rings?

The final stand between the Gondorian army and the forces of Mordor when Sam and Frodo are trying to sneak up to Mount Doom...because it's just so heart-wrenching. I mean...*sigh* Aragorn & co are hopelessly outnumbered, they've already faced so much, and they're basically only a distraction. They're pretty much doomed to fail. AND YET. Frodo and Sam the Awesome finally destroy the ring and GOOD TRIUMPHS OVER EVERY BAD THING *throws confetti everywhere* And besides, who can forget that finally call to fight from the very heart of Aragorn.... <3

*cries like Lucy*

Favorite scene from Narnia?

When Aslan wakes all the Narnians from their White Witch-induced coma-of-sorts. I just love the idea that God (Aslan) isn't controlled by the rules of evil, and not even death itself is beyond his reign. 

Which one did you read first? Is one especially “ingrained” in your memories of childhood as something iconic? 

I read the Lord of the Rings trilogy first, but...that's kind of an...embarrassing memory. *cringe* When I read it, I had the hugest crush on Legolas, so I read it mostly for him. Read it all in a month. But I did love it. I'm dying to read them again, but I don't...have...much time, in the near future *sigh*

Which soundtrack do you enjoy more?

Lord of the Rings. 

Because Howard Shore. 

He does a beautiful, flawless, stirring, absolutely perfect job in capturing the very essence of the Tolkien-ness of the movies, and I don't' think anyone else could have done a better job. 

Favorite quote from each?

Because it's true <3

I don't actually have a favorite quote from the Narnia books...but I do have one from the movies...

"...Try me."

What do you think about the movie versions of them?  Pros and cons, final judgment?

As I've said, I can't really make a legit and informed judgement  on the LOTR movies, so I think I'll just say that I love them. And as far as I can tell, they aren't as...scandalously far from the book as...the recent Hobbit movies...but...I digress. As for the Narnia movies, I'm just going to say that the old BBC adaptations were absolutely HORRIBLE (horrific, terrifying, boring, a royal pain, and downright BAD (even if they did follow the books almost to the letter, I DON'T CARE, THEY'RE STILL BAD IN THE LAMEST OF LAME DEGREES)) so I'm just  going to go off the newest adaptations. DISCLAIMER: I'm on of those freaks of nature who can be an ardent fan of a book and still love the movie, even if it isn't faithful in the minutest degrees (as in the case of the Hobbit movies...which I happen to love) (Except for the case of the 4th Anne of Green Gables movie...I STILL REFUSE TO BELIEVE THAT WAS A REAL THING. NOPE.) So I actually like the new Narnia movies. I think the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe was charming. Absolutely loved the casting...(I'm in even more love with Mr. Tumnus now because James McAvoy...*le sigh*) and the scenery...and the effects. But I can't stand the final battle. Nope. Nopers. Nope. Ugh. But I can understand that they needed a huge "final stand in a great, wide field for the movie, but whatever. Still don't like it.) I also happen to like Prince Caspian (He's such a dream, in the book and movie... <3 ) AND the Voyage of the Dawn Treader (even though they both didn't follow the books, I'm on of those weird people who can watch a movie as a plain movie and not as a book adaptation and like it)...and I happen to be super excited that they're finally making a Silver Chair (yay!) 

Final Judgement: Better-than-average modern adaptations that hold a charm of their own, but that can't hold up to the books...as usual. 

Most valuable lessons from both?

Lord of the Rings: No matter what the odds are, you should alwaysalwaysalways fight for what you believe in, and for what is right. Good will always win if you believe in it. 

Narnia: Loyalty, forgiveness, faith, love, passion, and belief are the most necessary parts of life; without them, you are a brainless, timid squirrel of a nothing. 

Which three characters would you enjoy having supper with and why?

Can I pleasepleaseplease have supper with Legolas, Boromir and Susan? Because that would probably be the most epic show of personalities ever. 

If you could ask any two characters (from either works) one questions, what would they be?

"Dear Sam, after all the great adventures you had been on, did you like being Mayor for so long? Or was there a little, teeny part of you that wanted to go sneak behind enemy lines and be all heroic again?"

"Eustace, how did your perspective on this normal, non-magical world change after your conversion?"

What aspect of humanity that CS Lewis writes about do you most appreciate? 

In every single one of his works, he writes about us fallen people with a completely pure honesty. The fear and curiosity of Ransom in the Space Trilogy perfectly mirrors our attitudes whenever we experience something new and strange to us. The initial refusal of Peter and Susan to believe Lucy's fantabulous tale is pretty much an everyday trap that us skeptical persons tend to fall into. Lewis is able to analyze and convey the human situation beautifully, and that's something that I absolutely love. 

Which of his works is your favorite, and why?

My favorite of Lewis's works would have to be The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. It's incredibly beautiful in its complexity, yet wonderfully simple, in a way I think holds a certain charm that sets it apart from any of his other works. Whenever I read it, I feel like I actually *am* Lucy; I can actually feel the fear, the wonder, and the joy that she did, which never ceases to infinitely charm me. 

Fear.

We all experience it. The shortness of breath. Nervousness. Anxiety. And I thought I would write about it.

What is fear? 

There are many different types of fear:

• There's the fear of growing old. What's dying going to be like? Am I going to Heaven or hell? For some of us, the question is, "Is there even an afterlife?" 
• There's the fear of decision. Am I going to make the right decision? What if I make one that will disappoint all those around me? HOW DO I KNOW RIGHT FROM WRONG HERE?!
• The fear of fear itself
• The fear of failure
• The fear of rejection
• The fear of being alone
• And most prevalent, the fear of the unknown

But why on earth are we afraid? If we are afraid of all that, that means we are essentially afraid of Life. 

What is life? Live is adventure. Life is the unknown. Life is the unfamiliar. Life is the wonderfully unpredictable. As much as we like to settle down in our Hobbit Holes and pretend that we are in control of our comfy lives, we really aren't. Life is all the things I just mentioned, because God is life. He has given us this life, no? (Yes, yes he has. <-- check that link, its pretty awesome stuff...and it helped to clear a *ton* of doubts I once had about God) And if He has given us this life, He must be in control of it! He is watching over us with the tender love of a father, and he's holding us in the palm of his hand.

This doesn't mean that He's going to make the way of life easy for us; he's going to let us make our own choices, but this is only his way of strengthening our relationship with him. Seems...confusing, right? It's really not. The more we strive to do his will, and make the best choices in our lives, the more he will bless us and continue to reveal his plan for our lives to us. He's not going to leave us alone while we make these choices, mind you; he'll be right there. He's our father, remember?

And besides, he's given us a whole army of helpers to intercede for us and give us help in any way we may need: (Sts. Anthony, Rita, and Michael, anyone?) 

~ St. Therese <3

 “Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven 

fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness. . . . 

They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us, 

as they proffer the merits which they acquired on earth

through the one mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus . . . . 

So by their fraternal concern is our weakness greatly helped.” 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, 956

Once we realize this, any fears we may have will have no ground for festering in our minds. God himself promised to take care of us:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13)

And the words of Jesus himself: "And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b

Sure, we still still be afraid, and nervous, but take a fresh look at the points we listed above.

• Growing old? We are made for God. Therefore: He will be there when we die. As long as we are in the state of grace(having gone to confession recently), He will love us into eternity with him, even if that love requires a bit of cleaning-up before we enter into communion with him. 
• The fear of decision? As we just saw, he will guide us every step of the way, even if we don't see how. 
• The fear of fear itself? Seems a bit foolish now, eh?
• The fear of rejection? God. Loves. You. He breathed life into you, for Good Gallifrey's sake. You are a treasure. You are enough. You are fearfully and magnificently and fantastically and beautifully and WONDERFULLY made. Re-read that. If you are rejected by a man (or woman) or your parents, or a school, or a job interview, just remember: GOD HAS SOMETHING INFINITELY BETTER IN STORE FOR YOU. And you better get ready, because its going to be awesome. 
• of failure? Scream this to the world: 

  

  Philippians 4:13

• of being alone? Re-read Matthew 28: 20b. (from above) Makes you smile, right?

In no way, shape, or form am I claiming to be a totally relying-upon-God-for-everything person. Heck, I'm writing this whole thing as a way of calming myself down before flying by myself into and out of Winter Storm Hercules this weekend. But now that I have written this, and you've read it, I hope I can join with you in a more optimistic and positive outlook on life. 

Because...La Vita e Bella. LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL. IT IS MAGNIFICENT. IT IS UNKNOWN. IT IS SCARY. IT IS A JOY. And you know what? It's worth it. 

A Short Argument for the Role of God as Our Creator

First, we must prove that God exists: 

Piety : Inspires us to worship God and to love Him as our Father

Man’s proper perfection is a moral perfection. This truth is no mere optional extrinsic embellishment; you’re a failure if you aren't morally good. Plain and simple. (Moral goodness would include truth, reverence, love, charity, justice, etc.) This truth has religious significance:

• The greater the good, the greater the yearning that man has for absolute fulfillment.
• For every need, there’s a way or an object to fulfill it
• It belongs to man’s nature to give one’s self to something absolute [Either to an idol (like in Ebeneezer Scrooge’s case, when he gave himself entirely to money; or Hugh Hefner’s, who has given his entire life to sex), or to the One, True God.]
• We have a need for God (since God is the moral perfection that was mentioned above); therefore God exists. 

Then we can prove that God is Our Creator: 

The cause of a person coming into being has to be at least at the level of a person since an effect is as great as its cause. Something cannot be created from nothing, right? Therefore, it is only left to a divine being to create something from nothing. The coming into being of a new human soul requires a first cause. Since God is the only Divine Being in the universe, he can act as a first cause. The two times he acts directly as a first cause is at the Eucharist, and in the creation of a person.

*Connected to my post on Fear. This seemingly unconnected-to-anything-and-random post will make more sense when Fear is read first.*