November 13, 2008 9:38 AM
On my mind today
While I still am monitoring the big picture - disturbing political, disastrous economic and threatening international news - I have decided to give it all a rest at MommyLife for this season.
I had a long talk with Greta last night and she suggested that with all the stress I have at home, it would be good to stop even paying attention. I'm finding that hard to do as it seems we are on the brink of some cataclysmic developments.
I know after the election I posted something conciliatory, trying to find the good in America's choice. I still think that the problem is that many people spend more time analyzing which plasma TV to buy than they do studying the issues. I also think that our culture has devolved from focusing on ideas to the cult of personality - from the designer names plastered as free advertising on our clothing to finally the marketing of a president based entirely on image.
I have spoken of this problem in the evangelical church too, and would like to take the opportunity now that we've seen the danger in the cult of personality to guard your relationship and your faith carefully by not becoming followers of specific men or ministries. I know that evangelicals see a lot of weirdness in the Catholic Church, but I understand now the purpose and the safeguards and the protections that we benefit from. Does it play out perfectly? No, not at all. We are human and we cannot achieve perfection. Before I reverted to Catholicism, I too judged the Church based on its failures. But I will never forget when I visited Regina Doman a few years ago and she reminded me that only God displays perfect leadership. The examples in the Bible are all deeply flawed. Now I understand God's wisdom in apostolic succession and I'm grateful that the priestly vows prevent the development of celebrities and celebrity-based cottage industries which mislead, fleece and sometimes even abuse followers. (See my posts on Joel Osteen and Vision Forum.)
So that's one lesson we can learn from the election.
You can see that though I am busier than ever with things that are not part of my usual daily fare, I am still thinking a lot. That's what I've always told you - you can embrace your role in keeping the home even with all the stuff some people think of as drudgery because it allows you to process and make connections between the bits and pieces of information God sends your way each day.
The only frustrating thing to me right now is that I don't have as much time to share things in depth and so this is a breathless catching up on things I've been thinking about as I drive back and forth or do laundry or make dinner. I feel like we're just meeting for coffee right now and I've got about 45 minutes to get everything out :)
I shared with Greta some specific prayer requests which I don't want to put on my blog. Anyone wishing to be part of that prayer team can contact her at chapngreta(at)msn(dot)com to find out the details. I have known Greta since she posted her first comment here July 8 2005. It's a long story which maybe she will share here someday, but God really has knit our hearts together and I have been blessed to actually be a guest in her house. One of my dreams is to someday save enough money to just take a few weeks and visit people who have become very dear to me here.
But back to where I started: For me - and perhaps for you - the time has come to turn our eyes away from the big picture and to focus on our families and the special days and remembrances ahead. There was a purpose in our making a priority of politics before the election. But that moment has passed, the American people have spoken - for right or for wrong - and with the most radical leftist President and Congress in charge there is absolutely nothing we can do to stop whatever "change" is coming. You can check the headlines daily at Drudge, maybe listen to Laura or Rush when you want their perspective. But the bottom line is that God wants us to be good mothers.
How wonderful that we have some very special times ahead to give us focus and meaning and to feel that we are passing on something solid and meaningful to our kids. As I am making health drinks for my family each day, I am thinking this is a metaphor for how we have the responsibility/privilege of fortifying our children's spiritual and cultural immune system with the things that matter most.
As I watched the unabashedly old-fashioned and patriotic Veteran's Day assembly at Valley this week, I felt a certain sadness because I am foreseeing an onslaught on Christianity and tradition coming - emboldened by the subtext of the new administration. The news is full of warning signs. Time to think like Christians who have to go underground in other countries. Time to realize it's up to us to pass down the true meaning and remembrance to our kids of holidays which once represented so much more than selling products and entertainment.
So even though the world seems to be falling apart. the blessing is that we do have something positive to turn to. We have Thanksgiving. And today I will begin reposting Thanksgiving helps for you and your family.
Then I am off to pick up Jonny for an MRI (Greta has the story on that), visit Tripp with a health shake and maybe stop at Costco before the kids get home from school.
Tripp was supposed to come home Friday but they've decided to wait until Sunday as he is very, very weak. He has been given six units of blood as his body is not making blood fast enough. - ---Oh, I just talked to him again and now they are saying that he probably needs to go to rehab because of the amount of care he needs. But they have promised a better place than the Dickensian one he was in before. Anyone recommendations in Loudoun or Clarke County? I think Anthem Insurance may have finally realized that they better start making decisions based on Tripp's needs rather than their bottom line. There have been many mistakes made in Tripp's care.
But, like the political worries, I can't think about this now. Must stay focused on the small immediate things that need my attention. Time to sort through these issues when Tripp is back on his feet and our life is more normal.
Posted in Family, My life | Permalink
Comments
Hi Barbara,
I was wondering if it would be helpful to go to the local blood bank and donate in Tripp's name? If so, let me and the others know.
As far as the complacency of our nation and the state of the church, it is hard to not throw in the towel. I wonder if my time would be more productive as a Walmart greeter than a freelance writer and have been tempted many times to send my manuscripts through the shredder, but am reminded of a quote by Martin Luther King. "Our lives begin to end, the day we become silent about things that matter."
Things may stink and churches may be spending more time concerned with pew envy and worship team survivor mentality..(Who will be voted off the risers in this weeks episode?) But I still have the choice and the freedom to make a little noise. Thanks for not being silent about things that matter,Barbara. May God continue to give you grace during the next few months ahead and Happy Thanksgiving.
Love your sister in Christ,
Marci Seither
Posted by: marci Seither | November 13, 2008 10:30 AM
Dear Barbara,
Thank you for the update. I am praying for you and Tripp and your family. I am so glad you are plucking along and wish God's blessings will fall abundantly on your family.
My past few days have had some small upheavals that were unexpected about my husband's job and one son's behavior at school. Its funny how easy it is to get depressed. I thought of you and realized if you could keep moving forward then I could to.
Your testimony has been a powerful encouragement to me through your blog.
With Prayers,
Joy Bennett
Posted by: Joy Bennett | November 13, 2008 10:50 AM
Barbara,
We will be praying for all of you!
Posted by: Wendy in VA | November 13, 2008 10:51 AM
Continuing to pray, and pray, and pray, Barbara!
Posted by: Kari | November 13, 2008 11:08 AM
Oh Barbara! see what happens when i don't check in for a week...I am so sorry. I had no idea Tripp was suffering again with his knee. i sit here stunned, concerned, and my heart weeping for your family. you have been through so much lately. I am just so sorry. please know you, tripp, the boys, your whole family rests heavily upon my heart and I am praying for you...comfort, peace, guidance, healing, help, provision.....
(((HUGS)))) from the deepest part of my heart,
Kristy in england
Posted by: kristy | November 13, 2008 11:22 AM
I am doing the same thing. My husband is considering shutting of the internet but even if he decides not to then I am going to be taking a break soon. I feel drawn to know what is happening in the world because like you, I feel something big is about to happen. At the same time I realize that my sadness and the despair I feel much of the time is thinking on these things, the suffering that people are going through or are about to go through. I firmly believe that the LORD is directing me to cut myself away from it all and teach my children as much as I can about Him. HE is all we need and I have peace about that today.
Posted by: Mrs. Damian (Ouida) Garcia | November 13, 2008 11:41 AM
Oh, dear, sweet Barbara.
I wish I were closer to you than 6 hours.
I want to give you a hug while you cry, hold your hand while you grieve, and encourage you as you work your way through all of this.
Keep looking for God in all of this, dear one.
I am going to e-mail you privately with a few things that may or may not be helpful and then contact Greta.
We are moving into a very intense period for our family as my oldest daughter will have MAJOR sugery (6-8hrs.)on Monday and a lengthy recovery is expected. God is really blessing this, but we are still humans who have emotions, have things to do, and feel stress.
I must admit, that with the stress and emotions that I am dealing with right now, I find the state of our government and most everything on our national level to be pretty depressing. I have moments where a word of daily national developement just feels like a huge dark bag being put over my head. So, husband has suggested that I just chose to not be informed for a little bit. And, truly, I will have no choice but to not be informed after Monday since daughter's recovery is expected to be so lengthy and intense.
You are so right.....loving our families, taking care of our homes, these are the things our children need and will remember. These are the things that make them feel secure and loved.
Thank you for sharing, for being vunerable, for being real.
Bless all of the Curtis's
Posted by: von | November 13, 2008 2:44 PM
Today is really no different than a week ago in my world - I still have a son to clothe, feed, teach and get to heaven along w/ my husband and me. I still have a marriage to work on and a faith life to nourish. Life goes on in my house and in my office.
Am I surprised by the election? Not really.
Am I worried about the next four years? Yes very. But I am trying to remember God remains God and Jesus is still the King. God allowed Obama as our president. God knows what this country needs far more than I. More than anything right now, I need to trust God.
I am trying to have peace in knowing that our Sovereign God is in control and he can use even this situation for His own glory. In His mercy, everything is designed to bring about repentance, conversion and the salvation of souls. His ways are not my way but they are perfect. Whatever lies in the future, I must rest assured that He will give us whatever strength we need to not only handle it, but overcome through the power of the Holy Spirit. I am also trying to remember this world isn't our real home. It is Heaven that is our real home. This is just a way station until God calls us home.
I intended on living my life in obedience to God and each day is filled with choices, many of them having nothing to do with whoever was President. I believe our mission as Catholic Christians hasn't changed--and wouldn't be any different if McCain had been elected.
So, I will do what most of us will do - continue my day focus on both things of earth and of heaven, take a wait and see approach to what the President-Elect will do, and fight for what I believe is right - specifically, to build a culture of life, to agitate for the sanctity of ALL life, and to be generous in the service of ALL life.
Above all, have joy even when there seems to be no cause for such; have faith even when there seems to be no hope.
You and your family are in my prayers
Posted by: katerine | November 13, 2008 6:07 PM
I'm sorry to hear that things are still rough.
I'll pray tonight.
I'm sorry that I haven't been "here" for you in comments and prayers, as you're dear to me in that inexplainable blogosphere way. These few minutes here are just an increasingly rare foray onto the internet for me as we are in the midst of an onslaught of painful, painful stuff on multiple fronts.
Let's pray that these trials in our lives produce endurance and hope. We will need them.
Love to you.
Posted by: Marian | November 13, 2008 8:02 PM
My heart has been so full with your last two personal posts, all I can say is, God bless you, Barbara. Your light is shining.
Posted by: Elissa | November 13, 2008 8:43 PM
AS I read your post, I too am having these same feelings, a feeling of a world spinning out of control and a world that seems to be cutting Christians out of the equation. Then, when I read through the comments, I saw that there are numerous other Christians feeling the same way.
It is SO important that we as Christians help one another in these scary times. We need to pray for one another and uphold one another and most importantly, encourage one another and what our future holds: Christ!
Oh Babara, I too have been praying for you and your family. I am so sorry that so much has been happening. Please don't give up.
~B
Posted by: B | November 14, 2008 9:24 AM
This too shall pass, momma; this too shall pass.
Posted by: LadyLovas | November 14, 2008 2:12 PM
Barbara :) You have the gift of encouragement :) We all need that right now...
I hope you'll keep the encouragement coming...
Praying for your family,
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | November 14, 2008 4:35 PM
Thanks for all the salient reminders. I could ask for no one better to aid in preserving the Church for our children.
You and yours are in my prayers.
Posted by: JimmyV | November 17, 2008 9:05 AM
Hi Barbara: I just linked to this article from www.bonreport.com, where we collect the wisdom of reverts and converts to Catholicism. It will appear Jan 20.
While no one is perfect, the problem of cult of personality is, for all intents and purposes, built into the DNA of Evangelical Christianity. The giftedness required to get a christian fellowship requires gifts that often exercise themselves in unintended negative ways. But thankfully, priests gifted in that way (we need more of them) have restraints wisely placed on them. God's wisdom, and their calling in the Catholic Church, are a blessing to the entire world.
Posted by: dbonneville | January 19, 2009 5:06 PM
