Which is More Rational? God or Atheism?

Updates, and a Dickens of a Vision

I wanted to start this post with deep gratitude for everyone who offered up prayers for my poor cousin.  I am very happy to share that within days, she has gone from the point of death to recovering at home.  God has been very good to us, and has showered my family with His divine compassion and love.

The main meat of this post, however, is relating to an article that I had found on one of my favorite sites: ChurchPop.  I don't know very much about Charles Dickens, but every year I tell myself I'm finally going to read A Christmas Carol.  Needless to say, I still have not read it.  However, after reading this article, I think I might have to.

While we generally associate Ebeneezer Scrooge as the one having visions of apparitions with messages for a better life, according to Dickens' biographer, the famous author himself had a divine messenger come to him in the night.  You can read all about this encounter here.

I ask that everyone please continue to pray for both my cousin and my family.  While we are happy with her healing, there is still a lot of healing that my family still needs.  I won't go into details here--perhaps in another post--but for now, I pray that you continue to pray for us, that we might work through our own issues and draw closer to God and to each other.

Please Pray for My Cousin

The Lord works in mysterious ways.  I don't understand, nor do I try to understand.  And some days, it can be harder than others.  Tonight is one of the harder days.

I just received the news about an hour ago: my cousin had an accident playing on a four-wheeler and suffered a bad head injury.  She was life-flighted to the nearest trauma center and is in intensive care.  I don't know anything else about her condition except for that.  But, it doesn't sound good right now.

I know that God is going to take care of her, but that hasn't stopped me from worrying right now.  Right now I'm scared and unsure and crying like a baby.  The thing is, my cousin and I were never that close.  I mean, we girls have to stick together in a family that is mostly boys, but there's about 10 years difference between us, and our personalities are so different that it can be hard for us to find common ground.  I'm embarrassed to say that when I first heard the news, my reaction was one of mild concern, like you might feel when you learn that a total stranger had a major issue, not your own cousin.  Perhaps that's because I only see her maybe twice a year, and even then we hardly talk.  But, the more I thought about what I hard heard, the more scared I got.  I've been crying over this and I'm praying and praying that she is going to be okay.

The thing that frightens me the most is the knowledge that everything happens for a reason and that God's ways are not our ways.  If my cousin dies, or has permanent brain damage from this event, I know that there was a reason for it, and that this is all part of a greater plan.  But, I don't want to see that happen.  This is the most difficult part of faith.  I know that God will answer our prayers, but I also know that I might not like that answer.  But, it is part of the divine plan, and I have to trust.

I experienced a lot of emotional trauma as a child, actually when I was about the same age as my cousin is now, and it made me an atheist.  For years, I was teetering on that line of atheist/agnostic, and through God's grace I returned to my faith, strengthened and restored.  I know this isn't going to push me away from God, but it feels too real, too sharp right now.  And I'm starting to go numb and I'm so scared.  I'm really scared.

Please, if anyone is reading this, please pray for my cousin.  Pray to Blessed John Licci, as he is the patron of head injuries.  Pray for healing.  Pray for a miracle.

Saintly Intercession

November is a great month to focus on the saints.  Catholics believe that saints are holy men and women who followed God's commandments and went above and beyond what most people do in their daily life.  In other words, these are the people who most fully embraced God's plan for them, and as a reward, are now honored in the Church.

Now, to quash a common misconception real quick-- Catholics DO NOT worship the saints.  I've heard this a couple of times, most notably from a Protestant friend of mine, but it is not true.  Yes, we pray to the saints, and yes, we ask for their intercession, but we don't worship them as though they were gods or like God.  There is a big difference.

This is an analogy my Dad gave me, and I think it really helps to illustrate the point: when you want someone to do something for you, and you don't want to ask them directly (for whatever reason-- you're scared, you think they will say "no", etc.), who do you ask?  Well, you ask someone close to them, someone they care about.  For me, I might not do what you ask, but if you ask my brother to convince me, and HE asks me, then I will be much more likely to step in.  Of course, this doesn't mean you get to cheat the system.  God doesn't say "Oh, well you found the one loophole there, so I'll do whatever you want!" but it does help.  Our faith is founded on a community of prayer, so it would stand to reason that asking a saint to pray for you--because that's what asking their intercession means--that God will hear those prayers as well as yours and answer them.  Sometimes, however, the answer is still no, but that a topic for a different post.

To take my dad's analogy a bit further, think of it this way.  If I'm having computer trouble, who do I go to for help?  Well, I'd go to someone who is good with computers!  And that's what we do when we pray to the saints.  Each saint has their own special focus.  And there are saints for EVERYTHING.  Snowdays (St. Scholastica), the Internet (St. Isodore), lost causes (St. Jude), parking spaces (St. Mother Cabrini), lost items (St. Anthony), belt makers (St. Alexius of Rome), the list goes on and on.  You can read about some more of these holy men and women here.

Now, there is one more saint I wanted to mention, and I'll be honest, he's the reason why I'm writing up this post.  I'll explain in a second, but the saint I'd like to introduce all of you to is not one of the more common ones we always hear about (eg. St. Patrick,  St. Bernadette, St. Anthony, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Joseph, St. Joan of Ark, etc.).  This saint only came to my attention recently because of a rather embarrassing need that arose, and I sought out a saint to intercede for my particular ailment.  It is with honest and heartfelt thanksgiving that I introduce Saint Fiacre, the patron saint of gardeners, cab drivers, and...hemorrhoids.

Yes, dear readers, the other day I was horrified to discover my first hemorrhoid.  I did a bit of research on it, looked some stuff up online, and in the end, decided it was best to pray about it.  I've been a bit weak in my prayers lately, so I came before God with my tail between my legs, as it were, and asked that he please heal me.  I also prayed to St. Fiacre for his intercession, promising that if he would help me, I would tell people about him.  So, this is the first step in that evangelization.  Yesterday, I went to bed with a painful hemorrhoid, and this morning I woke up with no pain, and the hemorrhoid itself greatly diminished in size.  Between lunch and dinner, it had all but disappeared.  It has been just over 24 hours since I discovered the problem, and just under 24 hours since I prayed for healing.  If that's not a testament to the power of God's healing power and the intercession of saints, then I don't know what is!

Before this post becomes too long, I'll wrap things up.  I want to extend yet another grateful "thank you" to St. Fiacre, which, if he doesn't see on his own, I hope St. Isadore, the patron saint of the Internet will convey my sentiments.  Hopefully, all of you will not have to pray for hemorrhoid healing, but if you do, pray to St. Fiacre and he will help you.  Additionally, if you are a gardener or a cab driver (or have a friend or loved one who is) then this is also a wonderful saint to pray to.  And I strongly encourage you to do so!

God bless!

In Defense of Planned Parenthood

For those of you out there reading this, I know what you're thinking.  In defense of Planned Parenthood?!  Come on, Little Sis!  What are you thinking? And during 40 Days for Life, no less!  In response to that, I say don't worry.  Just watch the video.

Tough sell. Planned Parenthood is the victim of a smear campaign. Here's the proof from your friendly, neighborhood pro-choice activist.
Posted by AskDrBrown on Wednesday, September 23, 2015

40 Days for Life

We are approaching the start of 40 Days for Life, which will start this Wednesday, September 23rd, and run through November 1st.  This is a time of fasting and prayer with the intention of bringing an end to abortion.  No matter how you feel about abortion, whether you are pro-life or pro-choice, you have to admit that there are some things in this world which are just evil--intrinsically evil.  Abortion is one of those.

I pray that you join me, as my brothers and sisters in Christ in fasting and praying to bring about this great evil.  Please follow the link I've included here to learn a bit about the movement, and join with people all over the world as we come together in silent protest for a common cause.

As part of the movement, we are asked to spend just one hour in front of an abortion facility in silent protest.  I know I'll be there.  Maybe I'll see one of you.  Maybe you'll see me.  Of course, we won't know each other, but even so, all that matters is seeing the solidarity of pro-lifers coming together.

Even so, I hope I see you there.

God bless!

Do Catholics Worship Mary?

"Their God is My God"

One of my favorite Bible passages of all time comes from Luke.  Jesus is dying on the cross between the two criminals and one mocks him, saying "If you are the Christ, save yourself and us!"  But, the other rebukes him saying "Do you not fear God?  We are justly punished, but this man has done nothing wrong," and turning to Jesus says, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."  Jesus says to him, "Truly, this day you will be with me in Paradise." (Luke 23:39-43)

I always get choked up when I read this.  The magnitude of what Jesus is saying here is amazing.  Even after all that he did, this thief is being given a second chance because he has turned to God.  That's really powerful.  In the face of great suffering, he finds God.

I'm thinking about this passage for two reasons.  One: it's Holy Week, and this is a Good Friday sort of passage.  Two: I read this article by Right Wing News.

ISIS was murdering a group of Egyptian men because of their Christian faith.  They had captured 20 Coptic Christians, but had accidentally brought along one more man (to make 21) who was not a Christian.  As he saw all these men dying for their faith, he was amazed.  And when his captors demanded that he renounce his faith (even though he was not Christian), he said in reply, "Their God is my God" and was killed alongside them.

How powerful!  How many Christians--or really, members of any faith community, do you know who are willing to die for their faith?  I'm willing to bet it's not too many.  I would like to think that in that situation, I would also stand by my faith, but we don't know how we will respond in times of crisis.  Even the apostles abandoned Jesus during His Passion.  I will say, however, that my God gives me strength, and if He wills that I be placed in a position where I have to defend my faith, even with my life, I believe that He will also give me the courage to stay true to Him.  Remember Psalm 23:4-- Even though I walk in the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I fear no evil, for you are at my side, with your rod and your staff that give me courage.

I'm still in awe over this story.  I think it goes to show that even though our Christian brothers and sisters are persecuted in the Middle East, our God is still with us.  And we show our faith through our works, not just through our words.  It is one thing to say that you are Christian, but are you willing to die for your faith?  That is the ultimate test.

Your Inspirational Thought of the Day

This is your inspirational thought of the day.  Remember: God loves you!  And you're kind of a big deal :)

I Learned that in an Anime #1: Dr. Hiriluk and Second Chances (One Piece)

Hello, everyone!  This is the first post in what I hope is going to be a new series on this blog: I Learned That in an Anime.  Basically, each post is going to focus on a certain character, event, or symbol in an anime series, and show how this character or moment shows the universality of Catholicism.  I'm sure that when I say "Japan" or "anime," Catholic is not the first thing that comes to you mind.  It certainly wasn't for me.  But, remember, Catholic means "universal" and so there are times when religion bleeds into other forms of media, including those where you would not expect to find it.  Please read and enjoy!  One quick note, these posts will contain spoilers, so please be warned before proceeding.

SPOILERS AHEAD!

The Drum Kingdom arc from One Piece introduces us to the quack Dr. Hiriluk.  Despite his heart being in the right place, Dr. Hiriluk continues to torment the people of Drum Kingdom with his cockamamie "cures" which end up doing more harm than good.  But, he honestly believes he is performing a service--after all, there are no doctors left in the kingdom after the corrupt King Wapol drove them all away, keeping a small collection of medical men at his beck and call, forcing the people of Drum Kingdom to beg him for their services.

What makes Dr. Hiriluk such a powerful figure is the life he leads.  While he is a terrible doctor, he genuinely tries to help his fellow citizens.  And when he finds Tony Tony Chopper, the blue-nosed reindeer who ate the Human-Human fruit, injured in the woods, Dr. Hiriluk not only takes him in, but treats him like a son.  For me, though, the story that he tells him is perhaps the most powerful aspect of the character.

He tells Chopper the story of a terrible thief who had been diagnosed with an incurable heart condition.  He went to many doctors, but no one was able to cure him.  Then, one day, he witnessed the most beautiful sight: cherry blossoms blooming.  He was so moved by the sight that when he returned to the doctor, he was told that there was no heart condition.  He had been completely and miraculously cured.  Because of this, he came to believe that no disease could not be cured, and returned to his home village of Drum Island to cure the people there of their apathetic, icy hearts by making cherry blossoms bloom in the eternal winters there.  (In case you weren't able to guess, this thief was actually Dr. Hiriluk).  He flies a pirate flag with cherry blossom petals on it, saying that this is a symbol that anything is possible.  Even for a man like him to be given a second chance.
 
In the end, of course, things do not go well for our good Doctor.  First, he discovers that the grave illness that had plagued him all his life has finally come back to finish him off.  He kicks Chopper out of the house so the little reindeer won't have to watch him die.  Chopper returns bringing a poisonous mushroom which he believes will save his friend (confusing the skull and crossbones in the field guide to mean "cure," like the doctor's pirate flag, instead of "poison").  Dr. Hiriluk is so touched by Chopper's gift he eats it anyway.  Then, when he learns that King Wapol's private doctors have all fallen ill, he goes to save them, falling into a trap so that Wapol can finally have him killed.  Before the guards shoot him, Hiriluk ends with this inspiring quote:

When does a man die? When he is hit by a bullet? No! When he suffers a disease? No! When he ate a soup made out of a poisonous mushroom? No! A man dies when he is forgotten!  --Dr. Hiriluk

He dies shouting "I lived an extraordinary life!"  This was, for me, one of the most

inspiring and heart-wrenching scenes in One Piece.  After all the love and kindness this man has shown, even in the face of death, he manages to keep his pride and his compassion.  I am not ashamed to say that I bawled like a baby while watching this.

Now, what does this mean for Catholics (or Christians, or really anybody)?  Well, it deals with the concept of second chances, which is very near and dear to my heart.  I had a rough time at the start of my teenage years.  I was bullied to the point where my self-esteem was so bad, I wouldn't say that I had any.  I honestly felt like dirt on the ground, unlovable and discarded.  Through the support of my family and the love of God, I was able to pull through.  But, at the time, and for years afterwards, I didn't think of it like that.  I was angry that I had been made to suffer, and I held onto that anger like a lifeline.  In fact, I held onto it for so long that there came a point when I didn't even realize I was angry anymore.  It was just how I was.  And then, one day, on a beautiful retreat, I had my moment when I realized that God was giving me a second chance.  I had decided that I was worthless and that nobody cared about me.  I had given up on God, but He had not given up on me.  In that moment, he brought me back, and showed me that while the scars are never going to go away, I should not allow those experiences to define who I was.  I had to change how I viewed myself if I wanted to change my life.  I needed a second chance. 


God gives all of us second chances.  Again and again.  He never gives up on us.  And like Dr. Hiriluk, we should use these opportunities for good.  God allows us to start over, gives us a clean slate, and we should take that message of forgiveness to do something great with our lives, to reach out and help other people.  Like Dr. Hiriluk, my heart was changed.  And perhaps God is calling me to melt the icy hearts of a world that has stopped caring.  I'm really not sure yet.  But, I'm open to hearing what I'm supposed to do, and I am so grateful for my second chance!

Perhaps there is something going on in your life right now.  Perhaps you feel like you're in a slump, or maybe you've done something and feel like you can never be forgiven.  Don't allow yourself to fall into that trap.  No matter what you have done, even if you've killed someone, God is ready to forgive you if you are willing to ask for his forgiveness.  When you do, take that forgiveness and use it to help someone else.  Melt the icy hearts of those around you, or help someone else to find meaning, forgiveness, or love--just as Hiriluk helped Chopper to find acceptance and love when everyone, even his own family, wanted nothing to do with him and drove him away.

Second chances, forgiveness...what beautiful concepts.  God's love is infinite, and so is His willingness to give us second chances.  Embrace them, and make the world a better place!

The Germ (GK Chesterton)

This is one of my favorite poems....I hope you enjoy it!

The Germ (GK Chesterton)

God spake to the Red Adam

(Earth and sky in a stormy kiss):

"Out of night and the things that were not,
This."

God spake to the red Adam:

"Lo, thyself to thyself I give.

Out of void and the dust that lives not,

Live."

God spake to the red Adam:

"Lo, I break thee thyself as bread
By my hands through the long, proud ages

Fed."

God spake to the red Adam:

"Lo, I pour thee thy blood as wine

To the last fierce drop in the veins of madness
Mine."

God spake to the red Adam:

"This is the first of life, and sweet.

Love me or mock me, curse me or worship,

Eat."

God spake to the red Adam:

"Sins I punish and sins forgive.

Yet thou shalt keep my first commandment,

Live."

God spake to the red Adam:

"For all thy works hath a breath sufficed.

Live: defy me, Prometheus: serve me,

Christ."

God spake to the red Adam:

"Curse my universe, curse thy brood.

I made thee for an end and find thee

Good."

God spake to the red Adam,

Close in a dim collossal strife,

Bowed and spake with the lips of earthquake:

"Life!"

Happy St. Valentine's Day!

Happy St. Valentine's Day!  Whether you're single or dating or married or divorced, remember, this was not always a holiday about lovey-dovey chocolates and candlelight dinners.  This is the feast of St. Valentine, a Christian martyr from ancient Rome.  For all of you who are in relationships, I hope you have a great day with those you love.  As for me, St. Valentine is the only Valentine I need :)

Click here to read a little about St. Valentine

Wait...so that means......

 Huh!  Well, how do you like that? ;)

Just a little comic about St. Valentine....Click on the pictures to enlarge them.

And now for some St. Valentine...well, Valentines!

A romantic gift for your favorite person...

And a little bit of history...

Have a safe, blessed, and very happy St. Valentine's Day :)

~Little Sister

How about "Fifty Shades of No"?

Valentine's Day is coming.  And I'm sure that many of you are planning beautiful romantic dates with your significant others.  Maybe you're going out to dinner, or having a quiet evening at home.  Perhaps you're going to see a movie.  And perhaps that movie is going to be Fifty Shades of Grey.  Now, I'm sure you've been able to figure out that since this is a Catholic blog, this is not going to be a post about how wonderful this movie is going to be and how I hope that you'll all want to watch it with your significant others this Valentine's Day...Nope.  It's going to be one long listing of why you SHOULDN'T.

Included here are some of the best articles and videos I've found about the Fifty Shades Phenomena, and what people are saying about it.  I hope that you find this both helpful and educational.  And by the way, please feel free to share these articles and videos with your friends.  You never know who might benefit from hearing or reading about this.

Let's start with fifty things you should know before watching this movie.  This is a great video for people who are planning on watching the movie, and for those who have no interest in it whatsoever, and have no plans to read it.  This will provide you with the needed background to fight back when people say "Well, have you seen it?  Have you read the books?  Then how do you know what you're talking about?"

The best way to arm yourself for a debate is to bulk up on knowledge about the topic.  Here's a bit more you should know about the lies and falsehoods perpetuated by the upcoming film.


Had enough yet?  If not, here is some light reading material about the darker side of E.L. James's popular book series:

• "Real Love and the Urgency of Evangelization" from the Southern Nebraska Register
• "50 Shades of Pain: Sterile Sex and the Problem with Porn" from The Catholic News Agency
• "Dark 'Shades of Grey'" from Mercator Net

I think that's a good enough start.  Stay informed; that is the best way to win battles against falsehoods and evils like this.  Stay strong, and God bless you!

Vocation

When I was a kid, I started to consider if I wanted to spend my life as a nun.  As I got a little older, my plans changed, but because of my interest, I still receive information from the local seminary, such as their newsletter, every couple of months.  I believe that we are all called to vocations, whether that is religious life, married life, or even just to be single.  This was a very powerful video and very thought provoking.  I pray that you take ten minutes out of your day to watch it.

This video was found on the wonderful site Catholic Memes.  If you would like more information, or if you're feeling called to explore your vocation, please visit the official site here.

Lent is Coming!

Lent is coming!  What are you planning on doing?

I'm sure many of you don't want to think about it yet, but Ash Wednesday is a week from this Wednesday, and it might be time to start thinking about what you want to do for your Lenten sacrifice.  It's best not to put this off until the last minute, otherwise you might end up like me a few years ago: realizing halfway through a Fat Tuesday paczki that you should be giving up something for Lent.  At this point, slightly embarrassed at being caught off guard like this, you go with the first thing that comes into your head, whether that's chocolate, alcohol, videogames, or something else entirely.

I'm not saying that it's wrong to give up something for Lent.  I mean, if you think you have a crippling addiction to alcohol, it might be time to give it up.  Or, if you think you eat too much, it might be time to reflect and avoid over-indulgence.  But, if you're just giving up chocolate just so you can say you've made a Lenten sacrifice, think about it this way: when Easter Sunday rolls around, what's the first thing you're going to do?  Most likely gorge on that thing you've been denying yourself for weeks.  Or, if you're like some of my friends, you'll be just fine, since you've been indulging every Sunday, because as they have told me many times (and I still do not believe it), "Sundays don't count as part of Lent!"

So, is it bad to give things up for Lent?  No  Lent should be about sacrifice, but really, it should be about shedding those things from your life that keep you away from God.  He is not going to care if you have a candy bar after dinner. Jesus would not slap a Snickers from Peter's hand and shout "Get behind me, Satan!"  There's nothing harmful about sweets in moderation.

For children, however, this is a great way to celebrate Lent.  By encouraging your children to give up something they love, you are teaching them discipline and sacrifice.  Perhaps you could even take it a step further: if, for example, your child likes to buy a cookie from the cafeteria at school each day, instead of buying one, have them take the 50 cents they would have spent and put it in the Rice Bowl, or in a jar for later.  At the end of Lent, they can donate it to a good cause, such as a charity that your parish is sponsoring this Lent.

"But, if I'm not giving up something, what do I do for Lent?"  This is a really good question.  To get back to my previous point, Lent should be about shedding those things that are harmful to your relationship with God.  So, instead of giving up coffee, refrain from gossip or nasty comments.  Or, you don't have to give up anything at all!  You could instead give of your time, or change your routine.  Spend an hour with the blessed sacrament each week.  Go on a retreat, join a prayer group, or help at the local soup kitchen.  Read the lives of the saints, or the writings of a Christian author.  With any luck, you'll soon find these actions have become habit forming and will last long after Lent.

That's part of what I'm doing this year.  I have several authors I would like to explore.  I'll be starting a new page on this blog dedicated to good books that I think you might like or find informative.

The second part of what I'm doing is going to involve inner focus and prayer.  I'm a very devoted Catholic, but I often feel awkward or nervous when talking about my faith with those of other faith backgrounds.  This is unfortunate, as it means I don't always get the appropriate message across.  That's part of the reason why I started this blog; I wanted a way to help spread the Gospel through a medium where I would not be wishy-washy or nervous.  So, in order to build up my faith life, I'm going to read a lot about the lives of the saints, Mary the Mother of God, and Catholic doctrines.  I'm also hoping to have a lot of good stuff to share with all of you.  Anything good that I read will be included in the recommended books page.  And anything else of value will hopefully make its way onto this blog.

In addition to all this, I'm also hoping to spend more time in quiet contemplation.  My mind really is a jumble these days, and I've found that I get nervous and flighty and have trouble concentrating on prayer.  That's why I'm going to spend at least half an hour to an hour in front of the blessed sacrament each week to help center myself.  If the mood should strike me, I might also partake of the spiritual reading I have lined up for the next few weeks.

Finally (yikes, is she ever going to stop??)  I'm going to fast.  Not every day, and maybe not every week, but I'm going to fast a couple times besides the required ones (Ash Wednesday and Good Friday).  Honestly, I hate fasting.  I'm constantly hungry and that makes me cranky and I get nasty headaches.  But, the Church only asks that I fast for two days out of the whole 365.  And Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights in the desert.  Certainly, I can go with reduced food for a few days.  But, the fasting is not just for the sake of fasting.  I'm going to be offering this sacrifice and the discomfort that come with it as a prayer for the end of abortion.  When I think of all the issues with our world, I keep coming back to abortion as the greatest of evils.  And besides, it would be incredibly selfish of me to say that my grumbling stomach is a greater suffering than what a baby goes through when it is aborted, or the physical and psychological trauma the mother experiences after the fact.  No one talks about that, only how great it was that she exercised her "choice".  But, that of course is a conversation for another time.

So, that's my Lenten goal: fasting, reading, and reflection.  I think that's pretty doable, don't you?

 

Tell me in the comments what your thoughts are for this Lenten season.  Have a book you'd like to recommend?  Tell me about it!  Lent is a time for spiritual growth and a shedding of our old ways and bad habits.  I hope you take the time to grow with me.

Bishop Jackson on Obama

I'm not going to mince words.  I'm not a fan of President Obama.  As a Christian, I feel marginalized and quite frankly, attacked by his presidency.  Does that mean he has to agree with everything I say?  Certainly not!  I support his right to have his own opinions and beliefs, just as I hope others would support my rights to have opinions and beliefs of my own.

But, instead of supporting Christians (this is, after all, a Christian nation) Obama has been supporting the Muslims, ignoring the atrocities of ISIS, and even worse, telling us that Christians were just as bad with the Crusades.  The worst part is that we sort of just keep quite or lap it up.  "Oh, yes!  Christians need to chill out!"  What?

This article was extremely satisfying.  Read it at Right Wing News here.

The Good Samaritan at Chick-fil-A

Now, I don't know about you, but I love Chick-fil-A.  Not only is their food delicious (I love, love, LOVE their waffle fries!), but the company supports the traditional family, is closed on Sunday in observance of the Sabbath, and when I place my order, the staff is always so friendly, and answers "My pleasure" every time I thank them.  It's a great place with a positive attitude.  Now, I know lately, the restaurant has been getting some flack from liberals, especially since they are pro-traditional marriage, rather than supporting a gay agenda.  But, when I saw this post, I couldn't say that I was entirely surprised.  This is a good company staffed by good people.  Please read on to see what I mean.

Read the article at Young Conservatives here.

Muslim Student's Words Leave Little Room for Interpretation

I found this article incredibly unsettling.  The video is short; watch the whole thing.  The Muslim student's reaction at the end sent shivers down my spine.  People say that Islam is a religion of peace, and I have known and been friends with many good, devout Muslims who were (and I assume still are) very peaceful, loving people.  But, this...this is darkness and hatred and a warped sense of apathy. I was very disturbed.

Read the article at Young Conservatives here.