Where to even begin?
How about with the Pixar movie Inside Out? The girls and I went to see it last night and it. Is. FABULOUS.
Life-changing, really, in terms of what I hope to accomplish with my life.
Have you seen it? Without wanting to give away too much, I’ll say simply that the idea of “making memories” really affected me. I wept and my kids were like, “Why are you crying?”
(For any long-time readers of this blog, you’re well aware that I cry a lot.)
(My little blue happy pill helps find my joy.)
Think about it, though. You have the power, basically, to invent the life you want to have.You can shift your perspective and adjust the viewfinder. You can refine your focus so that you see…
…God is good.
God is always, always good.
Which brings me to the recent Supreme Court decision and the fears that I felt when I first heard it. Yes, I cried, initially. I worry about my rights as a Christian. And how will this ruling impact the Catholic Church?
(Note: There are a handful of Catholics that are pro-Gay Marriage but they are the exception to the rule. They are not being faithful to the Magisterium. They are forging a path that will not take them to Rome.)
(Additional note to my pro-Gay Marriage family members: I love you! This is not about fighting or choosing sides. It’s about seeking the Truth—God’s Truth—in love. We can agree to disagree. Let’s just not hate each in the process.)
So where does that leave me? With my hope and trust firmly entrenched in the Lord! I know that discouragement is not from God—this was the subject of our pastor’s homily yesterday, and I know from experience that Father Johnson is right. Discouragement (and depression) are never NEVER from God. We must be a people of faith and hope. We must grasp at the hem of Jesus’ robe even as we feel the crowds pressing in upon us.
I can’t get mad or upset when I see all those rainbows.
God made the rainbow.
His love will win.
AMEN!
Most of our family went to Inside Out last week with our parish priest. We (including the priest) loved it! It was the first in theater movie for the 3 & 4 yr old and then even enjoyed the Lava short at the beginning. lol. I agree, the memories. It just hit me. I think it may have even struck a chord with my boy who tends to have some OCD stuff going on and seeing the emotions in character was like seeing inside his head. Does that make sense? I even thanked our priest afterward for going with us because he created good "core memories" for our kids that they are sure to remember.
As for the Supreme Court issue, I also agree with you. Thankfully, I chose to turn away from most of facebook for the last several days to avoid getting bogged down by all the words that steal my joy. I was grateful to read from our diocese and other local priests who posted their stand with Rome and then people who commented to support them as well. I also came upon a few really good blog posts too encouraged us as Catholics and Christians. This is not the time to lose hope or joy, but time to rise up as saints and as parents to continue to be a light. Our children depend on it and so do many souls.
My little guy was looking over my shoulder as I read this. He asked me, "Who is that cute little boy?" He especially liked the striped hat which is just like one he owns.
"We must grasp at the hem of Jesus' robe even as we feel the crowds pressing in upon us." Grasping with you. And still loving real rainbows as much as ever. 🙂
This is great, Margaret. Thank you so much, especially the part about rainbows. 🙂 I might just go see Inside Out again this week.
I haven't cried yet, but I have that anxious feeling in my stomach every time I read something or see rainbow covered faces.
I am really going to have to quit Facebook when the ALS bucket challenges start again in August…ALS that gives a ton of money to Planned Parenthood. People are just so ignorant. Lack of grace feeds pride.
It is not surprising the devil would take God's rainbow like that is it? Problem is, it's not for the taking, everyone can enjoy it, because God shares.
Love this and I'm right there with you sweetheart.
Okay, so I'm new to your site, but looking to see what others think of this. I was at Target on France Avenue (Bloomington, MN) this morning and they have gay pride t-shirts for little girls (not juniors, not women, but for my 5 year old!). I didn't see any similar shirts in the boys department, but I didn't go out of my way to look either. I am so disappointed. I don't care about Target's opinion on gay rights, but I do care that they are marketing sexuality and politics to little girls. I called customer service, and the guy on the phone essentially told me it's about celebrating love and not just "gay rights." Really? If that was the case, wouldn't the t-shirts have been out all this time and not just suddenly since the Supreme court ruling? It really isn't about gay rights. I am just stunned Target would market such shirts to young young girls. I have a photo, but can't figure out how to attach it to this comment.
Excellent post, Margaret! My favorite part was about continuing to "grasp at the hem of Jesus' robe even as we feel the crowds pressing in upon us." Amen! I had to drive my daughters down to Open Window Theatre on Sunday for the final performance of "James and the Giant Peach," right during the pride parade … I found a way to go around most of it, but we couldn't avoid it altogether … I just kept telling them to "keep your eyes on the cross (of the Basilica), keep your eyes on Jesus."
I've so many great things about that movie. I need to take my kids!
I know we are to have hope and faith, but I'm scared silly over the persecution that is to come for Christians that embrace only God's law. I know I should be stronger, but I'm not. One day at a time.