Livin la Vida Loca
It has been months since I wrote. I think about it all the time. But with Steve and I both starting new jobs in the midst of a DIY giant kitchen remodel, there truly was no time. But here I am again, I will try again to share my thoughts and I would ask that you share yours.
As I write this please remember this is my perspective of things and I can only speak to that. If someone else writes, they may have a different perspective.
As most of you know and many of you watched(Thanks again for the prayers and good thoughts) Dateline aired a show on Fri May 20th about the 22yr old murder of my sister, Rosie. It was and is amazing to me the twists and turns of life.
I can't believe it has been 22 yrs. When Rosie died its shock was tremendous to my family. At the time I didn't really see it. It is hard to see the true nature of trauma from on the inside.
Growing up in the city of Detroit we were very poor. My childhood was rough, very rough. I don't feel the need to spell out the details just to say it was very rough. There were many Graces as well. God's graces can come through the darkest of places.
Before you look at my mother with a critical eye, be careful. That big family you saw on Dateline would not take to kindly to that!! My mother is the most amazing person I know. I could only hope to be as strong, courageous and faith filled as her. As bad as my childhood was, hers was too. This life has thrown a lot of shit her way(excuse my bluntness). She cleans it off, stands proud and moves forward. Maybe she will write her story one day. She taught me to have faith, to follow Christ, to know there is good in this world and it starts with love.
As I was growing up, I always knew that I would leave the city and create a different life for myself. Steve and I were trying to figure out our life 22yrs ago. Steve was working in Ann Arbor and we were on the waiting list to move to a townhouse out there. When Rosie died that summer I had 2 children, Danny was turning 4 and Mandy was 2. She died in June(right before Danny's birthday) her funeral was the last weekend for our childhood church. It was being closed. Then 4th of July weekend we had a house fire. We lost a lot of our belongings then. We boxed up what we could salvage and moved in with Steve's parents while the flat we rented was fixed. During this crazy time, we received the call that a townhouse had become available, but we needed to make a decision ASAP. The waiting list was long and others were waiting too. How could we say no, we were already boxed up and in a state of flux.
We moved to Ann Arbor and I began attending community college. I remember walking around campus wondering "how the hell did I get here". As life took over, justice for Rosie or dealing with her death wasn't something I was prepared to deal with. I never forgot, never stopped missing her.
I just focused on creating a life for myself and my family in Ann Arbor. It was a culture shock. I felt like an outsider, we were so young with kids. We stood out. I have made a life here and have great friends, wonderful people who mean the world to me.
I sometimes wish though that Rosie's justice had been a priority. No regrets though, life is. My childhood made me the person I am today, and I am okay with who I am. As my family finally begins to deal with the traumas of life please continue to pray for us.
Justice, Peace and Love.
(more to come next week)
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Violent rhetoric
First of all, my thoughts and prayers to those that have lost lives or suffered because of the tragic shooting in Tucson.
How much, if any, responsibility does the violent hateful rhetoric that surround politics have in the Tucson shooting? I am specifically talking about Sarah Palin and her putting a target over the district of Congresswoman Gifford.
I absolutely believe from a legal standpoint the gunmen is liable. But lets talk about from a culture perspective. Everything we say and do on the this planet affects those around us. In my opinion, we are our brothers keeper. As a Christian we are called to love, care and pray for those around us especially our enemies. But are we enemies if we disagree.
If someone put a gun target on my Facebook page then I was shot the next month, that action would definitely be up for discussion.
For Mrs. Palin or anyone else to say "Acts of monstrous criminality stand on their own. They begin and end with the criminals who commit them, not collectively with all the citizens of a state, not with those who listen to talk radio, not with maps of swing districts used by both sides of the aisle, not with law-abiding citizens who respectfully exercise their First Amendment rights at campaign rallies, not with those who proudly voted in the last election." I find this statement interesting since she does appear to hold this belief in reference to the 9/11 attacks. We can all be hypocritical at times, especially to rationalize or justify our actions.
This brings an interesting point. How much is Middle Eastern rhetoric that taut anti american hatred responsible for terrorist attacks on our country? I know this is an extreme example but I think it is a valid one. If we perpetuate and promote this kind of violent rhetoric, if we create a whole news channel devoted to riling up the anger in people, then we have to expect some consequences of this action. President Obama receives more death threats than any previous Presidents, even George W. I do believe this is a direct result of the perpetuation of violent rhetoric. If we continue this course with the mass media then those on the edge can be pushed to actions of violence.
We can't stifle free speech, but we can make it a personal action to turn off, not listen to, not promote such violence. Let news channels know by contacting them or turning them off that you will not perpetuate this. If Fox News wants to be a voice for the conservative right wing that is fine, that is not what I am talking about here.
I firmly believe that those that disagree with me are not my enemies. Even those who don't share my pro life beliefs. That is a very emotionally heated issue. I don't think those who disagree are my enemies nor do I hate them. I pray for them. I don't think Republicans are my enemies, as much as I may disagree with a lot of their platforms and get very frustrated, I don't hate republicans.
Wherever you stand on this issue. Remember that even if we disagree, are in different political parties or go to different churches or don't even go to church, we are all neighbors. We can all grow, learn and share much love between us.
How much, if any, responsibility does the violent hateful rhetoric that surround politics have in the Tucson shooting? I am specifically talking about Sarah Palin and her putting a target over the district of Congresswoman Gifford.
I absolutely believe from a legal standpoint the gunmen is liable. But lets talk about from a culture perspective. Everything we say and do on the this planet affects those around us. In my opinion, we are our brothers keeper. As a Christian we are called to love, care and pray for those around us especially our enemies. But are we enemies if we disagree.
If someone put a gun target on my Facebook page then I was shot the next month, that action would definitely be up for discussion.
For Mrs. Palin or anyone else to say "Acts of monstrous criminality stand on their own. They begin and end with the criminals who commit them, not collectively with all the citizens of a state, not with those who listen to talk radio, not with maps of swing districts used by both sides of the aisle, not with law-abiding citizens who respectfully exercise their First Amendment rights at campaign rallies, not with those who proudly voted in the last election." I find this statement interesting since she does appear to hold this belief in reference to the 9/11 attacks. We can all be hypocritical at times, especially to rationalize or justify our actions.
This brings an interesting point. How much is Middle Eastern rhetoric that taut anti american hatred responsible for terrorist attacks on our country? I know this is an extreme example but I think it is a valid one. If we perpetuate and promote this kind of violent rhetoric, if we create a whole news channel devoted to riling up the anger in people, then we have to expect some consequences of this action. President Obama receives more death threats than any previous Presidents, even George W. I do believe this is a direct result of the perpetuation of violent rhetoric. If we continue this course with the mass media then those on the edge can be pushed to actions of violence.
We can't stifle free speech, but we can make it a personal action to turn off, not listen to, not promote such violence. Let news channels know by contacting them or turning them off that you will not perpetuate this. If Fox News wants to be a voice for the conservative right wing that is fine, that is not what I am talking about here.
I firmly believe that those that disagree with me are not my enemies. Even those who don't share my pro life beliefs. That is a very emotionally heated issue. I don't think those who disagree are my enemies nor do I hate them. I pray for them. I don't think Republicans are my enemies, as much as I may disagree with a lot of their platforms and get very frustrated, I don't hate republicans.
Wherever you stand on this issue. Remember that even if we disagree, are in different political parties or go to different churches or don't even go to church, we are all neighbors. We can all grow, learn and share much love between us.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
New Year Resolutions
Today was the Feast of the Epiphany of our Lord. We heard of the wisemen bringing gifts and paying homage to the baby Jesus. Not only did the wisemen bring gifts but they brought themselves. The sacrifice of the journey and the humble recognition of Christ as a King for all people.
I was thinking about what Christ wants from me. He wants nothing more and nothing less than me. I am called to pick up my cross and follow him. Sounds like a challenge but He will take our cross on himself like he already did on Calvary. He wants us to stand, kneel, or crawl before Him. He will accept us no matter how we look or what kind of baggage we have. He calls us to do the right thing, no matter how challenging it might be.
We all make new resolutions and or have thoughts of things we want to improve about ourselves. We see the new year as a beginning, as a "do over". We put hope in the world and in ourselves. We say we will work on being healthier, losing weight, stop smoking, be nicer, be more spiritual etc.... Statistically 2weeks is how long a new year's resolution lasts. But I know we can do better. I know we can change and improve no matter what our age or difficulty.
As we make new years resolutions to improve who we are, to stop smoking, lose weight or just try to be a better human in this crazy world. We should offer it up as a sacrifice. Draw on the strength of Christ, He wants what is best for us. We can bring him Gold (the precious gift of our life), Frankincense(our spirituality) and Myrrh(the belief in life after death).
I hope to continue this blog into the new year, but as I start a new job and a kitchen remodeling not sure how much time. My goal is at least once a week if not more. I know there are lots of interesting things to write about and hear your take on. I want to share my thoughts and hear yours as well.
Happy 2011 and God Bless you and your loved ones!!!!
I was thinking about what Christ wants from me. He wants nothing more and nothing less than me. I am called to pick up my cross and follow him. Sounds like a challenge but He will take our cross on himself like he already did on Calvary. He wants us to stand, kneel, or crawl before Him. He will accept us no matter how we look or what kind of baggage we have. He calls us to do the right thing, no matter how challenging it might be.
We all make new resolutions and or have thoughts of things we want to improve about ourselves. We see the new year as a beginning, as a "do over". We put hope in the world and in ourselves. We say we will work on being healthier, losing weight, stop smoking, be nicer, be more spiritual etc.... Statistically 2weeks is how long a new year's resolution lasts. But I know we can do better. I know we can change and improve no matter what our age or difficulty.
As we make new years resolutions to improve who we are, to stop smoking, lose weight or just try to be a better human in this crazy world. We should offer it up as a sacrifice. Draw on the strength of Christ, He wants what is best for us. We can bring him Gold (the precious gift of our life), Frankincense(our spirituality) and Myrrh(the belief in life after death).
I hope to continue this blog into the new year, but as I start a new job and a kitchen remodeling not sure how much time. My goal is at least once a week if not more. I know there are lots of interesting things to write about and hear your take on. I want to share my thoughts and hear yours as well.
Happy 2011 and God Bless you and your loved ones!!!!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
The Feast of the Holy Family
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas. We had a nice couple of days, except for my being sick. Truly enjoyed having my 4 kids all together.
Today, Sunday Dec 26th, is the Feast day of the Holy Family. As I listened to the readings at church today, I thought about my own kids and being a parent. Did Mary know, as the song says, all that her little baby was. Did Joseph realize the challenges ahead. They had already faced some big challenges. They had already witnessed some amazing things.
A mother holds her newborn baby and has many dreams for her child. Happiness, someone in their life to love, and a full life. We want our children to be better than we are, to live longer and be more successful. We want them to be strong adults who can handle all this world can throw at them. We want them to be sensitive and loving. To give more than take, to laugh more than cry.
Mary holds baby Jesus in her arms and takes in all that is happening around them. The visits from the angels, visiting Elizabeth, Joseph standing by her, the visits by the Shepherds and the visits from the Magi. She must have had a idea that this was big. As she held Jesus did she worry for him, as a mother she would have? She had such devotion to God, did she let go and trust in her faith. She poured out her heart and full love to Christ. She gave up her life for His. As all mothers strive to do.
Joseph looks at Mary and does he realize all that is happening. My husband told me that as a new father, you are sometimes filled with amazement and worry. Did Joseph feel that? Did he wonder how he was going to protect and provide for them? He too had such devotion to God. Did he lean on that? As he got Mary to Bethlehem, as he stood by her in labor and thru delivery, and has he lead them safely to Egypt, did he lean on his faith in God? He is such a strong figure in my mind. Taking in the woman and her Child of God and giving up his own life for them.
May the image of the Holy Family, their love and devotion for each other, guide us into the new year.
Today, Sunday Dec 26th, is the Feast day of the Holy Family. As I listened to the readings at church today, I thought about my own kids and being a parent. Did Mary know, as the song says, all that her little baby was. Did Joseph realize the challenges ahead. They had already faced some big challenges. They had already witnessed some amazing things.
A mother holds her newborn baby and has many dreams for her child. Happiness, someone in their life to love, and a full life. We want our children to be better than we are, to live longer and be more successful. We want them to be strong adults who can handle all this world can throw at them. We want them to be sensitive and loving. To give more than take, to laugh more than cry.
Mary holds baby Jesus in her arms and takes in all that is happening around them. The visits from the angels, visiting Elizabeth, Joseph standing by her, the visits by the Shepherds and the visits from the Magi. She must have had a idea that this was big. As she held Jesus did she worry for him, as a mother she would have? She had such devotion to God, did she let go and trust in her faith. She poured out her heart and full love to Christ. She gave up her life for His. As all mothers strive to do.
Joseph looks at Mary and does he realize all that is happening. My husband told me that as a new father, you are sometimes filled with amazement and worry. Did Joseph feel that? Did he wonder how he was going to protect and provide for them? He too had such devotion to God. Did he lean on that? As he got Mary to Bethlehem, as he stood by her in labor and thru delivery, and has he lead them safely to Egypt, did he lean on his faith in God? He is such a strong figure in my mind. Taking in the woman and her Child of God and giving up his own life for them.
May the image of the Holy Family, their love and devotion for each other, guide us into the new year.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Season Greetings. Whichever you prefer I wish you and your family all the best. I celebrate Christmas so I will stick with Merry Christmas.
As I sit here next to my lit tree I am reflecting on the story of Christmas. This year the spirit isn't as strong as years past, just have a lot going on. Christmas is still my favorite season.
I think about Mary, she said yes to God's will. Even though she could be shunned even stoned. She said "Thy will be done". I think about Joseph, a quiet strong good man. He could have turned Mary over to the authority, he could have divorced her, but instead he said yes. He stood by Mary protected her and the Christ child. He also risked being shunned or death.
They created a strong God filled family for our Savior to be a part of. They didn't have money or material wealth, just love and faith. The message in that love and with that family is so powerful. I often pray for the strength and intercession of St Joseph for my family. Through the intercession of St Joseph I was able to forgive my father and pray for his soul.
The most important event at this first Christmas is the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Think about this for a moment, God incarnate!! How amazing, how much love God must have for us to become one of us. The incarnate Christ was truly human and truly God. What a great mystery, incomprehensible but amazing. By becoming human God forever joined us to him in a most intimate way. The little babe in the manger offered so much hope and love. That is why the angels said "I bring you good tidings of great joy". The shepherds and the magi came to pay homage. This too is an awesome image and message. The wiseman from around the world and the simple shepherd together in worship.
I pray that the babe in the manger may touch the lives of those reading this and many throughout the world. That His message of peace and love change the world even more than it already has.
Merry Christmas!!!
As I sit here next to my lit tree I am reflecting on the story of Christmas. This year the spirit isn't as strong as years past, just have a lot going on. Christmas is still my favorite season.
I think about Mary, she said yes to God's will. Even though she could be shunned even stoned. She said "Thy will be done". I think about Joseph, a quiet strong good man. He could have turned Mary over to the authority, he could have divorced her, but instead he said yes. He stood by Mary protected her and the Christ child. He also risked being shunned or death.
They created a strong God filled family for our Savior to be a part of. They didn't have money or material wealth, just love and faith. The message in that love and with that family is so powerful. I often pray for the strength and intercession of St Joseph for my family. Through the intercession of St Joseph I was able to forgive my father and pray for his soul.
The most important event at this first Christmas is the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Think about this for a moment, God incarnate!! How amazing, how much love God must have for us to become one of us. The incarnate Christ was truly human and truly God. What a great mystery, incomprehensible but amazing. By becoming human God forever joined us to him in a most intimate way. The little babe in the manger offered so much hope and love. That is why the angels said "I bring you good tidings of great joy". The shepherds and the magi came to pay homage. This too is an awesome image and message. The wiseman from around the world and the simple shepherd together in worship.
I pray that the babe in the manger may touch the lives of those reading this and many throughout the world. That His message of peace and love change the world even more than it already has.
Merry Christmas!!!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Compromise
Compromise is not a dirty word. We all have to live together. If we are truly the "United" states, not the divided states. We all come to the table with opinions, ideas and individual unique experiences.
I know good people who are conservatives or Republican and I know good people who are liberals or Democrats. If we are reasonable and act like adults, we can sit down together to have reasonable conversations.
There are people on both sides who take it over the top and make things challenging. I know liberals who are willing to tolerate anything but my Christian beliefs, that they refuse to talk about. I know conservatives who only watch fox news with their mistruths, lies and fear tactics. They don't realize they are being manipulated. It is unfortunate.
But for the most part I think most people believe in our sense of democracy and the right for everyone to have their own opinions. The democrats and republicans in congress were elected by the people of this country. So we have to work together.
We are more than the labels like democrat/republican or liberal/conservative. I have friends and family that think I am a crazy liberal. I also have friends and family that think I am conservative. It depends on the issue we are discussing. I am like a lot of others, my opinions vary. To be honest I do tend to vote democrat. But I do look at each candidate and issue individually.
Labels don't mean much to me. You can call me a moderate democrat, liberal conservative or conservative liberal. It doesn't matter.
The only labels I would use for me are; Christian, catholic, mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend. I also don't mind being called Aunt, niece, and cousin(cuz). These are what matters, these are what I pray everyday to be better at. To love more, laugh lots and live everyday to fullest.
I know good people who are conservatives or Republican and I know good people who are liberals or Democrats. If we are reasonable and act like adults, we can sit down together to have reasonable conversations.
There are people on both sides who take it over the top and make things challenging. I know liberals who are willing to tolerate anything but my Christian beliefs, that they refuse to talk about. I know conservatives who only watch fox news with their mistruths, lies and fear tactics. They don't realize they are being manipulated. It is unfortunate.
But for the most part I think most people believe in our sense of democracy and the right for everyone to have their own opinions. The democrats and republicans in congress were elected by the people of this country. So we have to work together.
We are more than the labels like democrat/republican or liberal/conservative. I have friends and family that think I am a crazy liberal. I also have friends and family that think I am conservative. It depends on the issue we are discussing. I am like a lot of others, my opinions vary. To be honest I do tend to vote democrat. But I do look at each candidate and issue individually.
Labels don't mean much to me. You can call me a moderate democrat, liberal conservative or conservative liberal. It doesn't matter.
The only labels I would use for me are; Christian, catholic, mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend. I also don't mind being called Aunt, niece, and cousin(cuz). These are what matters, these are what I pray everyday to be better at. To love more, laugh lots and live everyday to fullest.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Life has a way of knocking you around sometimes!
Finally writing my blog. Life has a way of really pulling and tugging in ways you hadn't planned. We all have things that come up and distract you or completely spin you around from your original path. Sometimes in big ways sometimes in small ways.
Why, I wonder do things happen all at the same time? You know cars break down, but why not when you have extra money to fix it. Why does it break down at the worst possible moment.
I planned for a few days of down time from a recent procedure. After that our calendar had just a few things. But then life throws in 2 vehicle breakdowns, 2 card numbers getting stolen and 2 wrestling events we didn't know about. Not to mention the regulars like a couple of social events, a birthday and Christmas stuff.
What is one to do? Take it in stride, get through each thing on it's own. Have faith that things will work out. They always do. But sometimes that little voice says "yeh they usually do, which means you are due for one not to work out". Then I wonder, what is the worst that could happen. We get so complacent, we don't like inconveniences. Is that the worse? Come on! In a world facing real life and death issues!
Given these things I am talking about are small things, they still bring stress. If we don't step back, that stress can cause a host of other problems.
As we get caught up in the hurriedness of the season, remember stress is something we can choose to interfere with our life. When the stress gets to be to much, stop and take a step back. Identify where that stress is coming from. Use your support networks. Asking for help is not weak it is smart. In a stressful world we all need help sometime.
Why, I wonder do things happen all at the same time? You know cars break down, but why not when you have extra money to fix it. Why does it break down at the worst possible moment.
I planned for a few days of down time from a recent procedure. After that our calendar had just a few things. But then life throws in 2 vehicle breakdowns, 2 card numbers getting stolen and 2 wrestling events we didn't know about. Not to mention the regulars like a couple of social events, a birthday and Christmas stuff.
What is one to do? Take it in stride, get through each thing on it's own. Have faith that things will work out. They always do. But sometimes that little voice says "yeh they usually do, which means you are due for one not to work out". Then I wonder, what is the worst that could happen. We get so complacent, we don't like inconveniences. Is that the worse? Come on! In a world facing real life and death issues!
Given these things I am talking about are small things, they still bring stress. If we don't step back, that stress can cause a host of other problems.
As we get caught up in the hurriedness of the season, remember stress is something we can choose to interfere with our life. When the stress gets to be to much, stop and take a step back. Identify where that stress is coming from. Use your support networks. Asking for help is not weak it is smart. In a stressful world we all need help sometime.
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