Gudnayber

Author: Joshua Gudnayber

  • A Murder of Crows in my Yard

    A Murder of Crows in my Yard

    I have recently had crows in my yard. Oddly enough I have unwittingly made burnt offerings to them twice; a burned grilled cheese sandwich left on the stove and later a piece of garlic bread I was heating on broil and forgot.

    I do not put much stock in superstitions but I have had enough odd things happen lately that I thought I would document.

    This summer I killed 3 snakes; one out of mercy (dying in the road), one moving wood from a tree I cut down and lastly one I did not see while cutting weeds.

    Our God is not one who deals in superstition but at the same time has given us a faith rich in symbolism and hidden meaning. We have a patient and mysterious God who waits for us to choose him and is hidden all around us.

    So back to the crows, bread is given in communion, it is Christ as a sacrificial lamb that has been sacrificed once for all our sin. The murder of Crows is symbolic of the end of death, for by that sacrifice we all can be redeemed from death to life.

    The 3 snakes, all are for what must die with the sacrifice of the lamb. Sin, in the Bible, is the reason or cause for death and we must bury it with Christ if we want to rise with Jesus.

    The first snake, killed out of mercy is to remind us of the suffering sin causes others. Sin often impacts someone else and so is in opposition to the covenant, Love God and love your neighbor.

    The next was killed by a piece of tree, a branch, because Jesus is the tree of life and he came to defeat sin. Christ came to save sinners so the tree will defeat sin with grace.

    Lastly the one killed while weed eating. Jesus tells a parable of the farmer who in the night his enemy sowed weeds into his harvest. Gods people are his harvest but weeds are among us. The removing the weeds will happen on the last day, then is when we conquer the serpent, who uses sin to accuse Gods people.

    This may seem like a superstitious rant but it is meant to show how God sometimes whispers in our lives. God is all around us, revealing who he is to us all the time, and we often miss it. Do not miss the chance to see God and how he is working around you.

    “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle,”

    Albert Einstein

  • Standing with Our Muslim Neighbors: A Christian Perspective

    Standing with Our Muslim Neighbors: A Christian Perspective

    A close friend of mine (referred to as “Mary” in a recent post by Qasim Rashid, Esq.) saw an Islamophobic post on social media that seemed fake and asked how she should respond. I thought it would be good to show support from a Christian perspective—one that does not see Muslims as our enemy—and also share some historical context. Note that even if they were our enemy, as Christians we are called to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44).

    Rich History of Mutual Protection

    Did you know that there is a long history of Muslims and Christians protecting each other?

    In the 7th century, Muslims were being persecuted in Mecca. During their Migration to Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia), they were welcomed and protected by a Christian king and his court. This early example of interfaith solidarity provided safety for vulnerable believers fleeing religious persecution.

    In 1219, during the Fifth Crusade, Saint Francis of Assisi was welcomed by the Sultan of Egypt, Al-Malik al-Kamil. Despite the ongoing military conflict, Francis stayed for several days, preaching and encouraging peace between the two religions. This remarkable encounter demonstrates that even during times of war, meaningful dialogue and mutual respect were possible.

    Modern Examples of Interfaith Cooperation

    This spirit of cooperation continues today. In Egypt, Coptic Christians regularly prepare evening meals during Ramadan for Muslims who have been fasting—a beautiful expression of neighborly love that transcends religious boundaries.

    At the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, all three Abrahamic religions work together, recognizing it as a holy site sacred to them all. This cooperation in maintaining one of Christianity’s most important sites shows how shared reverence can unite rather than divide.

    Personal Connections Matter

    For me personally, these principles became real through friendship. Years ago, I became close friends with a Muslim colleague. I enjoyed hearing about the differences in our related scriptures and was welcomed to eat with his family. When his father passed away during his pilgrimage to Mecca, I mourned alongside him. We still keep in touch, and he always asks my children to pray for him—a request that speaks to our shared belief in the power of prayer, regardless of the particular tradition.

    A Call to Love, Not Division

    There are extremists in all religions who distort and misinterpret scripture to serve their own agenda. Even Jesus warned that within his own church there would be “weeds planted amongst the harvest” (Matthew 13:24-28). These voices do not represent the true heart of our faiths.

    For me, the path is clear: I am going to love my Muslim neighbors. That is what God wants me to do.

    Assalamu Alaikum.

  • Humility and Love, the keys to Peace

    Humility and Love, the keys to Peace

    Here is the TL;DR for this article. Humility is needed to know I don’t know everything, and love is needed to empathize with your enemy.

    In this deep division in our country we are struggling to find common ground and we need it right now. Let’s take a deeper look at these two characteristics and how we can do better.

    “For we know partially and we prophesy partially, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.”
    ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭9‬-‭10‬

    In this vast world, our puzzle piece only sees the pieces that touch us. We may be more connected then ever and get news from all over the world but these snippets can’t tell us everything about those they feature. This taking the world in, one snippet at a time, means our minds fill in the blanks with limited information.

    Assumptions are the way we see the world in our minds. Even the richest world traveler may only see the nicest places around the world, but does not see their culture in its entirety. The community service volunteer may know their neighbors and community well but that is just one corner of the puzzle.

    Realizing no matter how hard we try we can only know in part means we must hold lightly to our beliefs. This does not mean to be lukewarm in the practice of our beliefs but we must not look down on those with different beliefs.

    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely;”
    ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬ ‭NABRE‬‬

    Now Love is the perfect, for where our understanding falls short love allows us to go beyond our understanding. You do not need to understand someone to love them. To see them as human and attend to their needs requires no shared language. Love is a universal language, a smile is an olive branch to someone who feels alone. Getting the door for someone or making room for them says, “I see you”.

    “Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
    ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭7‬ ‭NABRE‬‬

    Now let’s be more specific about our divisions here in America, though we want different things both sides are seeking what they see as justice.

    Those who are left seek justice for marginalized and what they see as the protection of individuals rights. Those on the right seek justice for law and order and what they see as traditional values and morals.

    I’m not saying either is right or wrong, what I want is for us to see each other as human beings and to treat each other with compassion. We need to go the extra mile for the person we do not agree with.

    “If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles.”
    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭40‬-‭41‬ ‭NABRE‬‬

    Now there are those who just want to fight, be mindful. Someone looking for a discussion cares what you say, they want to understand and they want to be understood too. If you realize you are talking the the former, find a polite way to exit the conversation. There is no understanding being reached by someone who just wants to win; discussions are not a zero-sum game but an exchange of puzzle pieces that help us see the bigger picture.

    “A person gains honor by avoiding strife, while every fool starts a quarrel.”
    ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭20‬:‭3‬ ‭NABRE‬‬

  • Closets are for Clothes

    Closets are for Clothes

    Appeal to Christians and Parents during Pride month

    June is pride month for the LGBTQ+ community. As an ally I would like to address this to Christians who do not support this community and parents who do not support their children.

    First, I do not wish to cause you to stumble when it comes to what you believe but I do want to provide some perspective and appeal to you as a fellow Christian.

    “Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins.”
    ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭

    Since love covers a multitude of sin, isn’t it better to love them than to judge them. They are just human, just like you. They are one of Gods children, just like you. As Christians, we are not saved by righteousness, we are saved by grace. How do you think Gay people, who do not know Christ, view Christ if they think you hate them.

    “Then let us no longer judge one another, but rather resolve never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.”
    ‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬ ‭

    By not welcoming Gay people, you are judging them and their lifestyle. You are also blocking them from Christ and making them think Christians are not loving compassionate people.

    You are also putting them in danger. When a Gay person feels like they can’t be themselves, then they feel like they have to live in the dark. If you hate them, you are just as much in the dark.

    “Whoever hates his brother is in darkness; he walks in darkness and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.”
    ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬

    Parents of LGBTQ+ children

    To parents of LGBTQ+ children, if you make your child feel like they cannot be them selves; you are forcing them to live a lie. If they cannot be who they are then they will either hate you or hate themselves because they are not what you want them to be. They may try to be what you want them to be. Our God is a God of Truth, that means we need to accept truth. We need to love our children for who they are.

    Maybe you fear not seeing them in heaven, that you believe that being gay is a choice that cannot be forgiven. Now what if your judgment of them is the sin that needs to be forgiven. If you can’t welcome your own child as they are, will Christ welcome you? God sees our hearts and judges all and loving them is reflecting Gods love for all of us. Maybe if you can receive and welcome them as they are then Christ can welcome you too.

    ““Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10‬:‭40‬ ‭

    Children of Christian parents should never feel unloved or rejected because we are never to prevent a child from coming to Christ.

    “Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.””
    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭14‬ ‭NABRE‬‬

    Regarding Gay Marriage

    Sexuality, regardless of orientation, can be sinful. When you seek your own desires, treating partners as objects to be used then we are being selfish and sinful. But if you fall in love with someone and want to serve their needs, fulfilling each other’s needs, this is selfless. If you make a vow and dedicate your self to that person until death do you part, I have trouble seeing how God could condemn that union.

    I will share this insight that the Apostle Paul addressed to married couples, that they should “not deprive each other” to prevent lust from a “lack of self-control.” This tells me that even as married heterosexuals, sexuality can become sinful.

    “Do not deprive each other, except perhaps by mutual consent for a time, to be free for prayer, but then return to one another, so that Satan may not tempt you through your lack of self-control.”
    ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭5‬

    Love Remains

    In the end, we only know in part. We can’t assume we know who God saves and condemns, and this is not our job. Our job is to love like Christ.

    “We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.”
    ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬

  • A house divided

    A house divided

    My family feels very divided. The division I feel in my family, I believe, many families are feeling here in the US. The United States currently feels like the Divided States.

    “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.”
    ‭‭Mark‬ ‭3‬:‭24‬ ‭

    I don’t know how we bridge this gap. If we can’t mend these divisions in our own families how can we come together as a Nation and solve the issues we are facing. This is a dark place we are in.

    “Whoever says he is in the light, yet hates his brother, is still in the darkness.”
    ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬

    It’s a hard road ahead. We are blinded by either hate or our own sense of what is right. It will take humility and compassion to over come this division. We can not rely on our own understanding. We need to allow ourselves to hear the other side.

    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely;”
    ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬ ‭

    You may find you are not able to concede to the others opinion. That it goes against your values or you just can’t find any common ground. Here I urge you to love your enemy.

    ““You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.”
    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭43‬-‭45‬

    Loving your enemy does not mean letting them think they are right. It does mean you see them. This is a beautiful gesture that you can give someone you disagree with. In a world where most feel they are not heard, seen or that they matter you can show them they are heard, seen and matter.

    In the end, is it better your enemy believes you are right or that they are loved? Love is the key to change. I will leave you with this description of love.

    “Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
    ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭7

    No matter how sure we are about our positions and opinions, we are human and our perspective and perception is limited. We see in part, love allows all voices and makes us whole. Love makes us United again.

    Love never fails. If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing; if tongues, they will cease; if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing. For we know partially and we prophesy partially, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.”
    ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭8‬-‭10‬

  • Gates closed for most vulnerable: Episcopal Church ends its Migration Ministries in the US

    Gates closed for most vulnerable: Episcopal Church ends its Migration Ministries in the US

    Episcopal Church is ending its refugee resettlement agreement with the United States federal government.

    The Episcopal Church in the US has ended its immigrant resettlement program after the US ordered resettlement for Afrikaners from South Africa seeking asylum while all other refugees have been declined since this administrations started.

    The Federal Governments crackdown on immigration has expanded to asylum seekers, ending legal status for many of these types of immigrants. These people are having to return to countries that may be hostile towards them. This has never been illegal immigration and is meant to help people at risk of persecution.

    Letter from Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe on Episcopal Migration Ministries

    In Bishop Rowe’s letter he notes that much of their work in recent years has been the resettlement of Afghan refugees. These are often people who had assisted the US and have been in danger since our withdrawal from Afghanistan.

    When faith organizations stop supporting federal programs we need to pause and ask our selves if we are living up to the ideals of our founding fathers.

    We are a nation of immigrants. We are forgetting what made us great, why God blesses us. We serve the least and give them hope. They come looking for the American dream, guided by lady liberty’s torch. At her feet you can read this inscription, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”


    “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus. The poem’s famous lines, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free

    This is also biblical. We are called to treat the Alien as we treat ourselves, reminding Gods people that they were once Aliens and slaves in a foreign land.

    “You shall treat the alien who resides with you no differently than the natives born among you; you shall love the alien as yourself; for you too were once aliens in the land of Egypt. I, the Lord, am your God.”
    ‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭19‬:‭34‬

    If we want to be great again, we need to be compassionate again. These people are no different then our families before us that brought us here. We need to respect their memory and return to welcoming those who need us.

  • AI Chat* about protecting the dignity of LGBTQ+ people

    AI Chat* about protecting the dignity of LGBTQ+ people

    At a loss for words in a country with growing hatred towards marginalized people and a lack of humanity I thought maybe ChatGPT has a more humane perspective. Here is the conversation

    Why is it important to protect the dignity of LGBTQ+ people and the dangers of allowing hate?

    Protecting the dignity of LGBTQ+ people is important because every person deserves to live safely, authentically, and without fear of discrimination or violence. Dignity is a fundamental human right — when it’s protected, it fosters inclusion, mental health, creativity, and a stronger, more just society.

    Allowing hate against LGBTQ+ people, on the other hand, creates real dangers:

    Violence and harm: Hate leads directly to harassment, assault, and even murder.

    Mental health crises: Constant stigma and fear can cause depression, anxiety, and high suicide rates among LGBTQ+ individuals.

    Division and instability: Societies that allow hate to spread become more divided, less compassionate, and more prone to broader conflicts.

    Loss of talent and contributions: When LGBTQ+ people are marginalized, communities miss out on the talents, ideas, and leadership they bring.

    Erosion of rights for everyone: Normalizing hate weakens the protections of dignity and freedom for all people, not just LGBTQ+ individuals.

    At its core, protecting dignity is about recognizing our shared humanity. Without it, society can slip into cycles of dehumanization that hurt everyone.

    Would you like me to also give some historical examples where this played out clearly?

    Yes

    Alright — here are a few powerful historical examples:

    Nazi Germany (1930s–1940s) LGBTQ+ people, especially gay men, were targeted under Nazi rule. They were arrested, sent to concentration camps, and forced to wear pink triangles as a badge of shame. Many were tortured or killed. It showed how hatred, once legitimized by a state, can escalate into catastrophic violence.

    The AIDS Crisis (1980s) When HIV/AIDS first spread, LGBTQ+ communities — especially gay men — faced not only the disease but also widespread hatred and neglect. Governments and healthcare systems were slow to respond because of societal stigma. The result: thousands of preventable deaths. The crisis only began to be addressed seriously after activists fought for the dignity and humanity of those affected.

    Stonewall Riots (1969) Before Stonewall, police routinely raided gay bars, humiliating and arresting LGBTQ+ people just for gathering. The riots were a turning point — LGBTQ+ individuals fought back against this abuse, sparking the modern movement for equal rights. Stonewall shows that protecting dignity isn’t passive; it sometimes requires resistance against systems of hate.

    Modern Uganda (Anti-LGBTQ+ laws) In recent years, Uganda has passed extremely harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws, including the death penalty for some forms of same-sex activity. These laws have fueled widespread violence, forced people into hiding, and devastated families. It’s a current example of how legalized hate endangers lives and destabilizes societies.

    These examples show a pattern: where dignity is stripped, suffering and injustice grow. But where dignity is defended, society becomes freer and stronger.

    Would you also like a few inspiring examples where protecting LGBTQ+ dignity led to positive change?

    Yes

    Here are some inspiring examples where protecting LGBTQ+ dignity led to major positive change:

    1. Marriage Equality in the U.S. (2015)

    When the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide (in Obergefell v. Hodges), it recognized the dignity and worth of LGBTQ+ families. This decision didn’t just grant legal rights — it also helped shift public attitudes toward greater acceptance. Many LGBTQ+ youth grew up feeling safer and more hopeful because society affirmed their humanity.

    2. Decriminalization of Homosexuality in India (2018)

    In 2018, India’s Supreme Court struck down a colonial-era law (Section 377) that criminalized same-sex relationships. The judges wrote that protecting the dignity and equality of LGBTQ+ people was central to a free society. Since then, visibility, activism, and support for LGBTQ+ rights in India have grown tremendously.

    3. New Zealand’s Leadership

    New Zealand has been a global leader in LGBTQ+ rights, legalizing same-sex marriage early (in 2013) and having openly LGBTQ+ leaders in government. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern often framed LGBTQ+ rights as a basic issue of love and dignity — helping to create a political culture where inclusion and respect are normal.

    4. The Progress in Mental Health

    When mental health professionals declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder (e.g., the American Psychiatric Association in 1973), it protected the dignity of LGBTQ+ people. This shift helped end decades of harmful “conversion therapies” and led to more compassionate, affirming healthcare, improving millions of lives.

    When dignity is respected, LGBTQ+ people can thrive — and when they thrive, society becomes more creative, healthier, and more resilient.

    Would you like me to also share a short quote from a leader or activist that sums this up beautifully?

    Yes

    Here’s a powerful one from Desmond Tutu, the South African archbishop and human rights activist:

    “I would refuse to go to a homophobic heaven. No, I would say sorry, I mean I would much rather go to the other place. I would not worship a God who is homophobic.”

    Tutu said this while fighting for LGBTQ+ rights, emphasizing that protecting dignity isn’t just political — it’s deeply moral and spiritual too.

    It’s about standing for love and against hate, no matter the cost.

    Would you like a few more quotes from activists or leaders if you’re collecting them?

    No, could you provide me a list of support options for people in the LGBTQ+ community?

    Of course — here’s a list of good support options for LGBTQ+ people, covering emotional support, crisis help, community building, and mental health resources:

    Crisis and Immediate Support:

    The Trevor Project (U.S.)

    Crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth.

    Trans Lifeline (U.S. and Canada)

    Peer support service run by and for trans people.

    LGBT National Help Center

    Hotlines and online chats for LGBTQ+ people of all ages.

    Switchboard (UK)

    Confidential listening service for LGBTQ+ people.

    Mental Health Support:

    LGBTQ+ Psychotherapist Directories (e.g., Psychology Today’s LGBTQ+ therapist listings) Find affirming therapists in your area. Q Chat Space Live-chat support groups for LGBTQ+ teens, staffed by trained facilitators.

    Website: qchatspace.org

    Community and Advocacy:

    PFLAG (U.S. and international chapters) Support for LGBTQ+ people, families, and allies.

    It Gets Better Project Storytelling and inspiration for LGBTQ+ youth.

    CenterLink: The Community of LGBTQ Centers Directory of LGBTQ+ centers across North America.

    Website: lgbtcenters.org

    Online and Virtual Spaces:

    Reddit LGBTQ+ Communities

    (e.g., r/lgbt, r/asktransgender) — peer support and discussion.

    Discord LGBTQ+ Servers

    (e.g., LGBTQ+ Teens, TransSpace) — moderated chat spaces.

    * This conversation was with ChatGPT. Though it is not a human interaction the content it provided is helpful in making our country and more humane one where all people are treating with dignity.

  • The Human Dignity of Immigrants and Why Respect for All Is a Moral Imperative

    The Human Dignity of Immigrants and Why Respect for All Is a Moral Imperative

    In a world increasingly defined by movement and migration, the conversation around immigration has often been reduced to statistics, policies, and politics. Lost in this discourse is a simple, fundamental truth: immigrants are people, and every person, regardless of their place of origin or legal status, possesses inherent human dignity.

    Understanding Human Dignity

    Human dignity is the intrinsic worth that every individual possesses simply by being human. It is not earned by status, wealth, education, or nationality—it is innate. This principle lies at the heart of universal human rights and is recognized in foundational documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which proclaims that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

    Dignity demands that people are not treated as problems to be solved, burdens to be carried, or threats to be contained. Instead, it calls us to see each person as a bearer of value, worthy of respect, compassion, and inclusion.

    The Immigrant Experience and the Challenge to Dignity

    Immigrants often face an uphill battle to preserve their dignity in societies that may view them with suspicion, indifference, or hostility. They may be fleeing violence, poverty, or persecution, seeking safety and opportunity for themselves and their families. Yet upon arrival, they are frequently met with marginalization—discrimination, exploitation in the workplace, or inhumane detention conditions. Such treatment is not just unjust; it is a failure to recognize their humanity.

    Children separated from their parents at borders, asylum seekers living in limbo, or undocumented workers denied basic labor protections—all are examples of systems that ignore the core truth of human dignity.

    Why Dignity Matters

    Treating immigrants with dignity is not just an ethical choice—it’s a reflection of our shared humanity. It affirms that we are all interconnected and that the well-being of one group impacts the health of the whole society. When we protect the rights and dignity of immigrants, we build communities that are more just, inclusive, and compassionate for everyone.

    Dignity also empowers individuals. People who are treated with respect and given the opportunity to contribute are more likely to thrive and give back to the communities that welcome them. Studies consistently show that immigrants enrich their new countries economically, culturally, and socially when they are given the chance.

    A Call to Action

    Recognizing the human dignity of immigrants means changing the narrative and the systems that deny it. It means advocating for humane immigration policies, standing against racism and xenophobia, and supporting organizations that provide legal aid, shelter, and integration support. On a personal level, it means seeing the humanity in those who are different from us—listening to their stories, learning from their experiences, and offering friendship and solidarity.

    Ultimately, the measure of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable. By upholding the dignity of immigrants, we not only affirm their humanity—we reaffirm our own.

    *AI written article using ChatGPT. Though it lacks a personal touch its output was insightful. Maybe it takes writing from a non-human to help us find our humanity (you can’t see the forest from the trees).

  • Pearls of Wisdom

    Pearls of Wisdom

    An oyster grows a pearl over time. What started as an irritant, a piece of sand that got into its mouth forms into this beautiful jewel.

    What if the oyster had spit it out, it would just be another grain of sand at the at the bottom of the ocean.

    We sometimes do this to people, if they are irritating then we spit them out. We treat them as common and discard them, leaving them to believe they are just another piece of sand.

    You have the ability to form pearls too. When someone is irritating you, you have a choice. Will you spit them out or will you keep them close and allow them to become a pearl. Pearls are rare only because there are too many grains of sand that have not been giving the chance to realize their potential.

  • Leading us Out of the Desert

    Leading us Out of the Desert

    Reflecting on Pope Francis passing, it really is miraculous his passing on Easter Monday. Lent, the 40 days before Easter is like the Israelites 40 years in the desert (trials of life) before they could enter the promise land (heaven). Jesus resurrection is leading us out of the desert and into paradise. Pope Francis is a modern example to follow, journeying through the desert of life, following Christ and on Easter he is redeemed and enters into heaven.

    When he became Pope, the world did not know anything about him but his choice in names was very telling of his mission. The name means, “freeman” and Saint Francis was a saint who made himself so much like Christ he received his wounds. God asked Francis to” rebuild his church.” He focused on the poor and marginalized. His prayer is one of my favorites:

    Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
    where there is hatred, let me sow love;
    where there is injury, pardon;
    where there is doubt, faith;
    where there is despair, hope;
    where there is darkness, light;
    where there is sadness, joy. 

    O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console,
    to be understood as to understand,
    to be loved as to love.
    For it is in giving that we receive, 
    it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, 
    and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
    Amen.

    This prayer is a mindset Pope Francis embraced. Putting others above yourself and lifting them up so that we all Rise with Christ.

    In the United States we are so divided, let us learn from one of his last meetings. On Easter Pope Francis met with Vice President Vance. Pope Francis has been critical about our current immigration policies and as a defender of the marginalized would make VP Vance his enemy. On the biggest day of the year for the Pope he took the time to welcome him and gave his children Chocolate eggs. He loves his enemy.

    The world will miss his sense of mercy and enormous heart. We should all strive to love like Pope Francis. Love sets us free. Let us pray we can learn to love our enemies like this, our neighbors as our selves, and strive for peace by following his lead.