I told my kids what was happening and got them caught up on the current events surrounding this rally and asked them if they wanted to go and counter protest. The answer from my five kiddos who are 10 and under was a resounding "yes!"
A friend and her kids were joining us and she texted that they had their St. Benedict medals ready to go. The response from my kids was both surprising and inspiring when I told them to get their St. Benedict crucifixes, after the reminder from my friend. They went into full spiritual combat gear up mode. The 7 year old had just gotten a small holy water key chain container for his First Holy Communion, so he grabbed that and the Lourdes water he received as well. They all grabbed rosaries, the 8 year old put on his St. Michael the Archangel t-shirt, they all wore their St. Benedict crucifixes and the 10 year old made sure we had the pro-life signs. Taking a hint from my kids I grabbed some of our exorcised salt as well to take with us.
It's funny, they don't always know how to get ready to go for school, or a simple outing to the grocery store, but they seemed to know exactly what they would need to ready themselves for spiritual combat.
Seeing them readily gear up and hearing them so naturally pray the rosary with their friends today was a big sign of hope for me. The Alabama law seems like the first break in the pro-choice wall that has been up for decades. I think one of the most exciting points to note is that it was signed in by a woman.
Here are a few I have noticed lately:
-My husband is a hero. Even in spite of pain and illness he still manages to be gentle, patient, and caring with the kids. He manages to be patient, humble and gentle with me despite my moods and issues. But most of all, through this rough time for him, he keeps on going. He clings to hope and to God even when it is difficult and when he is frustrated. That is everyday heroism. 💖💖💖
-Last Thursday I saw three boys, classmates of my kiddos, run out of their Spanish class as soon as it finished so that they wouldn't be late for altar serving at daily Mass. Their dedication to going to daily Mass inspired us to follow them there and it was a joy to watch them serve so reverently.
-I see my parish priest toughing out the daily grind amidst his own physical illness and suffering.
-I see my priest friends keep loving and serving their parishoners despite backlash and sometimes hateful behavior.
-I see my friends ministering to and praying for others while their baby boy is in the hospital getting open heart surgery and going through hurdle after hurdle in recovery.
-I see my friends celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary, defying the throw away culture we live in and showing the world God-like love.
-I see my friend battling cancer while caring for her toddler and baby boy with strength, grace, hope, courage and love.
All of these things give me hope for a new day. All of your beautiful lives and holy crosses are bearing the fruits of hope, peace and love in my heart and soul and also in the world around you. Thank you all for living holy lives for the world to see. Keep it up. You are inspiring.
Thank you Jesus for these people who all answer the call to receive your love and bring it forth into the world.
