Immodesty and Beauty Pageants

A poignant and needed opinion piece at Catholic.org:

Immodest Miss USA Photos: It's Time for Decency and Dignity

"The Miss USA pageant must pull back the reigns and take a more modest approach, or women of virtue and ethics will not participate. Without women of principle, the pageant will scrape the bottom of the barrel for eager, unprincipled participants. That industry exists and it's called pornography-and God knows we don't need more of that."

HT: Colleen Hammond

Pro-Life Victory

LifeSiteNews.com —

Young Counselor Threatened with Knife Learns that Baby Was Saved from Abortion

Three months after being threatened with a knife to her throat by a woman entering an abortion mill, 21-year-old pro-life counselor Leah Winandy has
learned that her attacker has decided not to abort her child – and credits Leah
and Leah’s mother for saving her from a life of regret.

Media Malpractice

This year's March for Life was bigger than ever. And, once again, the secular news media all but ignored it. Last night I heard a priest comment, "You want to know how to make 250,000 people disappear? Send them to Washington and hand them pro-life signs."

What's even more frustrating is that not only does the media belittle the huge, peaceful pro-life presence, but if they do mention us, they try to say that there are just as many pro-abortion individuals there, too. They like to label us "anti-abortion activists" and say things like, "most protestors are in their 60's or older", and "there are no young women around". Sorry, but anyone in D.C. on January 22 can tell you that YOUTH are the ones who fill the place. And young women? I was there, people. If anything, we are the majority!

Righteous indignation is needed here, folks. And plenty of our own self-publishing of the real, staggering facts, while expressing our vocal dissatisfaction with the seriously deficient average news media. Write your paper, TV station, whatever. Point out their obvious lack of skill and respectfully demand fair and balanced reporting in 2011.

From Catholic Fire: At the 2010 March for Life the media set new standards for journalistic fraud. In its lead photo, CNN showed five pro-abortion picketers, all that could be found, and ignored the 300,000 pro-life marchers. CNN's Rick Sanchez wondered out loud which group dominated. Newsweek claimed that most participants were in their 60's when, in fact, most were under 25. This video sets the record straight.

What are we coming to?

I'm afraid that I'm coming down with something today, and was wondering why I should be getting sick. Well, a glance at some of the headlines in LifeSiteNews and Catholic News Agency showed that there's an awful lot to make reparation for right now...

Chicago Mayor Daley to Sign Abortion "Bubble Law" Ordinance
New ad backing same-sex ‘marriage’ in Maine misrepresents Catholicism
Obama Criticizes People with "Old Attitudes" in Keynote Speech at Homosexualist Dinner
President of USCCB Congratulates President Obama for Nobel Peace Prize
Homosexual Hate Crimes Law Poised to Become Law after Passing U.S. House
Notre Dame Pays Student Expenses to D.C. March for Homosexual 'Marriage'
Policeman Confiscates Rockford Pro-Lifer's Christ Image

There were a few positive ones, too, but the above type seemed sadly overpowering! Friends, we much pray and sacrifice for our slipping nation.

Music in Utero: The Smile of the Unborn

As both a pro-lifer and a musician, I find this article so beautiful. Here's a taste:

The footage was part of a recent PBS special, The Music Instinct:
Science & Song. The program was an exploration of, among other things,
music’s “biological, emotional and psychological impact on humans.”

Part of this “exploration” included how music affects babies. If we
are, as some scientists believe, “wired for music,” then babies are ideal test
subjects since their reactions are, by definition, instinctual.

Part of this research involved the effect of music on fetuses.
While we knew that mothers often sing to their unborn children, we weren’t sure
that the unborn child could hear them.

We are now. A segment of The Music Instinct featured Sheila C. Woodward of the University of Southern California, who has studied fetal responses to music. A camera and a microphone designed for underwater use were inserted into the uterus of a pregnant woman. And then Woodward sang.

The hydrophone picked up two sounds: the “whooshing” of the uterine
artery and the unmistakable sound of a woman singing a lullaby.

Then something extraordinary happened. Upon hearing the woman’s
voice, the unborn child smiled.

It was one of those moments that makes you catch your breath. The
full humanity of the fetus could not have been clearer if he had turned to the
camera and winked.

Apparently, fetal responses to music aren’t limited to smiling. They have been observed moving their hands in response to music, almost as if conducting. They have been soothed by Vivaldi and disturbed by loud tracks from Beethoven. They have even responded “rhythmically to rhythms tapped on [their] mother’s belly.”

Read the rest here. Thrilling...and powerful!

On Marriage

A few weeks ago, a lady I know who writes for the Herald News called me to get some quotes for an article. It came out today, discussing a current "debate" on the ideal marriageable age for Christians. Although I'm not sure I get the title, I think she did a fairly good job covering the contrasting viewpoints on the topic. One stance says couples should delay marriage until they have finished college, paid off the loans, and established a career. This mindset seems to me to be rather inspired by our me-in-control, individualistic culture. Of course, I've known wonderful people who were called to a longer season of singleness before marriage (evidenced by the fact that they didn't meet their spouse until they were a bit older). But when a couple in their early 20's has been together for some time, truly know one another, and know they want to spend the rest of their lives together, delaying the commitment by a few or several years can usher in plenty of negative effects. Especially when the pair is striving to remain pure. Love desires union, and particularly the full marital union of husband and wife. Don't presume that you are strong enough to indefinitely wait (the key word there is "indefinitely"). Wait, yes! But I have heard plenty of wise couples advise against a long engagement for this very reason — so the passions don't run away.

I think it's no coincidence that another marriage-themed article also appeared in today's paper: 'Playing house' not a good idea. Finally, a reality check! The news? It's not healthy for your relationship to cohabitate before marriage. I find it both sad and amusing when "new studies" come forth confirming what the Church (and common sense) have known and taught for, well, at least the last 2000 years.

How unfortunate for a generation to go such lengths to get rid of moral standards, only to realize that "old-fashioned" values aren't such a bad idea after all.

I Love the Duggars!

In an era that devalues the gift of life, I think the joyful Duggar family is a wonderful witness to the reality of this gift. Parents Jim Bob and Michelle are always so upbeat and positive, and I can never get over how stunning and youthful Michelle looks — just pregnant with number 19, she is more gorgeous and glowing than ever! It's both sad and interesting how many people are derogative about their openness to life. And I'm sure these critics are the very same who claim to stand for "tolerance" and "choice". Why should they be mad about a large, happy, Christian, homeschooling family that chooses life (and that lives debt-free in a home they built themselves)? These well-rounded children will each bring a valuable contribution to society. I also love how beautifully and femininely the ladies of the Duggar family dress — Michelle and all 8 daughters! This family stands for the kind of beautiful values that are all-too-rare today. Though the Duggars are not Catholic, I think it's great how Jim Bob quotes Mother Teresa in this recent video announcing baby #19:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

And there are some very sweet photos in this one. See what I mean about a lovely mama? (At 42, she hardly looks older than her daughter-in-law!)

May the Lord continue to bless this family, and may their courageous witness inspire many to embrace the gift of life.

Planned Parenthood Exposed

Wow. Lila Rose continues her amazing pro-life work! I am very impressed by the tone of the reporter in this news clip. She actually calls us "pro-lifers" (instead of "anti-abortion activists"), and does not sugar-coat the case. In fact, she sounds like she may be pro-life herself! And how encouraging that the attorney general of the state is cued in and working for justice. Let us be ever vigilant!

Update: A commenter kindly notified me that the reporter is Laura Ingraham, which explains her authentic indignation at this story! It's been awhile since I watched an interview of hers; no wonder she looked familiar but I couldn't quite place her. :)

Chilling

The Western Culture of Death is taking its toll. We need lots more devout Christian Catholic families with lots of children!

Forces United

Wow, there is nothing like a big injustice to mobilize the faithful! The huge recent scandal of Obama being invited to speak at and receiving an honorary degree from Notre Dame has elicted an impressively emphatic and immediate response. In the span of just a few days, a number of websites have been created to voice opposition, including www.ndresponse.com. There is more than one online petition, most notably www.notredamescandal.com, whose petition has gathered more that 177,00 signatures in less than a week!

I very much agree that this invitation from a prestigious Catholic University is saddening, but I am also heartened by the unification and action we have seen as a result. Let's hope those 177,000 are on their knees petitioning heaven, too.

If you're not part of the throng yet, don't waste any time!

I Love LifeSiteNews!

Where else would we get such an affirming, beautiful story as this one?

Husband of Woman in Coma for 14 Years Visits Wife Three Times Daily, Won't Give Up
Will love his wife "until God has the last word"

SANTIAGO, February 18, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) -- In a story that stands in stark contrast to the Eluana Englaro and Terri Schiavo cases in Italy and the United States, a Chilean man has been visiting his comatose wife for 14 years, and says he won't give up on her.

Carlos Abarca has always visited his wife regularly, and now that he has retired from the national police force, he is able to come three times a day. He says that caring for her is his whole life.

"My affection will always be focused on her, I have never doubted it," he told the Chilean daily El Mercurio, which broke the story. "I don't seek for more from life than caring for her. There is nothing more to do."

The affection he has for his wife, says Abarca, is "stronger than ever. I want to protect her, care for her, make sure she is well, that she lacks nothing."

Abarca says he will continue to love his wife, "until God has the last word. In the end, if tomorrow she must go, our conscience will be clear."

Go here to see a touching photo and read the whole story.

Pope Benedict on Beauty

This caught my eye immediately...a splendid article! Also very reminiscent of the theme of this book (if you haven't yet read it, this is an official recommendation to do so). :)

Vatican City, Nov 25, 2008 / 11:18 am (CNA)- Although the world is immersed in images, it can be empty of beauty, Pope Benedict said today in a message he sent to the Pontifical Academy of Fine Arts and Literature as it explores the relationship between aesthetics and ethics.

Archbishop Gianfranco Ravasi, president of the Pontifical Council for Culture, is hosting a public event with the theme—"The universality of beauty: a comparison between aesthetics and ethics," and to contribute to the discussion, Pope Benedict has sent the archbishop a message.

The topic chosen by the academy reminds us of the "urgent need for a renewed dialogue between aesthetics and ethics, between beauty, truth and goodness," the Pope writes.

This need to reconnect beauty with truth and goodness is not just limited to the "contemporary cultural and artistic debate," but extends to daily reality, the Holy Father argues.

Today we can see "a dramatically-evident split" between the pursuit of external beauty and the idea of a beauty that is rooted in truth and goodness. Oftentimes, society only understands the search for beauty as an "exterior form, as an appearance to be pursued at all costs," he explains.

"Indeed," the Pope writes, "searching for a beauty that is foreign to or separate from the human search for truth and goodness would become (as unfortunately happens) mere asceticism and, especially for the very young, a path leading to ephemeral values and to banal and superficial appearances, even a flight into an artificial paradise that masks inner emptiness."

Pope Benedict also calls on contemporary reasoning to rediscover the link between beauty, truth and goodness. "And if such a commitment applies to everyone," the Pope asserts, "it applies even more to believers, to the disciples of Christ, who are called by the Lord to 'give reasons' for all the beauty and truth of their faith."

When Christians create works that "render glory unto the Father," the Pope continues, they speak of the "goodness and profound truth" that they are portraying, as well as the integrity and sanctity of the artist or author. To this end, Benedict XVI encourages believers to learn how to "communicate with the language of images and symbols ... in order effectively to reach our contemporaries."

The Holy Father also mentions how at the Synod on the Bible the bishops noted that knowing how to "read and scrutinize the beauty of works of art inspired by the faith" can lead Christians to discover a "unique path that brings us close to God and His Word."

Finally, Pope Benedict cites John Paul II's Letter to Artists, "which invites us, to reflect upon ... the fruitful dialogue between Holy Scripture and various forms of art, whence countless masterpieces have emerged." His message closes by appealing to academics and artists "to arouse wonder at and desire for beauty, to form people's sensitivity and to nourish a passion for everything that is a genuine expression of human genius and a reflection of divine beauty."


How I love that final quote! My heart leaps to respond to his call "to arouse wonder at and desire for beauty". I believe that each of us are called, in our individual vocations, to contribute to this noble effort. What will you do today to manifest a reflection of divine beauty to the world?

HT: Catholic Fire

American Papist

Life is Fragile

Quite a lot has happened over the past few weeks. Most significantly, a heartbreaking accident which took the life of my friend and fellow Suzuki violin teacher, Amanda Jahn, along with her two young children. All three were killed when a drunk driver blew a stop sign and hit them last Thursday night. At our Suzuki string group concert rehearsal just a few hours before, Mandy and I were playing violin together, and even joking about our paychecks. I received a tearful phone call at 7:30 the next morning with the tragic news.

One hears of these kinds of tragedies from time to time, but it is so very different when the victim is someone you know. It's a gripping wake-up call to live each day as if it were your last, and not to take one's family for granted. Many of us can't imagine the grief of the young husband and father who lost his entire family in one night. But he is a man of strong faith, which is carrying him through this great loss.

According to the news article in our local paper, Josh spoke with Mandy over the phone just minutes before the crash, and told her he loved her. They said goodbye thinking they'd be reunited within twenty minutes. How treasured that phone call and those final loving words must be to Josh now.

Indeed, life is fragile. It is also precious. Do we live each day as if it were our last? Give your spouse, parent, or sibling a hug today...we never know how long we have left with them.

"Hold on to the Word of Life"

Yesterday was a troubling day for America. Many of us weep that the pro-life victory for which we fought and prayed so hard was not reached. Instead, the U.S. swayed and fell for for a leader who may have promised a fix for the economy, but who refuses to fix the deepest injustice in our nation: over 1.2 million unborn Americans murdered each year through legalized abortion.

My dear friend Malori asked a powerful question on her blog last night:

President-Elect Obama, in your acceptance speech you said you stand up for
everyone in America: black and white, male and female, young and old, gay and
straight, disabled and non-disabled. What about the born and unborn?

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

Perhaps, after last night's election of a black President of the United States, some think Dr. King's dream has been realized. I beg to differ. Perhaps we've learned to stop judging by the color of skin — and I agree with countless others that this lesson is a necessary one — but we've missed the other important half of Dr. King's dream. When will we learn to judge by the content of character?

Despite the sadness, I am buoyed by the undespairing spirit, prayerful hopefulness, and unyielding determination I see — in the blogosphere and in person — on the part of so many of God's people. And today's first reading was by no means a coincidence...

"For God is the one who, for his good purpose,

works in you both to desire and to work.

Do everything without grumbling or questioning,

that you may be blameless and innocent,

children of God without blemish

in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,

among whom you shine like lights in the world,

as you hold on to the word of life,

so that my boast for the day of Christ

may be that I did not run in vain or labor in vain."

—1 Philippians 2 (emphasis added)

My goddaughter profoundly pointed out that the Obama victory could be our Lord's way of keeping us on our knees, away from the danger of becoming complacent, and on the path of repentance and conversion. Thus may be brought about actual hope and change — not from President Obama, but from the merciful hand of the real Messiah.

And that, my friends, is change we can believe in.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 40 (Sun)

From American Papist News: A terrific interview with Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver! Of the growing number of U.S. Bishops who have spoken emphatically on the moral obligations of Faith and Politics, he is one of the most outspoken. Thomas Peters, a young Catholic who runs an impressive blog and his own news service, recently interviewed Archbishop Chaput, who gave candid answers to highly relevant questions on Catholicism and citizenship.

Part 1:

Part 2:

The intention of our final Life Devotional is perfectly fitting with All Souls Day, also celebrated Nov. 2: Let us keep our eyes fixed on the New Jerusalem, where death will be no more.

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 32 (Sat)

Today's Election Resource: Dr. Dobson Interviews Sarah Palin. A candid, conversational interview in which Sarah speaks easily and freely about her family, her campaign, and her faith.

Today's Life Devotional prays for humility... and that is one thing that jumps out at me from this interview. She's real, earnest, and not at all arrogant. That is refreshing in a politician!

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 31

Months ago, I remember hearing something about Obama's citizenship status being questionable. Then it seemed to be written off. Now Pennsylvania Democrat Philip J. Berg is bringing forth evidence that Obama may actually be Kenyan-born, which would make him not a natural-born U.S. Citizen, and therefore...you guessed it: not eligible to run for president. The American people deserve to know about this investigation. But you can be sure the liberal news media will ignore it entirely. They're far too busy trying their utmost to dig up dirt on conservative, principled candidates (a.k.a. Sarah Palin).

I'm not saying that Mr. Berg's claim is entirely verified yet, but the fact that it legitimately may be makes this a piece that American citizens have every right to know about. Most of all, it means that we must redouble our prayers for our Lord's mercy. If this does turn out to be true, what a terrible shame for such deception to have taken a man this far in our country.

Don't forget today's Life Devotional!

Three Times the Joy

I just saw this at my dear friend Malori's blog and had to post it! A young couple in Texas recently welcomed idential triplet boys (added to their three older sons) — conceived totally naturally without the use of any fertility drugs! Is not that photo just too sweet for words?

This one, too!

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 29

Eduardo Verastegui, producer and lead actor of the 2007 American film Bella, endorsed Sen. John McCain on October 15th in Colorado. From the news release on Eduardo's website:

On October 17th, Verastegui was invited to Miami to speak at a rally with Senator John McCain, Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Sen. Mel Martinez, Florida’s former Governor Jeb Bush and Sen. Joe Lieberman.

Verastegui said, "I am endorsing Sen. McCain for President because of his commitments to end abortion, to protect traditional marriage, to select conservative judges and to pass a just immigration reform."

"We need to put an end to abortion, and political candidates play a very important role in this matter. More than 200,000 Latino babies are killed by abortion each year in the USA. This holocaust must end. That's why we must elect Senator McCain. He will defend and protect the most innocent of his country, the beautiful babies in their mothers' wombs."

This is a man who has the issues in perspective...right on!

Verastegui believes that unless Americans elect a president who will defend fundamental human rights, no one can expect a sound economy, health care or national security, including immigration reform.

..."I can make hundreds of movies like Bella, and they will hopefully save many babies, but it's never going to be as powerful as a president nominating judges who observe constitutional law. After all, we are just one pro-life Supreme Court Justice away from overturning Roe v. Wade."

"We can never vote for any candidate that supports abortion."

And he makes a meaningful point on "change":

"Barack Hussein Obama speaks about 'change,' but what change are we talking about? Fidel Castro spoke about change in Cuba. Hugo Chavez talks about change in Venezuela, and other charismatic, well-spoken dictators promised change, but look what happened to their countries."

LifeSiteNews did an terrific interview with Eduardo which includes some more of his thoughts and quotes. The part that I think is simply too neat:

"When I finished [speaking], I went to John McCain and I said, 'Senator, thank you for your commitment to life. I’d like to give you something.' I gave him a Miraculous Medal blessed by Pope Benedict XVI and he was amazing. He said, 'Thank you so much! Look what I have here in my pocket.' Then Sen. McCain took a medal out of his pocket that he carries everywhere and it was a Blessed Mother Teresa medal. He said, 'Eduardo, now I am going to keep both.'"

Verastegui also gave McCain’s wife, Cindy, a Miraculous Medal. He said, “I was touched when I found out that the McCains adopted one of their daughters from Mother Teresa’s orphanage in India. There is nothing more beautiful than to give children homes with families who will love them. I hope that one day that I can do the same."

Praise God for men like this who are not afraid to speak the truth in the eye of the public — free of motives for personal gain, simply and clearly, and without compromise!

Don't forget today's Life Devotional...

Election Countdown/40 Days for Life: Day 28 (Tue)

More Biden News...his recent prediction (which almost sounded like a threat!) of an international crisis" brought on by an Obama presidency. The exact quote?

"Mark my words. It will not be six months before the world tests Barack
Obama like they did John Kennedy. The world is looking. We're about to elect a
brilliant 47-year old senator president of the United States of America.
Remember I said it standing here if you don't remember anything else I said.
Watch, we're gonna have an international crisis, a generated crisis, to test the
mettle of this guy."

Interesting. And disturbing. Read the article here from Real Clear Politics.

Today in our Life Devotional we pray for the conversion of abortionists and all abortion advocates. That would include praying for the conversion of pro-abortion politicians...especially so-called "Catholics".