Thoughts Along the Journey

The tragedy in Newtown, CT, has touched everyone in our nation.  As the news sources flashed images across the screen, our thoughts returned to Littleton, CO, and the Columbine shootings in 1999.  And the many other senseless acts of violence we have known in recent history:  Craighead County, Arkansas (1998), Virginia Tech (2007), Chardon, OH, (2012), and many, many (too many) others. The Amish children in Pennsylvania (2006).  The Jewish school shooting in France (2012).  The knifings at a school in China, just 2 weeks ago. The question is asked over and over again:  Why? We may never know the answer to that question. As a mom, I have known little tastes of their fear.  When our oldest son was 2 years old, and came within a couple feet of being hit by a minivan.  The day my younger son, also at the age of 2, was pulled back from the street by my then-5 yr. old.  The times that same son disappeared from our yard.  And, more recent...

Today is Thursday, December 6th.  Throughout the world, millions of people are celebrating this day as the Feast of St. Nicholas.  Not to be confused with the jolly ol' St. Nick of modern days, he was a real person.  Bishop of Myra (modern-day Turkey), he stood strong for the faith in the midst of strong heresies.  He also stood for truth, justice, and caring for the poor.  Born into a wealthy family, he lost his parents when he was quite young.  He chose to use the inheritance he received to help the less fortunate.  When the Council of Nicaea was held,  he took a solid stand against the heresy of Arius.  (Some say he was so angry with the audacity of Arius, he slapped him.  That's a legend.  But it does show that even saints weren't perfect!)  There was a time of great persecution occurring during his life as well.  The ruler Diocletian was a wicked man!  He had many Christians imprisoned, tortured, and killed...