First, I Give Thanks

First, I give thanks for you! This is a good week to stop and show some gratitude for all of those, all of YOU who keep this world spinning. We couldn't be more grateful for your self-giving, for your never-ending love, your gentleness and your kindness. So often, especially in times of high stress as we are in, it is our mothers, teachers, and nurses who we look to for stability and comfort. Our families rely on us to be stable,  nurturing, and consistent. Most of the time we are able to deliver. Sometimes, not so much but we do our best, and that matters. So thank you! Thank you for always showing up. God bless all of our mothers, teachers and nurses. Happy Mother's day!

...like, I mean, a really big fan. Mary is always there, always. As the guardian of the America's we need her now more than ever. As the Queen of Peace (the name of the statue above) we need her now more than ever. As our spiritual mother, as our guide, as our intercessor, we need her now more than ever.  Sometimes, I think that when people aren't keen on Mary, it is because they don't fully understand just how much we have in common with her. Just how much her "yes" changed history, just how much she has brought people closer to her son. Mary always, and in  ALL WAYS points toward Jesus. And then I want to ask them, "Do you know what you're missing?"  I am convinced that for some people there is a misappropriation of attention and affection for Mary, and perhaps that is what the people who don't rely on her wisdom see. That isn't good, we are not meant to worship our mother, we are meant to love her, to seek her wisdom and to pray ...