I Was A Wanna Be Feminist

I have mentioned in past Blogs about my affiliation with a radical group and how I allowed my mind to be altered.  I wanted to make a difference in the world and I had all the right tools to accomplish this task. I was all of 18 years old, but in reality did not have a clue.

César Chavez receiving communion after his 25 day fast
Uncle Gilbert, (white shirt) with Cesar Chavez

César Chavez was making his rounds at different colleges, and my Uncle Gilbert was one of his good friends who worked and traveled alongside him. I boycotted grapes for as long as I can remember because of the injustice to the farm workers. I liked César Chavez and believed in everything that he stood for. Something else I recalled about César Chavez:  he was a gentleman and a nonviolent civil rights leader. Instead of violent protests, he would go on hunger strikes. In a recent article, Delano Grape Strike and Boycott  written by Inga Kim, she stated that César Chavez went on a 25-day hunger strike. While César Chavez fasted, a Catholic Mass was said daily in Delano, near the windowless room of an adobe-walled gas station where César Chavez was staying. The first thing César Chavez ate to break his fast was communion.

I, on, the other hand, I thought that I needed to be heard. This era was the beginning of the feminist movement. Women were burning their bras in protest; I never did that, but I had a passion to truly change what was wrong in our society. Right when I was ready to sign on the dotted line, and buy into all this mindset, I met Mike.

The whole passion of my life took another turn and saved me from myself. We married, and the rest is a long history of my transition into the person that I am today. I am still passionate, but it is different and deeper that I had ever expected. My anger is righteous because I have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:16 Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE)    16 “For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

I’m angry about a lot things. I’m angry about the Catholic Church and all the sins it is steeped in. I will continue with my letter campaign and will not give up until every sex offender is removed from our Church. It may take a lifetime, but I will not back down. And I will remain a faithful Catholic. I pray for the holy priests to be protected from this abyss that they were led into because of negligence from the hierarchy.

I’m angry with what is happening in our public schools, and how parents are being forced to adhere to these “new” sex education laws without their full knowledge and consent; their children are not even able to opt out of these classes.  I believe that everyone should be respected, but please do not shove your distorted, ungodly beliefs into the minds of my grandchildren; they are too young to comprehend this propaganda. Parental rights are quietly being taken away, and we need to defend them.

I fill my mind with Scripture to continue my resolve to remain calm through the vicious storms over which one day we will have victory.

Now let’s talk about politics: this subject enrages me because our country is better than this. I am a Republican because I am Pro-Life; and that will never change. Do I like President Trump? I cringe every morning when I hear what he has tweeted, but he is Pro-Life, and for that I am grateful. I will not make excuses about my stance in politics, but you will never see me attack anyone in office on social media. I have respect for all human beings, even the ones that I do not agree with, and especially the unborn. I read hateful social media threads on both the left and right of the spectrum; these peoples’ opinions are so removed from the things of God.  We are never to put another human being down, we called to pray for them. If you are really serving the Lord, ask Him for peace and He will gladly oblige.

Job 38:4-5 Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE)

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?Tell me, if you have understanding.Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
    Or who stretched the line upon it?

Here God is explaining to Job that He is God, and He will always be God! Sorry Hollywood, God did not die and put you in charge!

The “Me Too” movement has taken on twisted life of its own. I don’t want to hear about another famous person being victimized. Your stories deserve to be told, but for God’s sake stop with the public outcries. Go to your clergy (a holy one) or make an appointment with a God-fearing counselor, and stop blaming all men.

So yes, I’m mad as hell, but my anger is contained and controlled with prayer, a lot of prayer.

My traveling companion and CEO of our household for 46 years

I’m eating grapes again, and I’ve stopped reading self-help books written by New Agers.  I am not advocating social, or political, rights for women equal to men. I could never work as hard as my husband, never! God made man the head of the household, not woman. Please correct me if I’m wrong, but the last time I checked the Word of God, clearly states that. Men are our protectors, NOT our enemies, as radical feminists would have you believe. Despite the fact that Mike cooks a good share of our meals, I proudly serve him because he is the head of our household and deserves this respect. If you want to be treated like a queen, treat your husband like a king.

Ephesians 5:22-25 Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE)

22 Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands. 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…

 

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Teach the Children

Jacob and Lucas, welcome to St. Norbert

In a recent Harvard study, researchers discovered that U.S. Christianity is growing stronger. We are, after all, still “one nation under God.” With all the divisions and confusion, we are remaining steadfast in our beliefs. If you attend church more than once a week, believe in the Word of God, “The Bible,” and pray, you develop an unwavering strength. According to this study, our country enjoys “persistent and exceptional intensity” with religion.

God gave us a intellect to discern and search for truth. Attending church helps families because Jesus is in the ministry of keeping families together. This includes single parents, who can also experience the same benefits when the family is ingrafted into a solid Bible-based church. If God blessed you with children, it is your responsibility before God to give your children the gift of understanding the positive benefits of being raised with a belief in God. In order for a child to experience a balance in life, he must be taught early on how to pray. Children must be taught that they have a family in God. As parents it is your duty to instill these golden nuggets early on in life. Whatever you share about God stays in their little spirits. If a child is lacks teaching about God, statistics clearly state that he will walk away because his  faith is weak. How can we expect children to hold on to things that they were never taught?

Jacob and Lucas praying before the Blessed Sacrament

Do you want your children to be happier and healthier? In another Harvard study from the T.H.Chan School of Public Health, researchers found that people in their 20’s attending religious services or praying daily in their youth reported greater satisfaction and positivity in life. This report followed 5,000 youth in a span between 8-14 years. This study analyzed variables such as   maternal health, socioeconomic status, and a history of substance abuse or depressive symptoms. People (ages 23-30) who attended regular church services at least once a week in childhood and adolescence,  reported 18% higher happiness as young adults than those who did not attend religious services. They were 33% less likely to use illicit drugs, and 29 % were more likely to volunteer. These statistics are not surprising to me because when you put others before yourself, you understand the Christian role of servanthood. You are too busy serving God and doing God’s work to get caught up in drug abuse and the problems that come with not serving God.

Psalms 119:9 (NKJV ) How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to Your word.

Those who prayed or meditated on a daily basis were 16% more likely  to report being happier as young adults. When there is a balance of God in the lives of our youth, they are 30% less prone to having sex at a young age. Forty percent of young adults who pray regularly  did not suffer sexually transmitted diseases.They do not suffer from low self-esteem or cave into peer pressure, because they are equipped with the Spirit of God as their guide.

When I taught Release Time Christian Education (a Bible-based program for public schools) I was amazed that more parents did not take advantage of the program. It was important for me to instill into the fourth-grade and fifth-grade students that they could get through life better with prayer. From my twelve years of teaching, I know that their little lives were altered for the better, because the Word of God was etched in their souls.

Junior was a fifth grader who had recently lost his mother. When I was walking the children back to class, Junior pulled me aside to tell me that he was having suicidal thoughts. I prayed with him and reported the incident to the principal of the school. I thank God for this program that made such a difference in Junior’s life. In another instance, the Lord revealed to me that a fourth-grade student was being emotionally abused, and she requested special prayer. Other students shared personal accounts with me, and I directed them to God and prayed for their needs. Some students had mothers with cancer, some had close relatives in prison, and they were operating in fear of the unknown. God’s comforting words guided all their uncertainties. Programs like Release Time have been around for over 60 years, and they remain focused on training children the way they should go.

Isaiah  40: 30-31 (NKJV)

30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

My Prayer:

Dear Lord, help all parents understand the importance of Your teaching in the lives of their children. Allow them to see that only You, Lord, who can make a difference. Be the light for all families seeking direction. May Your divine mercy fall on all those who are struggling in raising rebellious children. Be their guide in their hour of darkness, and bring all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of Your mercy. Amen.

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300 Sandwiches

Mrs. Donaldson,  her student volunteers and me

It starts at Nohl  Canyon Elementary School: for ten years Mrs. Donaldson has opened her heart and classroom for the production of the sandwiches. This time we had over 20 volunteers, 3/4 of the class eager to help. After a short tutorial, all of the kids received an assignment, and, with all these helping hands, our loving task was completed in one hour.

For their protection, we are no longer allowed to share photos of the children, but I have their sweet little faces registered in my heart. I am very grateful for their help, and for the parents who have allowed them to participate in this ministry. To instill servanthood in a child is one of the greatest gifts a parent can bestow. Children learn an early life lesson, to think of others and to help the displaced. We had several parents helping to organize and pack the lunches as well, but they are also being great examples to their kids. The people on Skid Row love to hear that 6th graders have helped  assemble the meals. They always tell us to thank the children.

Me, Evans, and Mary
Washers and dryers for Skid Row staffed by volunteers
12 Clean bathrooms
12 Beautiful Showers

I am very excited to announce that the Skid Row ReFresh Spot is in operation again. On Crocker Street,  just off 6th Street, the Oasis from Heaven is now open daily. Showers, bathrooms, washer/dryers, and phone-charging stations are available for the citizens of Skid Row at no charge. Thank you, Councilmember Jose Huizar, for introducing the motion to secure the funding for this much-needed project.   Evans, the project manager, took us on a tour of the personal care/hygiene facility. We know that this project coming to fruition was the answer to many prayers. This entire facility was manufactured in Indiana and is completely mobile.

The ReFresh Spot organizers keep it simple; if you are going to do laundry, you sign in with your first and last initials, and are given a number. Then you wait until your number is called when the washer/dryers are available.   Volunteers are available to make sure that all is done in an orderly manner. If you need to shower, fresh towels, and all body-soap is accessible, and after every use of the showers and bathrooms, volunteers clean up for the next person. The facility is open from 6 a.m.. through 6 p.m. When a homeless person is offered these services, he or she is grateful and respectful of the gift. This gives an incentive for the people to look for employment, and also gives them the dignity and confidence to improve other areas of their lives.

DJ and Me

On all of our outreach excursions, there are always several persons who leave a strong impression on our lives.  The first young man we met was a few steps from The ReFresh Spot. His name is DJ, and he has a wonderful disposition.  DJ, who is from Louisiana, did not appear to have a drug problem but was down on his luck. Transitioning from his first stop in San Bernardino to Skid Row, DJ is employed but wants to go back home; so we prayed that God would provide this goal for him and his girlfriend. DJ was respectful and received our prayer with much hope.

Shawn

Shawn is a drug addict, a beautiful young man who has given up on himself. I asked Shawn if I could touch him when praying for him, and he agreed.  Shawn said, “Look at me, I just shot up, my arms are all marked up.” I told him, “Shawn, we are not here to judge, but to offer you hope in knowing that God is real, and that He loves you. It doesn’t matter what condition you are in when you come to Him.” I asked Shawn if he felt anything, because his face was still set in stone. Shawn answered, ” I feel electricity in my body; it started at my feet.” The Lord was supernaturally healing Shawn, and what he experienced was a confirmation from God. We as a team were greatly elated to witness this wonderful manifestation of God for Shawn.

John, Andre, Me, Robert, and Mary

We walked past a man with a skin disorder. His face was hard on the eyes, but God showed us his heart. Andre was precious and received us with great love. How wonderful to be in the presence of someone who is frequently misjudged because of his appearance. I was hesitant to ask Andre if we could take a picture with him, but when I asked, he welcomed the gesture and obliged.

I always have an idea of  who is going to help with the ministry, but it is the Lord who brings us together. We are a small group, but we make a difference in gaining lost souls for the Kingdom.

Luke 4:18

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed…”

To be a part of this team you must learn to shut out most of your senses. Close your eyes to what the world sees, and look with the eyes of Jesus.  Though we can see both human and animal feces, and dead rats, God closes our noses to the stench. We hear all the arguments and curse words, but this never affects our ministry because God protects our ears. We touch the people because we are their brothers and sisters, and we bring the love of Jesus to them, because this is our calling.

Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers, starting with the hard-working students, the parents, and especially Mrs. Donaldson. To our team of dedicated servants of God, Mary, Gary, Robert, and John, your faithfulness will always be your blessing.

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