As a speech therapist working in a rehabilitation hospital, I change a lot of adult diapers. Most of my patients are adjusting to a new life with disabilities. One day they're self-sufficient, perhaps even working full time. Then comes the incident (a stroke, a car crash, a fall, a heart attack, lack of oxygen, etc.). Now they're dependent on others even to go to the bathroom. And if they're on my caseload, they also have difficulty communicating, remembering, thinking, and/or swallowing. It's a rough transition. Some of my patients make a pretty good recovery, regaining their independence step by step. Others will never be truly self-sufficient again and will always rely on the support of caregivers. Never a Burden Among my patients who are aware of their new disabilities, a common worry expressed to me is this: "I don't want to be a burden to my family." It’s a legitimate concern! None of us wants to feel that we cause more trouble than help for the ones we love. The response I am tempted to give is this: "You've earned their care. You took care of your family long enough; now it's your turn." And while that may be true for some patients, there's a problem with this response. Listen carefully: "You've earned this." Can love and respect ever be earned? It's easy to overlook the problems with conditional love and respect when the conditions are met. But despite the messages we absorb from society, we cannot earn love, respect, or dignity. Our dignity is innate and cannot be augmented or diminished by our abilities. Our dignity comes from the One who made us. Conditions, Conditions, Conditions I believe I should be able to keep our apartment immaculately clean. I believe I should gain weight to achieve the perfect BMI. I believe I should be able to function on 7 hours of sleep. I believe I should never ever make mistakes at work. I believe I should never offend anyone with my writing. The list goes on and on and on. Do you feel the pressure, too? Our society is obsessed with optimization. We are taught we must always be working to maximize our positive impact. Fill in this sentence: I believe I should ______________. Fill it in as many times as you need to. I encourage you to stop reading for a moment and write down a list of your expectations for yourself. Now check off all of the expectations you meet. Now crumple up your list and throw it in the garbage. Your dignity is not dependent on any of those conditions. Not a single one. Dignity is Innate Our abilities do not define our dignity. One of my favorite authors, Katherine Wolf, suffered a stroke at age 26. She is severely disabled to this day. She often writes about transitioning into a life with disabilities. In the book Hope Heals, Wolf wrote: "I slowly began to understand that I had survived a brain bleed and that I was this 'slow-motion miracle girl.' [...] I also eventually learned I could no longer walk, eat, hear out of my right ear, see one image at a time, speak clearly, or use my right arm or hand. [...] The whole miracle thing really stung because the 'miracle' had left me unable to live normally." But Wolf's story does not end there. Later in Hope Heals, Wolf wrote about a beautiful message the Lord spoke to her heart: "Katherine, you are not a mistake. I DON'T MAKE MISTAKES. [...] Remember that you were fearfully and wonderfully made in your mother's womb, and that is when the AVM formed in your brain." Every time I read Psalm 139, I think of Wolf's words. We are temples of the Holy Spirit. There is nothing we can do (or fail to do) that changes our dignity one way or another. A newly conceived single-celled child is just as dignified as a 100-year-old grandmother with dementia. A person on death row is just as dignified as a Nobel laureate. A person with Down syndrome is just as dignified as a famous poet. You are as dignified as a person experiencing homelessness and the Queen of England. Katherine Wolf's dignity did not change with her stroke. And neither does our dignity change. If we succeed or fail, if we are able or unable to accomplish something—our dignity does not change. This is radical. Abilities Change But Our Dignity Does Not In American society, we are taught that certain aspects of our experience are part of our identity. Patience, pro-activeness, eloquence, efficiency, strength, intelligence—to name a few. What about when these traits are stripped away? When the brain is affected by an injury or disease, our personalities are often affected directly. Patience may give way to impulsivity. Pro-activeness may give way to reduced initiative. Eloquence may give way to aphasia (difficulty using or understanding language). Efficiency may give way to impaired problem solving. Strength may give way to weakness. IQ can drop. I'm not sure why American society conditions us to believe that we will retain our self-sufficiency throughout our lives. It seems absurd to me that our grandparents are expected to live with complete physical and financial independence. According to the CDC, two in five adults over age 65 have some sort of disability. The two most common types of disabilities, according to the same source, are mobility and cognition (read: intelligence). For most patients, rehabilitation works well, but not always the way patients expect. Sometimes, rehabilitation is about working around the disability, compensating for new deficits with help from strategies, devices, and other people. This may seem bleak, but remember: the dignity of the person is not affected by any of these new disabilities. You are Worthy of Love If I've learned anything from my work as a speech therapist, it is this: our dignity is not defined by our abilities. We are all worthy of love, respect, and care. Our dignity does not change, no matter what diagnoses or disabilities we may encounter. So now when my patients tell me that they don't want to be a burden to their families, I try to give a more compassionate message. I try not to tell them that they've earned this care and love. Because love is not earned. This new message is hard to swallow, but it's so important to hear: "You are not defined by your self-sufficiency. You are worthy of love and care no matter what. Your abilities may have changed, but your dignity has not." Honestly, even though I don't have a disability at this point in my life, sometimes I need to hear that message too. Don't you?   [bctt tweet="Dignity Beyond Our Abilities #BISblog //" via="no"]   Kiki Hayden is a freelance writer and bilingual Speech Therapist living in Texas. She is a Byzantine Catholic. Check out how God has changed her life through speech therapy here.

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. // Psalm 95:7-8 Love this print from Remilla Ty from today's readings. Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Remember, Members, you get this for free! Log in and download! Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they abandoned their nets and followed him. // Mark 1:7-8 Love this print from Mariana Pimiento of Big Apple Catholic. Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Remember, Members, you get this for free! Log in and download! Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased. // Mark 1:11 Love this print from Jazmin De Guzman from today's readings. Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Remember, Members, you get this for free! Log in and download! Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

As I approach my college graduation, more and more conversations have begun circling around this certain topic: what am I supposed to do with my life? What is my vocation? And as someone who desires to serve the Lord in some form of ministry, the question frequently becomes: how can I serve God with the gifts and talents He has given me? What is my calling? This is a beautiful question to ask. Uncovering the best path for our future is very important to all of us. We are all eager to find our own unique calling in life which will bring us the most joy and fulfillment. And when we find that sweet-spot of our calling, it can be one of the most exciting and satisfying moments for our heart. How do we go about this? Frequently, we take personality tests, look at our strengths, assess our desires and wants, or even follow the suggestions of our families and friends. We try to find the niche of ministry that best suits us. But what if I were to suggest that sometimes it is not our talents and gifts which point us in the right direction to help serve others? What if I told you the answer might lie in your wounds? Wounds Can Become Wellsprings of Grace We all have experienced hurt and pain throughout our lives, and much of our experience has contributed to wounds in our hearts. Maybe this wound comes from you experiencing a tragic loss of a loved one; maybe you seriously struggled with depression or self-harm at some point in your life; maybe you grew up within a broken family; maybe you have experienced deep and emotional heartbreak; maybe you have walked through periods of serious disease. There are as many different types of hurt as there are different types of people. We all have something that we can pinpoint as causing us deep pain, that has presented us with the opportunity to rely deeply on the Lord and His strength. But no matter what your wounds are, those experiences have uniquely equipped you to serve others going through similar situations. In Service to Others Saint Paul tells us: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. // 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 When we have received the Lord’s comfort in our afflictions, we are better able to turn and comfort others when they experience the same affliction. A mother who has experienced the suffering of the death of her child can walk with another mother through the same struggle, much better than a mother who has never walked through it. Are Wounds a Weakness? With all this in mind, I have a challenge for you. Rather than viewing your wounds as a weakness, I dare you to swing your perspective and see your wounds as some of your greatest strengths. Not only can God reveal Himself to us within those wounds by providing us comfort and strength, but He can then use the witness of our wounds as an avenue for others to experience His consolation as well. Someone else may be in need of your wounds. Therefore, when we examine ourselves in an attempt to find the whisper of God’s call for us in our lives, I believe we cannot and should not overlook the wounds that we have experienced. God may be calling us in a unique way to serve Him and serve others particularly out of the wounds that have shaped our hearts. Not the Only Consideration A word of warning here: there are some wounds that may be too recent, or may simply be too personal and painful to share. If that’s the case for you, that is totally fine. None of this means we should be proclaiming our deepest struggles and hurts from the rooftops. As in all things, there is need for discretion and prudence here. Rather, if you have experienced a wound in your life through which the Lord has brought healing and glory, consider that He might be calling you to walk with someone going through a similar struggle. If you can pinpoint a hurt in your life that you would never, ever wish upon another person, why not put that desire to work and help console those who are suffering the same way? I Saw Your Glory Saint Augustine once said: I saw Your glory in my wounds and it dazzled me. [bctt tweet="I saw Your glory in my wounds and it dazzled me. -Saint Augustine #BISblog //" via="no"] God wants to bring His glory from our wounds. He wants to show His power, healing, and love from our wounds. He wants to dazzle us by bringing goodness out of those places of deepest hurt, both for ourselves and for others. After all: We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. // Romans 8:28 Let us let Him use our wounds to bring about His glory.   [bctt tweet="How Can My Wounds Speak to My Calling? #BISblog //" via="no"]

Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. // Isaiah 60:1 Love this beautiful print from Leah of Fearfully Made. Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Remember, Members, you get this for free! Log in and download! Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

I converted from Protestantism to Catholicism at the age of sixteen. Like many converts, my understanding of Mary was limited and even slightly misinformed. Gradually, over the years, I have begun to discover the dynamic identity of our Blessed Mother and the essential role that she plays in the Church. Discovering Mary’s Heart Through prayer, meditating on the Rosary, and studying Scripture, the Lord has shown me many faces of Mary. I have come to know her as a gracious advocate, a pillar of mercy, an intrepid pioneer, a beacon of hope, a vessel of love. Discovering these identity of Mary not only leads to a better understanding of the Heart of Our Father, but it also grants us access to an abundant, steadfast relationship with our Blessed Mother. Have you, too, struggled to walk in relationship with Mary? Do you find it difficult to relate to her? Have you felt the pull to explore her identity but aren’t sure how to start? Here are some small, practical ways to dive deeper into our Blessed Mother’s heart. Pray the Hail Holy Queen Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. This final prayer of the Rosary is full of proclamations of Mary’s identity and reveals an essential part of her heart. She is our gracious, merciful advocate. Allow yourself to rest in the comfort of Mary’s advocacy. You are not toiling through life alone. The Lord has offered Mary to be your champion, your supporter, your aid. Turn to her in moments of struggle. Ask her to intercede for you. Come to know and rest in the heart of your unrivaled advocate through this divine prayer. Pray the Memorarae Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen. An earnest request for Mary’s intercession, this prayer invites us to rely on our Blessed Mother’s constancy. Mary will not leave you orphaned, she will not abandon you. Cast all of your intentions to her and ponder the face and heart of a merciful Mother who always listens and desires to carry your burdens to the Father. Meditate on Mary’s Fiat Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done unto me according to thy word. (Luke 1:38) These words are known as Mary’s fiat, or her consent to become the mother of our savior. Meditating on Mary’s audacious “yes” to mothering Jesus invites us into a deeper understanding of the pure and sacrificial nature of her heart. Through her fiat, Mary gives us an example of how to love Our Father. She gives us encouragement to be brave in the face of the unknown, to be meek and humble, and to trust in the Lord’s plan. Allow Mary’s “yes” to inspire you to listen to the Lord’s calling for your life. Grant her the space to reconstruct the priorities of your heart. Rest in her sacrifice. Showcase Mary in your Home Consider doing one of the following as a reminder that Mary’s presence is abiding. Place a statue of the Holy Family in your home to help you remember that Mary plays a vital role in the fulfillment of our salvation. Write the words, “Mary, lend me your heart” on a sticky note and place it on your desk or in your planner as a signal that our Blessed Mother’s heart is always accessible. Drape a Rosary over your Bible as a reminder of the protection that Mary’s mantle offers us. Hang magnets on your refrigerator of the Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Lourdes, or any depiction of her countless apparitions to help you remember that Mary is a miracle worker, and she will meet you where you are. Take the Leap Mary is a deep well that will not run dry. She is a powerhouse. A pillar of our faith. Be intentional and persistent in discovering her heart. Walk in relationship with her, seek her face, and allow her gracious heart to transform you.   [bctt tweet="Discovering Mary's Heart #BISblog //" via="no"]   Mercedes Shirts works as a sixth grade teacher in Idaho. When not indulging in a good read and black coffee, she enjoys cooking, traveling with her husband and working in her garden. You can find out more about her here.

2020 has come with a lot of challenges, and with that there seems to be a rise of fear and anxiety. Take a look at your social media feeds and you will be inundated with negativity, arguments, and melancholic attitudes. Yet God has given us a different way to respond to fear and panic, regardless of circumstance. As Christians we are called to seek courage and strength both in everyday battles and in crisis. How can we seek that unwavering courage and walk confidently through times of darkness? The Full Armor of God Ephesians 6:10-11 tells us to “put on the full armor of God” and use the spiritual tools provided for us. Are you actively putting on that armor? Having knowledge of God’s Word and faithfulness in His deeds gives us peace and a readiness to fight whatever challenges we face, especially spiritual battles. When we walk in the truth, we will not easily give into fear and anxiety caused by events occurring around us. Some of my favorite verses come from Matthew 6:25-34: Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. We are to “seek first His kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to us. Therefore, live in the grace and strength given to us today and do not doubt whether it will be provided tomorrow. God will continue to give us the tools needed, the grace required, to face each day. Trust in His faithfulness. Does this mean we should bury our heads in the sand? No, of course not. In 1 Samuel 17:48 David runs towards battle. He faced it with strength and courage. We are not to hide from battles presented to us, but to run headlong and unwavering toward them. The only way we are capable of doing so is with the aforementioned spiritual tools provided for us. Only then can we sprint confidently and faithfully onward. From Fixing to Growing Are you familiar with the idea of a “Proverbs 31 woman”? That woman is described as a being wrapped in God’s strength and dignity. She laughs while looking toward the future, rather than cowering in fear. So too God wants women to be like David. To not fret over our children, our homes, and our work, but to know that God will continue to provide us what we need to face each day. Practical Steps for Ending the Year with Courage in Christ Try not to carry what only God is capable of shouldering. You cannot fix every problem in this world, but you can grow in truth and righteousness. You can bring glory to God’s Name through your actions, words, and thoughts. Live a happy life rather than one filled with fear. Actively put on the armor of God. 1. Grow in your faith. Becoming familiar with the Word, developing a relationship with God, and studying apologetics will arm you with the tools needed to face spiritual battles head on. I encourage you not to simply pray in broad statements, but to let God know your heart. Be specific with what you are struggling with and seeking guidance on. Only then will your prayer life blossom. 2. Challenge your thoughts. You don't have to believe them! I say this as a former therapist who would often help clients with anxiety. We cannot prevent fearful thoughts from entering our minds, but we can identify if they are grounded in reality or emotion. If your thoughts are real and true, what steps can you take to address them? Even small actions can lead to feelings of empowerment. 3. Surrender. Say yes. If God is calling you to something, He will not abandon you. Rather, He will provide you with the words needed through the Spirit, the spiritual armor to shield yourself with, and He will guide your steps. It was not just the Saints who were called to face these things, we are all called to do so. 4. Seek spiritual counsel from mentors, priests, or friends. They can often help you differentiate between whether God is speaking to you, or you are giving into your own thoughts. Moreover they will help you feel less alone. How are you ending the year in courage rather than fear?   [bctt tweet="Ending the Year with Courage in Christ #BISblog //" via="no"]   Christie L. is a therapist turned stay-at-home mom living in Ohio with her two children and husband. She blogs at herdailyfiat.com and can be found on Instagram at @herdailyfiat.

“Well, I can’t miss Monday morning prayer group,” my mom replied. It was a tradition us kids were used to, expecting our summer Monday mornings spent in the basement of the prayer group leader's house. When we snuck upstairs for snacks, we’d see the Rosaries and the prayer intention baskets on the kitchen table. “You have to have a group like this when you grow up,” she’d tell us. "Prayerful women will be your lifeline." Starting a Blessed is She Small Group Enter my season of stay-at-home motherhood, where desiring that community led me to Blessed is She. I posted on my local BIS Facebook page that locals were welcome to gather Monday night at 8 p.m. I bought a box of cookies, a bottle of wine, and asked my husband to rush the kids to bed. Three years, seven Blessed Conversation Studies, and many women later—my mom was right—these women became my lifeline. Tips for Maintaining a Thriving BIS Small Group Here are some ideas for fostering your small group community. Use social media as a tool. I created a private Facebook page where group members post private intentions, spiritual readings, plan meal trains, and communicate meeting times. Sit in a circle. I set up my living room chairs and couches facing each other to foster the community vibe. Take pictures. My group knows I’ll usually be propping my iPhone on the fireplace at the end of each meeting. I usually send them in a group text or post on our Facebook page. The pictures foster the visible sign of memories we can look back on when our crazy weeks take over. I always include, "We prayed for everyone not there!" Meet outside of study. One year a group member suggested a “Holy Half,” where we would meet in the adoration chapel for 30 minutes, and then head to the local McDonalds for sundaes and relaxed conversation! We’ve organized movie events, prayed at abortion clinics, and had birthday dinners out. Add personal intentions. At the end of our circular discussions, we ask each member to list something we can pray for. Confidentiality is expected so there’s a freedom for very personal requests, fostering vulnerability and deep friendship. You Won't Regret Trying As you gather with other women for the Blessed Conversation studies, you'll find the open ended discussion, reflections, teachings on our Catechism, the Saints and biblical wisdom will “deepen prayer life through supportive sisterhood." Use these tips as a guide and remember that each group and each woman is unique! Whether it’s an early weekend morning in a church hall, or late weeknight living room, the Holy Spirit will work with you to make it happen! There’s room for you sister, I promise you that!   [bctt tweet="How to Maintain a Thriving BIS Small Group #BISblog //" via="no"]   Alexandria DeRose is a trained Nurse Practitioner & Fertility Educator turned unexpected homeschooling mom of four sons. She’s passionate about cultivating community through her Blessed is She small group and encouraging women to choose joy in the everyday through her writing on joymamablog.com. Check out her #joymamamovement over on Instagram & join the fun!

And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him // Colossians 3:17 Love this print from Jazmin De Guzman from today's readings. Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Remember, Members, you get this for free! Log in and download! Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

If you are considering post-graduate service, you have probably felt some sort of inner calling from God or a desire deep in your heart. Maybe along with that desire, nerves are also in the pit of your stomach. Tips for Discerning Post-Graduate Service When I was going through the discernment process myself, I knew I wanted to pursue a year of service, but I was anxious about the sacrifices that a year of service requires. Surrender and Obedience Through this process, I learned the first step is surrender and obedience. I recommend giving God your desire to serve. In this way, we can remind ourselves that though we have a desire to serve, first and foremost, we desire the holy will of God. We should allow Him to guide our discernment process and what He wants from us. The following resources gave me greater peace and greater trust in God’s plan. The Surrender Novena by Fr. Dolindo Ruotolo The Litany of Trust 33 days to Morning Glory by Michael E. Gaitley The words of Mary “I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be it done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:26-38). Using Mary, the pinnacle example of trust and obedience as my advocate, I found I had more strength to complete God’s holy will than I originally thought. With your surrender, you will be better able to serve those around you and ultimately God himself. Knowing that I was doing His will instead of my own also gave me peace. WRITE + PRAY We invite you to sit with the Word and unpack it in a uniquely personal way, finding your own story. Discover your story within His. GET WRITE AND PRAY Research The second step is to research and decide which program is best for you. With so many good programs, I remember feeling a little overwhelmed as I began. The many different organizations available each have a unique mission to glorify God. I found the Catholic Volunteer Network a great place to start, as it has a list of almost 200 programs. Some of the most well-known programs attract hundreds of volunteers from around the country. If you feel called to evangelize on a college campus, Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), might be perfect for you. If you want to enter the retreat ministry, NET Ministries could be a great place to start. The Jesuit Volunteer Corps is known for a wide variety of different mission sites both domestic and abroad. If your ministry is in teaching there are well-known teaching programs such as the University of Notre Dame's Alliance of Catholic Education (ACE), the University of Portland's Pacific Alliance of Catholic Education (PACE), and Criegthon's MAGIS, where you can also receive your Masters in teaching. But the programs I’ve mentioned are only the tip of the iceberg. There are countless smaller volunteer programs. Reach Out Once you have found a few programs that interest you, the best method of research is to talk to a current volunteer of your organization. A current volunteer is the best source of information to learn about daily life and can often ease some of the anxiety related to the unknown. Most of the time, they love their mission and love to talk to prospective volunteers. So don’t be afraid to reach out! Talk to Jesus about Your Calling and Gifts Spend time in prayer to allow God to speak to your heart. Know what He is saying to you and in which program you might thrive best. Here are a few common considerations. With what length of volunteer commitment are you comfortable? What does your vacation time look like? What are you looking for in a volunteer community? Do you want to live in a community with many other young people or do you prefer a small group? Do you want to live aboard or do you prefer to stay domestic? Are you comfortable being sent to any location or do you prefer to decide where you live? Are you comfortable being assigned to any sort of job or do you prefer to have some control over where you might work? What are the financial benefits and concerns associated with each program? Is there fundraising involved, and if so, what type? What is the spirituality of the volunteer program? Is there access to daily Mass and the Sacraments? What groups of people do you feel called to serve? Elementary kids, the elderly, college students, the homeless, the sick, etc? Does the mission of the program match the mission in your own heart? Don't Compare We each have different talents and gifts. Take the time to think about yours and where you might be best able to serve and where God is calling you to grow. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: if prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. -Romans 12:6-8 My mission ended up looking different than my friends' missions. I wish I would have not compared and been at peace knowing that based on the gifts God has given us, we each have a unique and specific mission that He wants us to fulfill. Be Ready to Be Changed Finally, here are some key takeaways that former volunteers told me before I started the mission that helped my mindset. Often the organization will decide where you live, your job description, and will have rules and a schedule. As a result, you will learn obedience. There will be days of exhaustion, emotional difficulty, and hardship. There will be days when you want nothing more to fulfill your own needs, and you will be required to put the needs of others before your own. As a result, you will learn how to sacrifice. Everyone in your community will bring their spirituality to the table. You will be exposed to a variety of spiritual practices. As a result, your spirituality will change. You will have a mission. You will join something bigger than yourself. As a result, part of your old self will die. In the process, some of your self-centeredness and ego will die as well. You will never be the same, but you will change for the better. If God has called you to serve Him in this particular way, He will sustain and strengthen you. Do not be afraid to plunge into the deep and complete His mission. Trust Him, He will not let you fail. Go set the world on fire. Are you discerning post-graduate service? What questions do you have about the process?   [bctt tweet="Discerning Post-Graduate Service #BISblog //" via="no"]   Claire Belén Vietri is a recent Gonzaga graduate from Idaho who is currently volunteering at a children’s home called Amigos de Jesus in Honduras. In her free time, she loves running outside, playing soccer with the kids, reading classics, and most importantly, laughing with family and friends. You can find out more about her here.   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness. // Luke 1:46-48 Love this beautiful print from Elma of A Yearning Heart. Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Remember, Members, you get this for free! Log in and download! Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

A voice proclaims: In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD! // Isaiah 40:4 Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

I’ll be honest: every time I attended a wedding and one of the readings is Ephesians 5, I always lose my attention and focus. This is due to the fact that, instead of listening to the Word of God, I become fascinated by watching the reactions of those around me. And the facial expressions normally do not disappoint. After all, at first glance, the reading from Ephesians 5 contains some rather strong words, including plenty of what would be considered “triggering” language, in the eyes of the modern world. The words I refer to are these: “Wives, be subject to your husband, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife… so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands” (Ephesians 5:22-24). But What Does Submission Mean? Women are naturally repulsed by this language of “subjection.” After all, we do not support dominating, overbearing men in relationships. We most definitely do not support abusive relationships, or relationships in which women are forced to do anything without their consent. We live in a culture where female independence rings out loud and clear on the lips of many. While the word “subject” often reminds us of this negative connotation and causes us to think that this is a degrading message to femininity, the Word of God is speaking of an entirely different reality. The true nature of this “subjection” is made apparent through the realization that Marriage is the most perfect reflection we have on earth of the love between Christ and the Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that: the Sacrament of Matrimony signifies the union of Christ and the Church. -CCC 1661 The key to this is actually found within Ephesians 5. We just normally turn off our ears before we have the chance to hear it. An Image of Christ and His Church “As the Church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:24-25). When commanding husbands to love their wives, Saint Paul uses the Greek word agape. This type of love signifies the highest form of love: self-sacrificial love which continually wills the good of the other. This is the type of love that is described of Jesus having for us. This is the love that saved us from our sins. This is the love that drove Jesus to the Cross. And this is the love demanded of husbands for their wives. Agape Eradicates Disorder It becomes clear then, that when this true agape love is present, it would be inconceivable to pair it with oppression and degradation of women. Agape love would never permit harm toward the beloved, as it is a type of love that wills the good of the beloved. It is the love of a righteous and holy husband. It is the love of Jesus. Jesus’s love would never oppress, force, or humiliate a woman. The subjection, therefore, that is asked of the wife, is not a subjection of tyranny and force, but a submission of humility and respect. When a wife truly believes that her husband loves her with the love of Christ, it becomes natural for her to trust him and follow his lead. No man is perfect, and we will all make mistakes. But we know when the other is trying to model their love from the love of Christ. If a husband and wife come to a disagreement, but the wife knows that her husband loves her with an agape love (and she him), she can trust him, and he her. Trust and Reverence This kind of trust is a challenge. One of the gravest effects of Original Sin was the lessening of man’s ability to trust, both in God and in other men. We experience brokenness and hurt in our relationships, and it becomes difficult for us, as women, to follow and trust someone other than ourselves. Trusting someone opens us up to the possibility of being hurt. Trust runs the risk of being betrayed. Trust is not easy. Trusting will not always leave us unhurt. But it is worth it. Trust is not a weakness, but a strength. The Call of Men Our marriages, therefore, have a goal: agape love. Women are called to express submission to their husband, as the Church submits to Christ. But men are not off the hook. The love that is demanded of them is great, just as that which is demanded of the woman is great as well. So next time you’re at a wedding, don’t get sidetracked by the glances and rolling of eyes. Instead, meditate on the fact that in Marriage we have been given the chance to witness the love and self-gift of Jesus Christ in our modern day. The truest form of subjection of wife to husband is not a weakness on the part of the woman, but a massive strength which requires patience, humility, and trust. And the same can be said of a man's self-sacrifice on behalf of the good of the woman. I pray that we, as men and women, may live up to our call!   [bctt tweet="Ephesians 5 // The Strength of Submission #BISblog //" via="no"]   Mary Grace “Gracie” Tillman is a full-time student and full-time extrovert. If you don’t find her with her friends, odds are she’s lost on a backroad with her music all the way up. She loves sports, writing, one-on-ones over coffee, and all things related to Divine Mercy. She strives to life live every day to the fullest and be a joyful disciple of Jesus.

If he comes unexpectedly, he must not fins you asleep. And what I'm saying to you I say to all: stay awake // Mark 13:37 Love this print from Mariana Pimiento of Big Apple Catholic. Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Remember, Members, you get this 8x10 digital download for free! Head to the shop for your download. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper

As I drove into work this morning I noticed that the vibrant colors were gone. The once picturesque tunnel of trees now resembled a barren wasteland. Most of the leaves had fallen and bare branches prepared for winter. Before too much disappointment could set in, I came upon a verdant grove of pines. The faithful evergreens restored my hope and reminded me of the great celebration of Christ’s birth soon to come. Shifting Seasons Such simple ponderings shifted my mind to the cycle of life. I even have a row of four images in my living room to remind me of it. My grandmother painted me the same country scene in each of the four seasons. The trees tell all. In spring their small pink buds appear. In summer their leaves are a healthy green. In fall they give a colorful display. In winter their branches are barren and snow-laden. As living and breathing human beings, we also go through cycles in our lives, whether it be birth, life and death, or simply the ups and downs of the everyday. We may have seasons when we feel fulfilled and joyful, others when we feel hopeless and sad, and others when perhaps we don’t feel anything at all… except boredom. I remember hearing a popular Catholic evangelist talk about the Mass once. He was chiding those who don’t go to Mass because it’s boring. “The very Son of God comes down to us in His Flesh and Blood! How can that be boring?!” he exclaimed. It’s so true. How can it be boring? It’s not. But we allow our minds to wander, our zeal to falter, our tiredness to overtake us and to us it becomes just that. Boring. Renewing Zeal for the Eucharist What can we do to awaken the springtime within us? How can the vibrant green of our souls shine forth once again? And more importantly, how can we allow the vibrant gift of God’s love to shine forth from us once again? We need the Eucharist. Perhaps we have used the Bishops’ permission to be excused from Sunday Mass as an excuse not to go. Perhaps we are scared to go back. Perhaps—like I'm prone to do—we think praying in our cars while driving is just as good as praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament. While talking to my Dad about a difficult issue I was dealing with, he reminded me that there is nothing like praying in the presence of Christ. There is nothing like that gentle silence leading your heart back to Him. The Eucharist + Our Thanksgiving So sisters, I invite you to reflect on what season of life you may find yourself in. Are you up? Are you down? Are you in springtime or fall? Are you ever-green? Are you bored? Run, sisters! Run to the Eucharist! Let Him whisper sweetly to you and renew your soul.   [bctt tweet="The Eucharist as Thanksgiving #BISblog //" via="no"]   Tami Urcia is a bilingual Midwestern gal from a large Catholic family. After doing a few years of missionary work in Mexico, living and working in a few different states, she finally found home in a small town where her kids enjoy the fresh air and wide open spaces. She works at Diocesan, is a regular contributor at CatholicMom.com and has been translating on the side for 20 years.

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me. // Matthew 25:35 Love this print from Jazmin De Guzman from today's readings. Let His word dwell in us richly, sisters. Remember, Members, you get this 8x10 digital download for free! Head to the shop for your download. Download your F R E E wallpapers right here --->>> Phone wallpaper Desktop wallpaper