Of my four children, three are teenagers. I serve as a Client Advocate at a crisis pregnancy center where ladies of varied ages, colors, and creeds come to verify pregnancies. These pregnancies are most often unplanned and I sit across from women filled with fear and despair as they physically wring their hands and weep. They assess their complicated life circumstances, discuss pressures, and weigh options to make a life-changing decision. This is the case whether they choose life or abortion. Becoming a parent, placing one’s baby for adoption, or ending the life of a baby growing in one’s womb is life changing. Abortion is often seen as a quick fix that brings immediate relief and solves a dire “problem,” yet I have learned through countless accounts that abortion is frequently the start of serious, long-term troubles and causes inner turmoil and regret. I have a lot to share about all of that, but for now I wish to take a step back in the hope that you will take a moment to contemplate my perspective. Your Bright Future College is on the horizon for many bright, talented, ambitious young people. The hook-up culture, binge drinking, and drug use will be present in abundance no matter the university, just like in high school. Here is what I know. I want you to enjoy college and earn a degree. I want you to fall in love with someone with whom you share mutual respect and common values. I don’t want your big plans and life goals derailed by pregnancy before you are ready for that responsibility. Becoming a mother has been the single greatest joy of my life and down the road, I want you to rejoice when you discover you are about to become a parent! Life is a gift! Every time two people engage in sexual intercourse, there is the possibility of pregnancy. From the moment of conception, the “cluster of cells” growing within is a very tiny, new and unique human organism possessing all of the genetic information necessary to grow and develop into a fully formed person. Embryology supports this basic definition of life. Sex is Beautiful By Design Sexuality is a natural part of humanity that perpetuates our species. My four children were not immaculately conceived and the incredible pull of sexual attraction is not a foreign experience. I understand the biological intensity with which hormones drive sexual behavior and I think sex is wonderful. First Things First I also know that a “No Sex Before Marriage” approach will prevent a whole lot of heartache and protect one’s body, soul and psyche. When people stray from God’s right order, things often get complicated fast. One’s purity is a precious gift to a future spouse. I recognize this concept as uncommon and countercultural to everything that is conveyed through media. I don’t care. It is right. It is true. Scientifically speaking, there is fascinating brain chemistry research on the effect of premarital sex in the book Hooked: The Brain Science on How Casual Sex Affects Human Development by McIlhaney and McKissic Bush. Casual sex has negative implications psychologically and physically. Sexually transmitted diseases are pervasive in young, sexually active populations and may be asymptomatic, while silently harming reproductive health and potentially causing cancer. Some STDs are not curable. Hear Me Now Please let this seed of truth be planted in your heart. Plenty of Christians find themselves in circumstances that are outside the order they intended. You would be shocked by how many babies are aborted because their mothers are afraid to share news of the unexpected pregnancy with their parents whom they don’t wish to disappoint. If you ever find yourself in this difficult position, please know that there are pregnancy centers in every major city filled with skilled, loving people able to help women navigate rough waters during uncertain times. I am convinced love trumps everything. In the end, no matter the perceived “disappointment,” love for a future grandchild will prevail. Placing a baby for adoption is another courageous way to choose life when a young woman is not able to parent after lovingly carrying her baby to term. Acting against an innate maternal instinct and one’s conscience will have a profound impact, and fathers of aborted babies face their own complex emotions. Points to Ponder Unless you are currently prepared to bring a child into the world with a particular person, don’t have sex. Obviously, alcohol decreases inhibitions and may lead to actions one would normally avoid if sober. Communicate your boundaries and avoid situations where you are alone and must rely on sheer will power to stop the natural progression of intimacy that occurs in relationships. I don’t believe you will regret not having sex before marriage, but I’m convinced the opposite is often true. If you are a virgin, take pride in that reality. Stay the course. If you have already had sex, that doesn’t mean you have to remain on the current road. You are the driver. Be strong and virtuous. What advice would you give to young people navigating the hook up culture today?   [bctt tweet="Big Choices // A Letter to Young People #BISblog //" via="no"]   Written by Julie Overlease. Find out more about her here.

It was only eight o’clock in the morning. I already drove my children to school and was back home. I unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher. And just before heading to my weekly Holy Hour, I checked my calendar and email. I noticed a message I was waiting for, hoping for. And so I opened it. Immediately, my heart sank. The good news I anticipated turned out to be disappointing. It was not a congratulatory email; it was a rejection. Instead of “yes,” it was “no.” I started to cry. Rejection stings. I felt so incredibly hopeless. I did not really know what to do next, what to think, where to go, how to process it. And then I remembered: Jesus was waiting for me in the Adoration Chapel. Pray Anyway As I drove to church, I did not feel like praying. But I made a commitment to be at the chapel from 9-10 a.m. every Tuesday morning. So, someone was depending on me to take her place. Plus, Jesus was there. He was waiting for me. As I settled into the pew, I gazed at Our Lord Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and a wave of peace washed over me. He saw me. He knew. Before I said a word, He knew it all. And He gazed upon me with love and acceptance, not rejection. As I began praying, I was led to this Scripture passage: ... in him it is always ‘Yes.’ For in him every one of God’s promises is a ‘Yes.’ For this reason it is through him that we say the ‘Amen,’ to the glory of God. // 2 Corinthians 1:19-20 After receiving such disappointing news—a definite “no”—I turned to the Lord, and His response was “yes.” Yes to my existence. Yes to my gifts. Yes to my purpose. Yes to my belonging to Him. “... in him it is always ‘Yes.’” Christ’s Peace Surpasses Understanding And in that prayerful moment, I was able to surrender my disappointment to the Lord and entrust my hurt to Him. I felt peace, even in the midst of such devastating news. Even though I was uncertain about the future and God’s will for me, I knew with all my heart that I belonged to Him. This experience helped me realize how important it is to pray during times of disappointment, discouragement, hopelessness, and uncertainty. Looking back, I could have responded in so many ways to my bad news. I could have spent the rest of the morning scrolling through social media, going through the drive-through line, shopping, or keeping busy with mindless activities. But all of those other coping mechanisms would have only been escapism. None of them would have brought me to the Lord, and I certainly would not have felt His peace or heard His words of comfort and assurance. Prayer Tethers Us to Christ The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us that “prayer is a vital necessity.” And it is especially vital when life feels hopeless. Prayer is not a magic bullet that instantly fixes our problems, changes our circumstances, or heals our sufferings. But prayer keeps us tethered to the Lord—the Mighty One, the Author of Life, the Divine Physician. And when we are tethered to Him, He transforms our outlook and emotions. We remember we are not alone, as we receive His grace, hear His Word, and feel His love. Holy Mother Church Shows Us the Way To encourage us in the importance of praying when prayer seems hopeless, we only need to turn to Holy Mother Church for wisdom and guidance. Below is a list of Scriptures to pray, Church teachings to implement, and saintly wisdom to ponder. These treasures from Heaven remind us that when prayer feels hopeless, all we really need is to run to Jesus and entrust it (over and over) to Him. Scriptures to Pray Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his presence continually. // 1 Chronicles 16:11 … the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. // Job 1:21 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. // Psalm 145:18 Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. // Jeremiah 19:12 Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. // James 5:13 And this is the boldness we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. // 1 John 5:14 Church Teachings to Implement “But when we pray, do we speak from the height of our pride and will, or ‘out of the depths’ of a humble and contrite heart? He who humbles himself will be exalted; humility is the foundation of prayer.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2559) “The wonder of prayer is revealed beside the well where we come seeking water: there, Christ comes to meet every human being. It is he who first seeks us and asks us for a drink. Jesus thirsts; his asking arises from the depths of God's desire for us. Whether we realize it or not, prayer is the encounter of God's thirst with ours. God thirsts that we may thirst for him.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2560) “... we pray not to remind God or tell Him of what we need, but to acknowledge that He is the Supreme Giver, to adore and worship Him by showing our entire dependence upon Him …” (Baltimore Catechism, lesson 28) “Prayer is a vital necessity … How can the Holy Spirit be our life if our heart is far from him?” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2744) “Jesus always responds to a prayer offered in faith.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2616) Saintly Wisdom to Ponder “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God …” // St. John Damascene “Prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.” // St. Thérèse of Lisieux “Reach up as high as you can today, and God will reach down the rest of the way.” // St. Pio of Pietrelcina "You pay God a compliment by asking great things of Him." // St. Teresa of Avila "Nothing is equal to prayer; for what is impossible it makes possible, what is difficult, easy." // St. John Chrysostom "Prayer is the place of refuge for every worry, a foundation for cheerfulness, a source of constant happiness, a protection against sadness." // St. John Chrysostom How have you found prayer helpful during a hopeless situation?   [bctt tweet="How to Pray Even When It Seems Hopeless #BISblog //" via="no"]

As a woman, I understand the temptation to place my value on my looks, and especially on my hair. It’s funny how a woman’s hair can become her security blanket, relying on it to feel any bit of confidence in public. As long as I have my hair done, I feel ready to face the world. So imagine the horror I felt when I realized I would lose all my hair while pregnant with my first son. When that was taken away, I didn’t know how to love myself. Pregnant, Confused, and Bald Halfway through the pregnancy, I began to experience intense itching on my scalp and I would scratch my head until it bled. I thought I was going insane. The itching was followed by severe hair loss. I was pulling out chunks of hair every day, multiple times a day. It seemed as if hair covered every surface of our home. My daughter would play and run back with my hair stuck on her fingers and lips. Every time I showered, I created wild, imaginative art murals with my hair on the shower wall, and afterwards collected hair balls the size of my whole palm. My OB doctor referred me to a dermatologist. I spent over $600 on blood tests trying to figure out what was happening to me and I was actually disappointed when all of my results came back healthy and normal. I wanted something to be wrong with me, just so I could have an answer, and therefore, a cure. Every week, my hair thinned drastically. My hairline was receding and the part in my hair was splitting wide like the Red Sea. I bought all kinds of expensive steroid treatments, wigs, special shampoos, and hair products, praying that my hair would stop falling out. Fighting the Devil’s Lies I spent a lot of nights crying. Every time I walked past a mirror, I felt ugly and ashamed. Every night, I would look at myself and think “You’re disgusting. You look hideous. How can anyone love you when you look like that?” It took a long time before I realized that it had been the devil whispering that in my ear all along. I was depressed and miserable, and really angry with God. Why was this happening to me? I didn’t want to talk to Him or have a relationship with Him until my hair came back. I didn’t pray, I didn’t worship, I didn’t want anything to do with Him. All I wanted was my hair back. It got to a point where I had such little hair, I looked like Gollum from Lord of the Rings... until I mustered up the courage to shave my head. I cried and laughed in the bathtub while my husband went at it with the clippers. I felt scared, liberated, horrified, and relieved all at once. I had finally let go of any hope of salvaging my hair and literally had to cut off what had become my false idol. Redefining Beauty I realize there are women who suffer much greater trials during pregnancy and that people have far worse reasons for losing their hair. I always knew that looks aren’t everything and that beauty goes beyond the physical. But I didn’t truly believe it for myself until I was forced to find the beauty in my balding head. Talk about a lesson in humility. It was the cause of many spiritual attacks and it was a daily fight to keep from hating myself. As I struggled to keep my appearance from dictating my worth as a person, God used the people in my life to show me that I am still beautiful. My husband would rub my head and kiss me even though I didn’t want him to look at me. My daughter didn’t see me any differently; I was still her mommy who loved and provided for her. My friends reassured me that I could pull off this new look, and my family reminded me of how brave I was to sacrifice my hair for my son. Through these people, I realized that I am loved beyond measure. They helped me to see that I am wanted most of all by Jesus. That He delights in me and who I am, despite how I look and my imperfections. What Is Beauty? I had to ask myself, “What is beauty?” We see plenty of beautiful people everyday in public, on television, in magazines, and the internet. But when you strip away the big hair, the makeup, the toned bodies, and pretty clothes, you realize those are not the things that make one beautiful. It may be harder to recognize but there is beauty in each of us. I realized that beauty is joy. It’s about not taking yourself too seriously and finding humor in your life everyday. It’s about believing that you are good and that you are loved. Beauty is kindness and sacrifice. It’s about the way you treat people and make them feel important and cared for. It’s about the big and little sacrifices you make that may or may not go unnoticed. Beauty is confidence. It’s about knowing and believing you make a difference. It’s about being kind to yourself, and being YOU in all of your uniqueness, knowing that there is no one else in the world like you. Beauty is understanding your gifts and talents, and using them to become the best possible version of yourself while lifting up others to do the same. My Most Beautiful Moment During the last few weeks of the pregnancy, my hair started growing back slowly but surely. Then my son entered the world (with a full head of hair, ironically) and the second he was placed into my arms, I knew it was all worth it. I never thought I’d have such a drastic look when it came to my appearance, but I learned to like it with every passing day (no tangles and 5 minute showers are game changers). Most of all, I learned how to love myself and see myself the way God sees me: full of dignity and beauty, worthy of his love in all of my imperfections, which are made perfect through Him. The pursuit of loving oneself is a daily journey and I pray that you will read this and know that whether you are a woman or man, young or old, with hair or no hair, you are beautiful. You are worthy. You are loved. What characteristics do you attribute to beauty—in yourself and in others? What sort of lies tempt you to feel unworthy? What is God trying to say to you to dispel those lies? Who is one person you can reach out to this week and affirm their beauty?   [bctt tweet="Uncovering the Real Meaning of My Beauty #BISblog //" via="no"]   Written by Maggie Kim.

More and more the Church is coming to a deeper understanding of the irreplaceable role Saint Joseph played in the life of young Jesus. Along with this understanding has come the desire for more knowledge of Jesus’ earthly father—and even the desire to be one of his adopted children through consecration! Thus, it is no surprise that “Joseph” has been a popular choice for baby names for centuries. Since 1921, over two million males born have been given the moniker by their parents. Surely, this amounts for one of the reasons the saying “average Joe” came to be—there are so many guys who sport the name! Though ironically, Joseph himself was anything but “average.” A “Twist” on the Traditional The names “Joseph” and “Josephine” are total classics which will never go out of style. Be that as it may, people have a wide range of preferences and styles when it comes to baby names, and for at least part of the population, something more unique is desired. Below is a list of baby names that are less of a literal take on Joseph’s name, but still inspired by his life and story. Names with Masculine + Feminine Forms Axel // A Scandinavian version of the Hebrew, “Absalom,” the name means “father of peace.” Jesus is the source of all peace and Joseph is obviously his father. Conley // This Irish name meaning “chaste fire” is the perfect way to describe the way Joseph loved Mary. Connery // “Warrior lord;” the end of the Litany of Saint Joseph ends with the reminder that Joseph was made “Lord of [God’s] household.” Felix or Felicity // Latin for “happy, fortunate,” Saint Joseph has long been invoked as the patron of a happy death since tradition shares he died in the arms of Jesus and Mary. Griffin // Welsh for “strong lord.” Another nod to the biblical roles of both Josephs in the bible; both were given command over the household of the king. Henry or Henrietta // Both names mean “home or estate ruler” and Joseph was the head of the Holy Family. “Hank,” “Harry,” “Hattie,” and “Etta” are all cute and traditional nicknames. Justin or Justine // The Bible describes Joseph as “a just man.” Ramon or Ramona // Spanish for “wise protector;” Joseph is hailed for both these qualities in Scripture and his litany. Riley // A title of our heavenly friend is “Joseph, Most Courageous.” This English/Irish name literally means “courageous.” Sawyer // A tradesmen name meaning “woodcutter”—perfect to honor the holy carpenter from Nazareth Stylianos or Stellina // Greek for “pillar,” this name works perfectly with the title “Pillar of Families.” “Styles” would be a suave way to shorten it for a boy, while the feminine form could easily be shortened to “Stella” or “Lina.” Quinn // An Irish moniker meaning “chief leader;” could be another nod to Joseph’s role within the Holy Family. Wynn // Welsh for “fair or pure;” Joseph is well known for his chastity and justice. Names for Girls Adele // French for “noble”; Joseph is referred to as the “Noble Offspring of David” in his litany. Aina // Pronounced “EE-na” or “A-EE-NA” this Scandinavian and Finnish name means “mirror” and reminds one of Joseph’s title, “Mirror of Patience.” Aisling // God spoke to Joseph through dreams, thus this popular Irish name meaning “dream” could be in honor of their main form of communication. Lily // The flower that has long served as a his symbol of purity due to the legend of the flower blooming from his staff at the time of choosing a worthy spouse for the Virgin Mary. Minette // A French name meaning “faithful defender;” Joseph is both referred to as the “Protector of the Church,” but also “Most Faithful.” Of course, he defended his family against King Herod and all sorts of undocumented difficulties. Nolita // A Latin name with the meaning “unwilling” might initially bring to mind a stubborn person. However, it makes me think of the line in Scripture when Joseph found out about Mary’s pregnancy and was “unwilling to put her to shame.” Nora // Means “light” and could allude to Joseph’s title, “Light of Patriarchs” (any other baby name with the same meaning could also work). Pilar // Spanish for “pillar;” another nod to his title, “Pillar of Families.” Prudence // A virtue which is often incorrectly associated with being a prude. Rather, it’s about making good decisions, and Joseph is hailed as “Most Prudent.” “Pru” is a cute and traditional nickname. Valora // A name meaning “courage” to remind one of the virtue that Joseph must have utilized countless times in life (taking Mary into his home, fleeing to Egypt and living there for years, living in poverty, dying knowing the suffering his wife and Son would face, etc.). Zelia // Means “zealous, ardent;” a title from Joseph’s litany is “Zealous Defender of Christ.” Names for Boys Argus // Joseph is called the “Guardian of Virgins” because of his relationship with Mary and Jesus, but also because of his fatherly eye over professed religious. Thus a Greek name meaning “watchful guardian” is super fitting. Beacon // Both an illusion to his title, “Light of Patriarchs” and also his lesser known symbol of the lantern. Carver // A trades name meaning “wood carver,” which Joseph was. Coen // A name meaning “bold advisor” to allude to all the help and nourishment Joseph would have given Jesus. Declan // Growing in popularity, this Irish name means “man of prayer,” which Joseph certainly was. Deimos // Pronounced “DAY-mos” this Greek name means “terror” and harkens to mind my personal favorite of all Joseph’s titles: “Terror of the Demons.” Foster // After the foster father of Jesus. Frey // Short and cool-sounding, this Scandinavian name means “lord, exalted one.” Joseph is, of course, Lord over the King’s household and is exalted by all of Heaven. Granger // A trades name meaning “worker of the grainery”; it reminds me of the comparison between the Josephs of the Old and New Testament and how they both saved the Bread of Life. Guy // “Guide or leader;” another illusion to Joseph’s role in the Holy Family and how he lead them through life’s difficulties. Milo // A name with both Latin and German roots. It means, “soldier or mercy.” Joseph was merciful in deciding to divorce Mary, but he was also young and strong and capable of defending his family. Naylor // An old English occupation name; Joseph is both the “Model of Workmen” and also a carpenter who would have worked with nails quite a bit. Redmund // “Wise protector;” another name to honor Joseph’s guardianship of his family and the Church. “Red” would be a keen nickname. Salvatore // Spanish for “Savior” and traditionally attributed to Christ, this name could also allude to Joseph, the “Savior of the Savior.” Tekton // This is the Greek word that describes Joseph’s occupation. It includes carpentry, but also great craftsmanship and artistry. Not a name to be found on any baby name websites, it would certainly be one of a kind! Walker // In reference to Mother Angelica’s statement (which was in regards to the disagreeing Theologians about Joseph’s age): “Old men don’t walk to Egypt!” More Names to Ponder Didn’t see a name you liked? Not sure who you want to name your baby after? Need some faith-inspired baby gear? Check out these other posts about expecting babies! How to Name Your Baby (Catholic Style) Not-So-Typical Unique Catholic Baby Names Unique + Usable Biblical Baby Names Catholic Baby Registry (Catholic Gift Ideas for a Baby Shower) Have a Catholic baby name you love (and we failed to mention)? Share it with us in the comments!   [bctt tweet="Baby Names Inspired by Saint Joseph #BISblog //" via="no"]   This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

Three years ago, I started making my way back to the Church after an extremely worldly life. I had been living in China for at least three years at that point, and being out of my grandmother’s safe haven, I had spiraled out of control. One night, I went to bed and had a life-changing dream. I knew it all had to stop. Fornication, sugar-daddies, wild parties, and more. So I decided to return to the Lord, start fresh. I expected it to be all rosy, and for a moment it really was. Then I went for a retreat and picked one paper during an activity and the word on that paper turned my life upside down. Trust. What is Radical Trust? Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and on your own intelligence rely not. // Proverbs 3:5 A simple, yet loaded line. Trust requires a solid relationship and a relationship requires interest, but radical trust requires total surrender and abandonment to the will of God. Radical trust will have you looking and acting like a crazy person. And that is the point we all need to reach. The point where we believe beyond a shadow of reasonable doubt that "God will provide a way out of my _____ (marital problems, financial meltdown, falling grades, tumultuous relationships, childlessness, problems with children, loneliness, etc.) because of His promise in Jeremiah 20:11." The Father will provide a way out because He cares for you and everything that concerns your life (see Luke 12:7, Exodus 3:7-8). Jesus will hold your hand through it all because He understands how you feel and wants you to be in perfect peace. The Holy Spirit will inspire you with ideas and the strength to do what you need to. Beloved, God is interested in you and everything about you. Are You Interested in God? But, are you interested in God? Not just His blessings but God Himself. Are you interested in what God wants for you, and all that He has in store for you and all that interests you? It is only possible to trust when we are certain of Whom we are working with. Trust is a fruit of a relationship and developing or strengthening that relationship is what we should focus on. Effort to grow that relationship is all God asks of us because He will work something out. Even if His will is contrary to what we hope and yearn for in that moment. Truthfully, at times, God’s will is painful. Very painful. And it is alright to feel that pain and cry it all out. Thankfully, God’s way is perfect (Psalm 18:31), marvelous (Psalm 40:6), and pregnant with hope (Jeremiah 29:11). You can confidently abandon yourself in God’s loving will for you because it is what you need. To Heaven Today, it might not seem to be what you want but in future you will realize it was what you needed, even if it is not on this side of Heaven. You can radically trust God and confidently do all that the Holy Spirit is calling you to do. And you can confidently surrender and abandon yourself to God’s will (whatever it looks like today) because it will lead you to Heaven.   [bctt tweet="The Wildness of Trust #BISblog //" via="no"]   Written by Nyasha Masuku.

This spring, my oldest daughter graduated from high school. It was one of those milestones that I never thought I would reach. But now, it has come and gone. And as of yesterday, my daughter has officially left our nest to serve as a missionary for the next year. Once Upon a Time When I was a young mom, with five children in preschool and younger, I remember a more seasoned mom telling me how quickly the years would go by. I also remember not believing her. This mom was well-meaning, but her solicitation came in the midst of sleepless nights, dirty diapers, potty training, and naptime battles. I was also in the midst of cuddles, bedtime stories, sticky smiles, and so many new beginnings. In the thick of all the beautiful, sweet, tiresome, and challenging moments of young family life, I could not imagine that a day would ever come when my children would turn 18, graduate from high school, and leave the house for their next adventure. It just seemed too far away. Believe it or not, it’s true But here I am. The day has come. And now, I am a mom who has just sent off her oldest child and who is preparing to send off two more children in the next two years. Transitions Lead to Reflection Realizing now that the 18 years we have to raise our children go by more quickly than we can fathom, I cannot help but wonder: How do I avoid living with regret, wishing I could take back those unkind words and maybe even get a couple of do-overs on those not-so-great days? How do I simply savor the good memories, seek forgiveness for the bad ones, and remain content in this transition that is the present moment? Moreover, how do I parent my daughter in her new season of life, while she is serving high school youth across the United States? How do I let her go? Let’s Walk this Road Together If you also find yourself in this next phase of mothering, I do not begin to have many answers to the questions I ask above. Because let’s face it: mothering a young adult can make even the most experienced mom feel like a new mom all over again—totally unsure of herself. In many ways, mothering young adults requires new skills and a fresh perspective. Right now, I am receiving a crash course in how to advise, encourage, bite my tongue, and let go. It reminds me of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, where it talks about a season for every matter under Heaven. I am learning that there is a time to suggest and a time to back off; a time to help and a time to let them figure it out for themselves; a time to put my foot down and a time to lighten up; a time to speak truth and a time to silently pray. And so, while I am not an expert in parenting young adults, I am learning, and I can offer some reflection, prayer support, and companionship as our children become young adults and as we share in the experience of their leaving the nest. Lean on the Lord This leads me to convey what I know for certain: As our children leave the nest and as we learn to let go, we cannot lean on our own understanding. We must remember that God’s ways are not our ways, and His plans for our children far surpass anything we could ever imagine for them. We need to entrust our young adult children to the Lord. For they are His children more than they are ours, and He knows and loves them so much more than we ever could. And so, let us seek God’s guidance and assurance by turning to His Word for strength and comfort. And let us increasingly trust Him and surrender our children to Him through Catholic prayers, litanies, and novenas. Scripture Verses to Pray When Children Leave the Nest For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted me my petition which I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord. // 1 Samuel 27-28 Thou dost show me the path of life; in thy presence there is fullness of joy, in thy right hand are pleasures for evermore. // Psalm 16:11 The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts; so I am helped, and my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. // Psalm 28:7 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. // Proverbs 3:5 Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. // Isaiah 43:19 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and return not thither but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and prosper in the thing for which I sent it. // Isaiah 55:8-11 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. // Philippians 4:19 And so, from the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to lead a life worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. // Colossians 1:9-12 Catholic Prayers When the Nest Begins Emptying Thanks to our beautiful and rich Catholic Faith, we have a treasure trove of prayers, litanies, and novenas for just about every life circumstance, including the time when our children leave the nest. Here are four that will certainly help us entrust our children to the Lord as they begin this new chapter of their lives … away from us. Surrender Novena Litany of Trust Efficacious Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Litany of the Guardian Angels Whether your first or last child is leaving the nest this fall, sending them off won’t be easy. There certainly will be a learning curve. But when we turn to God’s promising words in Sacred Scripture and prayerfully entrust our children to the Lord, we can let them leave the nest and enter this next chapter with greater peace and confidence. Anyone else launching a child into the world this month? How are you doing with it?   [bctt tweet="When Our Children Leave the Nest #BISblog //" via="no"]

As I get older and walk farther along with the Lord, the shock of loneliness mellows, but the pain persists. I am able to more quickly identify a feeling of loneliness—in my marriage, friendships, work, or church community—and to acknowledge it as just that: a feeling. Identifying loneliness for what it is helps shift my mindset from victim to one of acceptance of my human condition. We all feel lonely sometimes. The Good News is that, as Christians, we know that, although feelings of loneliness are an inevitable part of life, we are never alone. We know that Jesus is ever-present to us. Our Good Shepherd, our Prince of Peace, our Beloved. Bringing My Loneliness Before Him Earlier this year brought a season of extreme loneliness for me in all areas of my life. I felt like a square peg trying to fit into a round hole in most arenas of life. Along with loneliness rose questions of worth, doubts about relationships, and anxieties about decision-making. The feelings I was battling reminded me of another season of loneliness several years before. That season nearly suffocated me, but this time, I knew what the answer was. Or rather, Who. My remedy was found in the presence of Our Eucharistic Lord. Adoration became a consolation for me, where the spiritual reality of Jesus' nearness to me was lived out physically. The Eucharist was my place of refuge, truth, and hope. Upon Him I cast my cares and found freedom from fear of abandonment, because my home is in Him. Never Alone Knowing that I am not alone in either my feelings of loneliness or my preference for His presence in the Eucharist, we asked women in the Blessed is She community to tell us about times in which Jesus in the Eucharist has been a source of consolation. "My grandfather died recently and Jesus has been a constant source of reassurance and comfort. I know He’s there and that He cares. I go over every day with Him how I’ve been doing with my grief, and I know He listens and truly cares; as a Father, as a spouse, as a friend and as my Beloved God who never leaves." // "My heart cries for Him when I am feeling lonely. Going to spend time with Him in the Blessed Sacrament heals my heart like nothing else. I receive peace that can be found nowhere else. Today I wanted to go to adoration—I arrived at the church to find they had “cancelled” that time with Jesus and locked the church doors. I went to the window I know He rests behind and sat on the grass outside the church to be near to Him. Even though I couldn’t see Him, I felt His reassuring presence. My heart is going through a lot right now and just knowing He was there with me meant everything!" // "A few years ago I felt stuck in my career and in life feeling like I’ve missed all my opportunities and felt the lack of good friends in my life. Getting to visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament just walking distance from where I stayed gave me solace and peace, I was able to pour out to Him all my worries, regrets, and fears. I became thankful for that time spent alone with Him, I realized I had so much that I needed to get right with God before anything else. Lately I’ve been feeling lonely again, this just reminded me that maybe I need to meet Him in prayer again, maybe it’s been a while." // "Years ago when I went through a hard bit of depression. The thing that kept me going was forcing myself to go to Sunday and receive the Eucharist. It was a physical reminder I wasn't alone when I needed Jesus most." // "During the time I find out I had something wrong with my health. I was scared and lonely. I would go to adoration and receive Jesus at the Eucharist and I was never alone. Jesus was alway there. I am so small and He held my hand through the whole time. I love You, Jesus! God is greater than I." // "When I, together with my parents and two younger siblings, moved here to the U.S. from the Philippines when I was 16, away from my friends, family, and everything I was familiar with. Also, when I was a new mom with my first born. There were times when it felt isolating. But God is always faithful. He is my stronghold and my anchor. During those times I have learned that God is enough and He is all I need. He gives us everything that we need. People come and go in our lives, but God remains constant. If we fix our eyes on Him, everything will fall on its rightful place at His perfect time." // "During my first year of college (last year), I’d have low moments every week and they would hit hard almost every Thursday, and we had Eucharistic exposition on Thursday nights at the student center. Those were my power nights where I recharged enough to finish the week and make it until the next adoration night. Those nights I would be physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually drained; and every week Our Lord would wrap me in His presence as I sat on the floor in the front row of the chapel, and that was probably the only reason why I survived my freshman year with some shred of sanity. Our Lord is amazing and He’s always there for you! Don’t lose hope!" // "In general, I have some sort of encounter every time I pray in church with the Blessed Sacrament exposed. I cry a lot of times and let out my emotions. I could stay there for hours praying for people and situations in my life. I’ve had the most peace after these times in Adoration and after confession. Definitely recommend experiencing both of these often!" // "When I was told it was my mom's time to pass from this world. I went before Him in Adoration and He held me in my heart. Let me weep. Gave me the courage to fly across the country to be with her so she wasn’t alone." // "In moments of true surrender and kneeling before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament is when He comforts me and I am able to hear Him speak to me clearly." // "Visiting Jesus often in the Blessed Sacrament of His Eucharistic Face long before COVID hit, and after chapels and churches finally made it available again, helped me greatly in letting go of relationships not meant for me to keep. Jesus in the Eucharist helped me turn what started as loneliness into a love for healthy solitude. When I felt forgotten and pushed aside, I came to Him to reclaim my identity and peace through Him." // "As my husband is deployed and I was getting ready to give birth alone due to me being away from family, I went to a holy hour hosted by my church and the Eucharist truly provided that comfort and I was reminded that I’m never alone and even in the times where I felt the loneliest he was there by my side to provide that comfort I needed." If you're longing to fill your loneliness with the Bread from Heaven, check out our study on the Eucharist, Gift. [bctt tweet="Our Consolation in Loneliness #BISblog //" via="no"] WANT TO DEEPEN YOUR PRAYER? Get ready to be radically changed by the Lord and His presence. Be drawn into intimacy with the Lord by way of weekly videos, a community within the Blessed is She app, and invitations into reading scripture in a whole new way. BEGIN THE WELL: ABIDE

When I was seven or eight years old, I felt very disconnected from my friends and family. I noticed that I had a different way of thinking that just did not go with the norms and culture around me. My mom once called me “the rebellion who will bring shame to her.” So every night I cried myself to sleep, and the only way that I could find comfort was by imagining that the Blessed Mother was holding me and brushing my hair with her fingers. She was always my role model and my comforter, even in the season of my life where I was angry with God and stopped going to church for two years. I later learned I had a spiritual depression. Mother Mary was the one stable thing I could count on. Desperation in Early Days of Marriage In 2019 I married my best friend. I always wanted a big family and our plan was to get pregnant right away. But that was not the case. The reality was that I had a psychological condition (caused by all the negative things my culture told me about sex) that caused my muscles to voluntarily spasm at the very thought of sexual intimacy. At the time, this made the idea of having a baby very far-fetched. There is no medicine for it. My options were psychotherapy and pelvic floor exercises. Nothing worked. Turning to My Mother, Again If I have learned anything from my thirty-two years on earth, it is that my mother, Mama Mary, always has my back. Always. As any one of her lost, stressed children would do, I turned to her. I walked to the living room and told my husband, “We are praying the novena to Mary, Undoer of Knots and will ask Mary to cure my vaginismus.” I remember pulling up the novena on my phone in both Arabic and English. I am not sure why, but I wanted to pray it in both languages. I prayed with such certainly in my heart that I will conceive this month. My husband was so afraid that if I did not get pregnant it would take a toll on me. He kept saying that I should not get my hopes up. But that only made me pray it harder. I planned to pray the novena so that it would end on my ovulation day. I closed my eyes and said: “I believe that you are capable of curing me, Lord, with the intercession of your Blessed Mother.” Our Miracle It was the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, two weeks after my ovulation day. I bought an early pregnancy test and ordered a cute onesie to use for the baby announcement. I went to take a shower and took the pregnancy test, even though the science says it was perhaps too early to get an accurate result. It was positive. I wrapped myself in a towel and went to the bedroom to tell my husband. I was crying so hard I could not get the words out of my mouth. He saw the pregnancy test in my hand and, because I was crying, he thought that it was another negative one. He looked at me and said, “I am sorry sweetheart. That is why I did not want you to get your hopes up.” “No, it is positive,” I shouted. “Look, there are two lines.” You are Not Alone I later learned from a friend who has the same condition that a priest told her that vaginismus could be a spiritual issue and advised her to pray a spiritual warfare prayer. It makes sense! Who would be better to kick the devil’s behind than Mary? If you are reading this right now and suffering from vaginismus, I want you to know you are not alone sister! And this condition does not make you any less of a woman or a bad wife. There are steps that you can take to handle it, both on the spiritual and physical side: Pray a novena Pray a spiritual warfare prayer every night Pelvic floor exercises Dilation Go to therapy Regardless of what you do remember you are created in his beautiful perfect image. And as He promised, He will always have you in the palm of His hands.   [bctt tweet="I Was Healed through Our Lady's Intercession #BISblog //" via="no"]   Written by Dana Sawaked. You can find out more about her here.

"I need Adoration." My friend's evening text put words to the longing on my own heart. In the midst of the shut downs, our usual Holy Hours were cancelled, and we were left feeling a little lost. So we scoured town to find a parish with open doors and, blessed, His Eucharistic presence in the tabernacle. I heard my friend's sigh echo mine, and I knew we were both filled with the kind of peace that only comes when arriving home. And home is wherever He is. The Sacraments Helps Us Live a Personal Relationship with Jesus Some of my most honest prayer happens before Jesus in the Eucharist: during Mass, while the Eucharist is exposed on the altar, or when I'm before the tabernacle, waiting in line for Confession. There is something about being physically present to Him that draws me out of myself, my discouragement, my will, and my doubt and instead draws me to the Truth of His everlasting love. This is the kind of personal relationship I want with Our Blessed Lord, and our relationship is lived and sustained by the Sacraments. The Source and Summit of Our Faith If you're like me, you did not quite grasp the importance and centrality of the Eucharist in our Catholic Faith until your adulthood. Maybe you feel behind in your understanding or frustrated that this piece has been missing from your life. Maybe you already deeply love the Eucharist and sense the Holy Spirit beckoning you deeper into the Mystery. Maybe you have a lot of questions about how a Truth so veiled can have concrete influence in your daily life. Maybe you are ready for your small group to move beyond the latest world news and into the heart of the Faith. Maybe you're longing to feel seen and understood, to understand your purpose and your calling, to be convicted and consoled . . . to be, essentially, home. [elementor-template id="469410"] Dwell // A Study on the Eucharist We wanted to create something to help all of us understand more about Jesus in the Eucharist and to in turn love Him more. Dwell is the newest addition to our Blessed Conversations series, and it is our prayer that this brings you closer to the Heart of Christ in the Eucharist. Because grasping the theology behind the Eucharist is one thing, but devoting your heart and life to Him is another. What to Expect In an effort to help us all increase our devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, this study contains five different parts on the Church’s teaching about how Jesus comes to dwell within us in and through the Blessed Sacrament as: Lover Nourishment Unifier Healer Grace We will look at what and why the Church teaches what she does about the Eucharist, what God's Word says about the sacrament, and how the holy men and women who have gone before us in faith rested their entire beings on Our Eucharistic Lord. Then, five writers share stories from their own lives about how the Eucharist has been a home for them. They relate how the Eucharist not only saved them during their darkest days, but also provided the light with which they could see His next steps for them. We pray you will see your own stories in theirs, coming to contemplate how Our Lord is beckoning you closer, offering to be your lover, nourishment, unifier, healer, and grace. Finally, we present you questions for reflection, inviting you into prayer and greater intimacy with Jesus. For Ride-or-Dies or Riding Solo Who can use this study? Easy answer: anyone. You can prayer through this study on your own, with a girlfriend, or with a sprawling small group. This study is crafted intentionally to be flexible to your particular needs and availability in this season. I have even done Blessed Conversations studies with a friend via text messaging and, admittedly, I was surprised by how truly fruitful that time of prayerful and consistent connection was both for my prayer life and our friendship. We Need the Eucharist No matter what we are facing in life—whether a season of joy or a season of grief—the answer to our longing is always Jesus in the Eucharist. He is our home, and, this side of Heaven, the most ourselves we will feel is before His Eucharistic Face. So let's not delay any longer. Let's commit ourselves to drawing closer to Him, closer to our home. You (and your buddies) can get Dwell here!   [bctt tweet="Dwell // A Study on the Eucharist for Women #BISblog //" via="no"]

As I was doing our bedtime routine with the kids the other night, we prayed the Saint Michael prayer. We began, “Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil... May God...” And then my mind just went blank. The lack of sleep, the long day, and the brain fog finally caught up with me and the words just totally slipped my mind. I blinked, caught up in embarrassment, and after a slight pause, my kids continued the prayer. “May God rebuke him, we humbly pray...” and so on until they said the rest of the prayer without me. I stared at them, in total awe and gratitude. I’ll admit, in a bit of shock, too, because I know that, as parents, we wonder half the time while we pray with the kids if they’re actually listening (they really are!) and if it’s making a difference (it really does!). I was so proud of my kids and in that moment, I felt God telling me, “They are not just your kids. They are my kids first.” A Load Lightened That took a load off my back because I constantly wonder if I am doing enough for them or if I am doing the right thing. Should I sign them up for more activities? How many more times will I have to remind them to say “please” and “thank you”? Are these time-outs even working? But at least I know I am doing some things right. At least they know the Saint Michael prayer. At least they know who Jesus is, how He died for them, how angels and Saints pray for them, and how the devil never wins. When I know that I have made a mistake (which will inevitably happen again and again) and I have failed to be a good example, I know God never fails. I know He is the perfect example. I know the love and hope I have for them are nothing in comparison to the love, strength, and wisdom God has for them. [bctt tweet="I know the love and hope I have for my children are nothing in comparison to the love, strength, and wisdom God has for them. #BISblog //" via="no"] What My Kids Have Taught Me I know it is my duty and privilege to teach my kids to be good people and equip them to face the world, but I did not expect that my children would be teaching me. Motherhood taught me so much—about my gifts and strengths, but also my weaknesses and selfishness. It exposed all the ugly parts of my heart and brought my issues up to the surface, leaving me raw and open so that I had no choice but to finally confront them. My kids teach me what it means to love and cling to their parents, to run to them when they fall and scrape their knee, to ask unceasingly to spend time together, to trust that they will be forgiven when they do wrong, to believe that they will be provided for. Aren’t these the very things our Father is asking of us? Having Faith in My Children I remember when I became a mom for the first time and a friend asked me what had surprised me the most about motherhood. And while I thought about how difficult parenthood is, the amount of sacrifice, the complete and total life change it is, I heard myself saying, “Confidence. I feel more confident in myself than I’ve ever been.” And it was true. Even if I was Googling “Is this normal?” in the middle of the night or crying desperate tears as my baby screamed in the car seat, I felt so sure about who I was, what my purpose was, and what I was made to do. Now, after having multiple children and watching them grow over the past several years, I realize that yes, I have grown in my confidence and my ability to look after them. But actually, it is not about me. What has surprised me most about this season of motherhood is that I have grown even more confident in them: who they are, what their purpose is, how they will bring Jesus to others, and that Heaven is their home. Despite my best efforts, it will ultimately be up to them to choose God and I have every confidence that they will. Every time my daughter draws a picture of the Sacred Heart, or my son reminds me to pray in the car, or my baby raises her hands in praise during a worship song, my heart soars. Having Faith in The Father And more importantly, I have grown more confident in our Heavenly Father. Because if my efforts and my love is making any difference, how much more will His efforts and His perfect love move their hearts? It is because of who He is, that I am able to let go and surrender my precious babies to Him. It is His grace that covers them, it is His peace that comforts them, His still, small voice that will guide them and remind them of who they are. It is His perfect love that will take them all the way home. What are some ways you have grown as a mother? How has motherhood surprised you? How has God surprised you? How has He shown you that you can trust Him? What areas of your life can you surrender to the Lord?   [bctt tweet="They Are His Children First #BISblog //" via="no"]   Written by Maggie Kim.

As a summer girl at heart, I do not need a lot of encouragement to celebrate. Hot days, stormy afternoons, fireworks, ice cream ... I am in! And, I am not one to pass up the opportunity to capitalize on one more reason to embrace these long, sunlit days, either! I did come upon a connection recently that I found especially noteworthy: a vast majority of the saints whose feasts we celebrate over these hot months were contemporaries, dear friends, and in some cases, family to others whose inspired relationships had a significant and long-lasting impact! 7 Summer Saint Connections I am delighting in these examples that show we need one another in our lives of faith, coupled with the reminder of the potential of our influence our peers and circumstances. Saint Bridget of Sweden and Saint Catherine of Sweden // mother + daughter Bridget’s vocation began as a wife and mother for twenty years, although her deep devotion to Christ began during her childhood. After the death of her husband, she went on to begin the Brigittine order of monks and nuns. Later, after her daughter Catherine was widowed, she joined her mother’s religious community and upon the death of her mother, became one of its leaders. During this time, Catherine of Sweden and Catherine of Siena are said to have become good friends. Saint Bridget is remembered as one of the six patron Saints of Europe. Saint Benedict and Saint Scholastica // twin brother + sister Benedict, founder of Western monasticism, established a Rule for vowed religious communities. He is remembered as the patron Saint of a happy death, as well as the twin to his sister, Scholastica. The two are said to have met annually between their homes, where, one year, Scholastica prayed fervently that the two would get a longer visit, whereby a sudden heavy thunderstorm allowed the two to continue their visit another day. Saint Scholastica is remembered for her prayerfulness and as the foundress of Benedictine women’s monastic communities and the patroness of reading. Saint Jane Francis de Chantal and Saint Frances de Sales // spiritual director/directee + friends Jane and Francis met as spiritual director and directee after the death of Jane’s husband. Although she was inclined to become a nun, she deferred the decision under his guidance and went on to form a religious community for women. They were to emulate the life of Mary as understood in the story of the Visitation. Thus began the Visitation sisters. As Bishop and writer, Francis had a profound impact on the life of Saint Vincent de Paul, and remains the patron on more than one Salesian orders.   Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Saint Frances Xavier // Jesuit priests + best friends Ignatius and Frances Xavier worked together to form the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. At its inception, Ignatius became its leading founder which would eventually embody the mission to "seek God in all things" through education and missionary work. Frances Xavier, Ignatius’ best friend, died while serving as a missionary in China. Today the Jesuits are the largest Catholic religious community in the world. Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross and Saint Maximillian Kolbe // contemporaries While unrelated by blood, the lives of Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) and Maximillian Kolbe are inextricably linked by their witness to Christianity in a dark time. They shared experiences of being martyred alongside of their Jewish brothers and sisters in the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1941 and 1942. Kolbe is remembered for having voluntarily taken the death sentence in place of a young husband and father; Stein for being a Catholic nun of Jewish descent. Saint Clare and Saint Francis // co-founders Clare and Francis were an unlikely pair: Clare from nobility, Francis who had denounced wealth out of love for Lady Poverty. Clare, who had heard Francis preach, decided to embrace a life of poverty rather than the life of luxury that had been offered to her. She became the first woman to follow Francis. Together they would co-found one of the largest religious communities in the world, due in large part to Clare’s guidance after Francis’ death. Saint Monica and Saint Augustine // mother + son This mother and son duo are as well-known as unlikely to be Saints celebrated side-by-side. Monica, Augustine’s mother, desperately and consistently offered prayers for her son’s conversion to the Christian life. Augustine, who eventually did convert, became one of the most influential Church fathers in Western Christianity. After years of promiscuity and secularism, it is difficult to capture the breadth of his influence on the Church or on the world. Saint Jerome, another contemporary, said of him: “(He) established anew the ancient Faith.” Ripple Effects This is a tiny glimpse of the ripple effect of the Christian life in our particular time and place in history. I doubt I am even scratching the surface. What a tremendous sequence of days to pray that in the same way our lives might be permeated with a lingering holiness and that we ourselves be surrounded with others who do the same. Perhaps one day, we might even be blessed to see the fruits of these seeds planted! Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone's face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come. // Henri Nouwen Who are your favorite Saints who were contemporaries?!   [bctt tweet="Saints Who Lived at the Same Time #BISblog //" via="no"]

“I was one way … and now I am completely different. And the thing that happened in between … was Him.” These are my favorite lines from Season 1 of The Chosen TV series that portray with artistic imagination and dialogue, the back-story of Jesus’ ministry, and in this episode, the life of Mary Magdalene. In this scene, Mary, who takes on the name Lileth, is plagued by demons that have thrust her into an immoral life. She is seen clinging to Isaiah 43 remembering how, as a frightened little girl, her father would reassure her with the words: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. No One Can Help Mary Magdalen But Him As torment engulfs her life, she is visited by religious leaders including Nicodemus who, although caring about her, is incapable of helping her and acknowledges that only God could cast her demons out. Then, in a single moment, Jesus encounters her and calls her by name. Completely thunderstruck that anyone would know her "real" name, she turns to look and the intensity of His gaze pierces her darkness and the demons are cast out. She is free. The words of Nicodemus ring true: “Only God Himself could have drawn them out ...” Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Mary Magdalene, a "true and authentic evangelizer". Pope Francis’ appreciation for this “apostle of the apostles” inspired him in the Year of Mercy to elevate her place in the Church’s liturgical calendar from a memorial to a feast, drawing attention to her life, her faith, and the overwhelming grace of God extended to unworthy sinners like us. Demons and the Deliverer Mary Magdalene’s dark, deranged, and desperate existence is manifested in Luke 8:1-2. She is introduced as one cured of seven spirits. At first glance, it appears uncanny to be remembered this way in history, yet, this is precisely what sets her life apart. Her wounds become the place of her victory. Jesus met Mary at her worst. He gave her freedom and she gave Him her fears. Mary knew personal resurrection, not when the demons were cast out, but when she invited Jesus in. Only then was she permanently free, made spiritually new and given eternal life. Demon-possession is a difficult concept to grasp in our 21st century yet we are aware that we all struggle with our demons. There are days where the pull of sin is too strong; other days we wrestle with our past, our failures, and our defeat. In my own life, I’ve had to deal with the terrifying oppression of darkness following my conversion from atheism. I had deep wounds and too many demons to confront resulting from a godless existence. In my desperate pleas before a God who hears, I encountered the only way to freedom made available through Jesus Christ. “Only God Himself could have drawn them out ...” The demons are real but so is the Deliverer. You can trust Jesus to heal you. Which part of your history, your sin, that accident, that mishap, or that relationship needs to be named? There is no lingering surprise before God’s throne, only freedom bestowed. [bctt tweet="Saint Mary Magdalen's wounds become the place of her victory. #BISblog //" via="no"] Called by Name In John 20:11-18, following the crucifixion, Mary woke up early to anoint Jesus’ body, wanting to see Him one last time. She witnessed His miracles before. Could she hope for one even now? Worn out from Good Friday and with strength worn to a thread, Mary was frantic as she searched for Jesus' missing Body, mistaking Him for a Gardener. How profound that is! Jesus is the Divine Gardener, restoring the first garden that was fractured by Adam’s sin. As Mary sought for the One Who was dead dead, it is He who surprised her with life, calling her by name. “Mary!" Don’t we desire to be called in this most intimate way? The greatest event in history did not resound with a thunderbolt; it began in the calling of a name. Mary didn't have to wait until Heaven to experience the Resurrected Christ, she encountered Him in the ordinary, and so can we. Called Forth in Freedom At my moment of conversion, the brother who laid hands on me was praying in tongues, but I heard: “Michelle, I am here.” Astonished how he knew my name, I went to inquire only to find out that he didn’t know me at all. He concluded, “It is God calling you.” Over the years, the memory of that whisper remains etched in my spirit. But I am also aware that the thought of God knowing our names can be startling and frightening. We may live under the illusion that our flaws, fears, and fragile memories can stay hidden. But how might it change if we imagined God calling our names in the midst of it? Would we run and hide, afraid of being "seen" where we were once hidden? Or would we take a risk for freedom, found in the very Presence of One Who sees everything and still calls? Mary found herself in the midst of the greatest miracle. A new love song burst forth. It's a new beginning. The risk for the freedom Christ offers is worth it. It is worth turning, again and again, to find it. Christ calls us from within, only to propel us forward into freedom. Go and Tell Do you doubt that God can call you? The One who marks us with His own Name also trusts us to tell of the love that transforms. Who would say that a demon possessed woman would be entrusted to "go and tell"? Yet this is our story. Like Mary, we discover both a life beyond the grave and the freedom to go forth as the light, in the Name of the Light Who offers every sinner an opportunity for sainthood. There are no recorded miracles and signs by Mary in the Gospels but this we know: Mary was a lover, a faithful lover. This is how she is remembered. This is how we must be remembered. Sister, your past is not a barrier for God and your poor choices cannot derail His plans. The Resurrection can begin right here, right now, the moment you turn to look at Him. Hear Him call your Name. Hear Him whisper, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you ...” See Him offer you your own personal resurrection and then thank Him for the opportunity to go and tell: “I was one way….and now I am completely different. And the thing that happened in between… was Him.” Saint Mary Magdalene, pray for us!   [bctt tweet="The Thing that Happened in Between #BISblog //" via="no"]

Truthfully, I did not know much about the existence of the liturgical year until late high school/early college. Once I became aware of the rhythms of the Church year, the liturgical seasons took on new life for me. Seasons like Lent and Advent became seasons of deep prayer; the feast days of my favorite Saints taught me more about them; feasts of Our Lord inspired in me a deeper love for and devotion to His Body and Blood, His Kingship, and His Cross. When I began having children, celebrating the liturgical year became an even greater priority. I want their upbringing to be marked by the rhythms of the Church. But liturgical living is not my natural strong suit. Crafts are not my charism and my default all-or-nothing mentality caused me to feel overwhelmed by all the possibilities of the liturgical year and left me doing, well, nothing. Living Liturgically All Year Thankfully, my early motherhood fell during the "good ol' blogging days" and I was introduced to fellow Blessed is She writer Kendra Tierney. Her blog, Catholic All Year, became a trusted resource for all things liturgical living. Kendra is wealth of knowledge about the liturgical seasons, rites, and devotions within the Church. Plus, she's been living in this rhythm with her own family for nearly two decades, so she's been through plenty of practice and refinement. Her blog is what helped me dip my toe into living the liturgical year as a family. One-Stop Shop When Kendra released her book, The Catholic All Year Compendium, a couple of years ago, she made my life even easier. It quickly became a staple on my shelf and in my planning as a homemaker. Now, she has released a new companion to this book called The Catholic All Year Prayer Companion. And it is completely my cup of tea. The Catholic All Year Prayer Companion The Catholic All Year Compendium includes ideas for liturgical living like activities, crafts, and recipes. In that book, Kendra references certain prayers her family prays on those feast days, but you can imagine how long the book would have been if she included the full text of those prayers. That is where The Catholic All Year Prayer Companion comes in. This book includes prayers, Bible stories, songs, and devotions that Kendra and her family use during the liturgical year. Kendra also covers frequently-encountered challenges like a reluctant spouse or child, (un)realistic expectations, and finding the ideal moments of prayer for your family devotions. She also explains indulgences, novenas, and other devotions in a way that's easy to understand and embrace. How I Plan to Use It The format of this prayer companion is easy and straightforward. As someone who is easily overwhelmed by all the possibilities of liturgical living, this prayer companion is a balm and beacon of light! First, this book is the size of an average book, so it can fit easily into my purse (for on-the-go prayer), on our kitchen counter (for prayer after mealtimes), and on our school shelf (for morning devotions). This book will live in our main living area, always just an arm's length away and at the ready. I plan to start small in order to build momentum and encourage constancy. Sundays are typically my weekly planning days. I sit down with a cup of coffee, my Blessed is She planner, my homeschool plans, and any resources I need to get my hands around the week in a prayerful and intentional way. The Catholic All Year Prayer Companion is the newest member of the stack. I will look at the week ahead and select one feast day for that week. I'll jot it down in my planner and, again, will have this book close at hand for the chosen day. Hopefully, over time, we will add another day, and another and another until these prayers for the liturgical year are woven into the fabric of our days. Have you gotten your copy of The Catholic All Year Prayer Companion yet? What are you most excited about in it?   [bctt tweet="BIS Reads // The Catholic All Year Prayer Companion #BISblog //" via="no"]   This post contains affiliate links. Thank you so much for supporting the ministry of Blessed is She!

I’ve learned to see Grief like she’s my sister, learned to love, to be patient with her. I embrace Grief and she walks with me on blistered feet, sometimes hand-in-hand and sometimes at a distance and we choose the path of most resistance, Grief and me. We visit many war-torn streets and kick up the dirt under our feet and see every mountain turned molehill… so many backwards things for me and Grief to meet. Sometimes, Grief is like… An awkward houseguest – the morbid cousin you wish would bother someone else so you could get some rest. And sometimes Grief is a dear old friend you feel like you haven’t met in years, who warms your heart so much the thaw draws out tears. Sometimes Grief shouts things that polite company wouldn’t whisper. Like a child, you scold her then, but later find to kiss her for saying the words grown-ups were too afraid to utter. Sometimes Grief is like a prick of a needle or a pinch on the arm… And other times she’s a sucker punch to the gut or a dagger in the heart. Sometimes Grief is like a gentle wave lapping at my feet. and sometimes a tsunami, threatening to drown me – daring me to breathe. Sometimes she’s a memorial stone held and gently pondered. Other days she’s a boulder placed on my over-burdened shoulders. But I’m no Atlas – the weight of the world’s a few pounds much for me. So I chip off pebbles and lay them at Another’s feet. Shared Grief can be almost sweet. Sometimes, Grief is persistent, begging me to look deeply at my heart. To her, it’s an open book, and an intricate work of art. So when someone says “good Grief” and lets out a sigh, You tell them, “yes, it is” as you pass by. For to mourn the lost is good for us; to grieve the “should-have-beens” and the “never-was.” To let our hearts ache over unfulfilled desires, so they can be healed – purified – by Love’s refining fire.   [bctt tweet="Pebbles at Another’s Feet // A Poem on Grieving #BISblog //" via="no"]   Sister Mary Vianney is a professed member of the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist in Ann Arbor, Michigan. You can find out more about the Dominican Sisters here.

There are times in our lives when the devil has been particularly active. Whether it’s a flat tire on the way to an important event, the microphone not working in the middle of a passionate presentation, quarreling and tension arising in a family over a meaningful experience, or the presence of lies and doubts when about to make a critical decision, he works in many undercover ways. Undercover, but not completely unrecognizable. Being Alert I believe that it is important to recognize and acknowledge when the struggles in our life are the attacks of the evil one. That recognition lets us take steps toward battling against it. When we name our enemy, that helps us know how to fight against him. And the truth is, when the devil attacks us, he unwittingly shows some of his cards. You are the Lord's One of the most consoling truths I was ever told in regards to spiritual attack is this: Nobody goes after what they already have. When I’ve already won a game, I feel no need to fight about it. When I already have an A in a class, my desire for extra credit decreases. When I’ve already won someone over, I don’t need to work so hard to convince them all the time. The devil works the same way. He doesn’t go after what he already has. And that is why, in a roundabout way, there is actually consolation to be found when you are being spiritually attacked. The very fact that he is attacking you proves that he doesn’t already have you. The very fact that he is attacking you proves that he sees you as a threat. And that is a good thing! There is Consolation by God's Grace Being a holy woman of God terrifies the devil. When women live out their true identity as daughters of the Father, and convince others to do the same, there is opportunity to change the world. However, the devil does not want to see that change and will do his best to attack your identity itself. But take heart! If you were doing things that were bad, he would feel no need to get in the way. When you are being attacked, you can find comfort that that means what you are trying to do will build up the kingdom of God. Spiritual attack is never a coincidence. It comes exactly at those times when you are threatening the devil most. Don’t give in to his advances. Stay true to what you know to be right, knowing that a much stronger Savior is fighting for you.   [bctt tweet="Consolation During Spiritual Attack #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.

On the day of my first marathon, I woke up at 4:30 a.m. After dressing in my running shorts and tank top, I found a Sharpie and opened my journal to the page where I’d written the bulleted list. I took the marker to my forearm, the cool point rippling along my skin with gentle pressure. The words cascaded from my wrists to biceps, wobblier on the left arm than the right. On my body numbered one through 26 were my prayer intentions, one for each mile of the race. Running the Race So as to Win When I signed up for the marathon, I decided I would run without any music. I wanted to immerse myself without any buffers, but still felt a need for structure, something to fill the time. My 26 prayer intentions included family members, world issues, personal dreams. Like most people, I wasn’t running this marathon to get a good workout, but to accomplish something that I thought would make me feel amazing. I wanted a motivator to propel me forward in this race, to take me outside of myself and the physical pain. At the sound of the starting gun, my belly swam through my insides as I strode to keep up with the runners around me. Some of them started to talk, comparing times and setting paces. I buckled in for the solitude and silence. As the single-digit miles moved along with punctuations of cheering supporters and water stations, my prayers remained earnest. Some fluent thoughts passed through my mind the first few minutes of each mile, until the prayer became increasingly passive, a background mantra chanting in my brain. Perseverance on the Pavement With each step forward, concentration waned. Prayer lost its luster as my muscles swelled and breath accelerated. Boredom ensued, and the only thing to do was run. By mile 12, I was no longer thinking about my prayer intentions, many of which had become curling black flakes of marker smeared across my skin. I hit my wall, and could only think about how badly I wanted to be done. I’d love to say I became rejuvenated somewhere in the later miles, that I felt God’s push and re-centered myself to gain direction and purpose. I didn’t. I just ran, my stride becoming a shuffle. The flat terrain of Council Bluffs, Iowa spanned around me, a backdrop of quiet parks and monotonous pavement. My brilliant friends made appearances at various mile markers, and my roommate FaceTimed my family so they could see me run from two states away. These moments energized me for a few minutes, then silence would throb as their cheers subsided in the distance. For much of the race, I was bored and lonely. The joy of seeing the last mile marker provided more relief than I thought possible. I had an amazing finish. My legs did not feel a part of my body, my breath was not my own. I panted and cried just a bit. My friends circled me with hugs and water, their love as thick as the humid Midwestern heat. Letting Myself Down? At the end of the race, I didn’t feel invincible. Of course, I was proud and happy. But I allowed the weakness and brokenness I felt from the physical exhaustion and desolate silence to disappoint me. It was disheartening to realize that as powerful as my body felt, my spirit had not kept up. Self-imposed expectations prevented me from accepting the spiritual difficulties I endured: if I had prayed better or harder, I would feel unstoppable right now. My Weakness, His Power I confused my human act of prayer with God’s strength. Whether or not I completed the race and stuck to my prayer goal had little importance. He let me finish in spite of my weakness, not to prove my own ability, but so that I could witness His power. I had contorted prayer into a transaction, thinking I would find peace and spiritual fulfillment during the marathon if I stuck to my plan. Music or not, marathons are grueling. My prayer did not change that fact, but it forced me to face my weakness and see it not as an inhibitor, but an opportunity for God’s strength to prevail above my shortcomings. As I experience desolation in different forms today, I continue to make attempts at prayer and fail. Some days, I don’t try at all. I am frustrated when I think I lack the aptitude to be close to God. I set expectations for prayer that go unfulfilled, focusing on my own capabilities instead of His. I pray that God will make me stronger, ask He asks me to rely on His force alone. Though I resist, it is only through total dependence that I can find freedom from the deceptive allure of self-sufficiency. His Constant Help My marathon story is not a lesson of failure and perseverance, hard work and success. It is a story of weakness that demands me to let go of pride and independence in order to accept God’s strength. Life bears obstacles far more intense than the physical toll of a marathon, and though I may not have the strength to weather the next challenge, He always will.   [bctt tweet="Running Without Music, Not Without Purpose #BISblog //" via="no"]   Grace Spiewak resides outside of Chicago, where she learns and writes about Latin, ancient history, and her Catholic Faith. She works as a college librarian and holds degrees from Creighton University and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Outside of the library, Grace enjoys exploring Chicago on foot or bike, especially with her family and friends.

Over a decade ago I heard Mother Angelica make the following analogy in regards to sin and holiness. This audacious Carmelite likened sin to a mud puddle into which no one completely avoids falling (aside from Jesus and Mary). What sets us apart and is a measure of one’s holiness is their response to their fall. The Three Responses to Sin There are three basic responses to sin: that of the sinner, the good person, and the saint. The Response of the Sinner The Sinner rejoices in the mud puddle—sometimes even getting to a point where she is not falling into it, but instead jumping in with great enthusiasm. She loves to play in the mud, claiming it is “natural” and there is nothing wrong with wanting to cover herself in it. She may even believe that the mud is rejuvenating. She has mud fights with other sinners, and splashes those people who are trying to walk by and avoid the puddle. She delights in the slush and muck, seeing it as instinctive and commonplace. The sinner makes little, if any attempt to get out of the mud. The Response of the Good Person The Good Person mourns each time she falls in the puddle. She knows the mud makes her unclean and could stain. She cries out, and mentally punishes herself over and over again saying, “How could I let this happen? I know better than this! Why didn’t I just avoid the mud puddle? I have no desire to be here! I know that it’s wrong! I just fell!” Without realizing it, the Good Person pridefully thinks she never should have ended up in the puddle to begin with and because of this, her “fall” is mortifying. She spends so much time wallowing, She remains in the mud for a while with the focus on herself and not on God before finally climbing out. The Response of the Saint The Saint does not make a big deal of the mud puddle. When she falls in she thinks, “Darn… I did it again…” and then immediately gets herself out of it. She knows the mud is bad for her body and soul, but she also knows that because of original sin her intellect is darkened and her will weakened. Thus, she’s bound to fall into the mud sometimes. When she falls, she simply stands up, steps out of the mud puddle, and cleans herself off. She does not excuse her fall, but she does not dwell on it either. In humility, she knows she is prone to falling, so she is forgiving of herself. Because she does not dwell on the mud or herself, she is able to focus her attention upward and concern herself with things and Persons that are much more enjoyable and life-giving than mud. What is Your Typical Response? This analogy has been so helpful for me in my own life. My own tendency is to respond like the Good Person. I am so condemning of myself when I fall that I end up staying down! This is exactly what Satan wants; it is his masterful trap. It is freeing to know that my frequent trips into the mud puddle are not necessarily a sign of personal weakness, rather a sign of fallen human nature. I still try to avoid the mud puddle, but now I know I do not have to condemn myself when I slip. Condemnation—even self- condemnation—is not a holy attribute. Love is though, even when we are directing it towards ourselves. Thanks to Jesus, if I do fall, I have a way to get up and be cleansed. The mud puddle can only keep me dirty if I let it. What’s your typical response to your sinful moments? Do you justify the mud? Do you pridefully mourn it? What would it take for you to respond like the saint?   [bctt tweet="The Three Responses to Sin #BISblog //" via="no"]