Typically, new writing ideas either occur in the middle of the night or in the shower for me.  These days, I’m trying to stay more positive and avoid calling out the dangers some people and groups are posing which I have done many times before.  Most recently, I’m trying to give thanks and praise for places of refuge and make note of those who are exhibiting the Love of Christ whether they identify as Christians or not. In my world,... Read more

When I say the title above, “Parents of LGBTQ+, Your Child’s Life Depends on Your Support,” this is not exaggerated or dramatic. It’s reality, especially in red states right now.  If you haven’t been regularly attending PFLAG (Parents of Lesbian and Gays) meetings or the equivalent, I believe it’s important because the other parents will tell you what is occurring in their communities. Parents of faith who have LGBTQ+ kids, if your faith community is not openly LGBTQ+ welcoming, reconciling,... Read more

About 7 years ago, I discovered a prochoice Catholic organization and couldn’t believe it existed, but now, there are some things about it I appreciate. Coming from a red state in Texas and an ultra conservative background, I was just unable to fathom such a group. About 3 years ago, witnessing lived reality in the broader Catholic laity showed me why and my short-lived involvement with pro-life Democrats (big mistake on my part) also revealed a great truth. I largely... Read more

Since the extreme anti-abortion laws were passed in Texas and the overturning of Roe v Wade happened, I have learned some very valuable and hard lessons after some of my experiences and short-term involvements. For those of you who live in red states, you come from conservative backgrounds, and anti-abortion conservative culture is ingrained in your mind, it’s immensely difficult to overcome, particularly for someone my age (53) from that background. It surely was for me. Those that live in... Read more

I have come to the conclusion that it’s very difficult to hold a moderate position on a number of issues. Our country is very polarized where people in the middle have a hard time fitting in. But when it boils down to it, I would rather lean on the side of compassion and love than standards and forcing conformity. People may make decisions I wouldn’t make, and that’s ok. People may make decisions that I secretly think are morally wrong,... Read more

This morning my husband and I enjoyed our regular coffee hour together.  Today’s topic was, “Left or right extremism, which one is more dangerous?” In a study conducted through the National Library of Medicine, they wrote A comparison of political violence by left-wing, right-wing, and Islamist extremists in the United States and the world – PMC (nih.gov).  In short, the studies conclude that more violence is associated with right-winged extremism than left-winged extremism.  Since I’m not an expert in political... Read more

  Experiencing the dangers of Donald Trump and watching the battle between the progressive left and conservative right laity and clergy from within the Catholic Church are some of the best and worst things I’ve ever experienced.  If you want to see the “central brewing hub” of Christian Nationalism and what happens when people (mainly men) try to use and abuse the church for political gain, watch the battle between the Catholic progressive social justice wing and the ultra-traditionalist conservative... Read more

To all of the pro-choice people who heard me identify as “pro-life” at one point, I owe you a big apology because you were right about everything.  Identifying as “pro-life” is something I never should have identified with because I didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of it or the entire definition. I also hope I never applied it in any way that caused moral injury, but I think I have before. Until the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which is... Read more

This morning I had a conversation with my husband Grant about the current state of events.  If you haven’t noticed in both the USA and in other countries, an effort to preserve traditional family structures and traditional religious cultures are occurring globally. This is happening primarily by force through a dangerous union between the right wing of a government and a conservative religious sect. It’s happening by Hindu Nationalism in India, through Jewish Nationalism in Israel, through Eastern Orthodox Nationalism... Read more

We undoubtedly are living in a politically-hostile world, not just here in the United States, but abroad.  From the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, to the Russian threats towards Ukraine, and our own divisions domestically here in the US, various emotions and various levels of emotions are impacting most of us to one degree or another. At this stage of my Parkinson’s journey, I must still be empathetic and care about vulnerable people, but I must do it with the absence... Read more