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<\/a>Contrary to what is easy for us, Saint Paul reminds us,<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2026whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.\u201d Phil 4:8<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Fine, St. Paul, here you go: a couple things that remind us Sick Pilgrims that joy, and sunshine, and happy flowers exist. Once a month we blog about the things that give us a little bit of hope. Once every 30 long days.<\/p>\n
It is indeed an effort.<\/p>\n
Little victory?<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=1lQoYr4pdaA<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
One thing keeping me alive is from the aftermath of South Louisiana\u2019s great flood, which I\u2019ve reflected on again<\/a> and again<\/a>. Not at all to trivialize the heartbreak and devastation among my neighbors; one thing has stood out to me. Political discord lost its importance to me<\/strong>. In the presidential election, Trump will continue saying ridiculous things and Clinton will still seem untrustworthy. But not even the worst flood in 500 years can interfere with the unity of my local community. From a battered part of the country, I realize that political arguments, though necessary, are very insignificant compared to human fortitude.<\/p>\n
Also keeping me alive, the existence of The Cajun Navy<\/strong><\/a>. No words. Luckily my roommate from grad school is Noel Marcantel, an awesome photographer<\/a>.<\/p>\n
I asked some other sick pilgrims what\u2019s been keeping them alive. Here\u2019s what they had to say.<\/p>\n
*****<\/p>\n
Colleen Connell Mitchell<\/strong> has two goals in life: to write a book and to hug Lenny Kravitz. Her incredible first book is Who Does He Say You Are?: Women Transformed\u00a0 by Christ in the Gospels<\/em><\/a>. Your move, Lenny.<\/p>\n
\n\n\nThe words \u201cTalitha Kumi\u201d<\/strong>, my favorite in the Gospels and digging into a story I have read a million times and finding newness there. Plus this song based on that story, that beckons me out of bed on the days I\u2019d rather play dead.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n