"Are you a woman of God?" UPDATED

That’s the question Sr. Lisa Doty got from a kid in trouble:

“Yes, I am,” I responded, “is there something I can do for you?”

Looking down at his feet, he stammered, hardly audible, “I’m not sure what you can do, but I really could use your prayers.” He went on to explain how he had gotten into a lot of trouble at school, and as a result of it, he was expelled. Naturally, his folks are angry, and they worry he won’t be able to go on to college. “I’ve ruined everything! I have no future now!” Tears escaped from the corners of his eyes.

I asked if he belonged to a particular church.He said “Southern Baptist” but that he and his family hasn’t attended for a long time.
[…]
Our society is becoming more and more out of touch with reality. Our actions tend to be more disconnected from the consequences. In video games, when we make a wrong move, we can start again; movies and television often portray the protagonist as a bright, mischievous person; the audience is encouraged to cheer when they bend the rules and come out ahead. In real life too, we see popular figures caught up in adultery, drugs, violence, and vandalism who appear to resume their lives of success and fame with seemingly no long-term consequences for their actions.

The reality is, everything we do has a consequence. Here before me was a young man, in some ways still a boy, having to find a way through a tough lesson. I knew what I had to do.

You’ll want to read it all, here

Also, some other young sisters talk about their apostolates and habits

Something Unusual: Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma post pictures of a solemn profession. Nice.

And, let’s read about a good priest appearing on PBS

If you did not get a chance earlier, don’t forget to read Marcia Morrissey’s wise and warm column and Joseph Susanka’s lovely piece on an Iraqi film I’d never heard of!

Also, don’t forget!: Deacon Greg will be moved into his new digs by Monday, so set your bookmarks!