Not hating our enemies is hard.

So, I'm sure you're at least vaguely aware of the massacre that's happening in Syria. ISIS. Killing innocent Christians. Fear that something like this could move to America. Fear that it already has.

I saw something on Facebook: a plead for God to end the lives of those who were ending the lives of the Christians in their communities. I was concerned by this. By praying for the death of someone, doesn't that sink us to our enemies' level? If we're at the level of praying for someone's death, the hatred we must be harboring in our hearts must be immense.

Part of me wants someone, anyone, to do something that will stop the slaughter in Syria, but I, we, need to remember that by dying for us, Christ called us to a high standard of love and mercy. When he was hung up on the cross, Christ did not die only for the good Catholics and Christians who say grace before meals and worship every Sunday. He did not die for and love everyone except ISIS.

He died that death for ISIS, too.

Are they doing wrong? Well... duh. Killing is wrong, no matter what someone has done, because life is a gift that God should be in control of. But that doesn't give us the right to assume that we are better than people and that they are too far gone for redemption and hopeless.

Look at St. Paul. ISIS is basically doing the same thing that St Paul did thousands of years ago: killing followers of Christ in the name of God the Father.

If we ever doubt the ability of those we dislike, our enemies, to have a change of heart, just remember: St Paul's actions prior to being knocked off his horse were uncannily similar to those of ISIS.

It's coming.

Save the date: On September 30th... I'll be dropping something.

Big.

I've been working really hard for over a month on this, and I'm so excited to share it with ya'll.

Spread the word.

Vote for The Mount's Emmit S. Burg in Catholic Mascotology 2014!

Here's the link

And here's a picture of our beloved Emmit:

The Letter Project

Last weekend, I was feeling incredibly sad. No, not sad. I was desolate. I was in my bed, just sobbing, and it felt like all of my limbs had fallen asleep. I wanted my brain to turn off, but everything that was upsetting me just kept replaying in my mind, and I kept falling further and further as my internal voice taunted me, telling me I didn't deserve love.

But the thing is, I know I'm worthy of love, and more than that, I know I am loved! So, when I began to feel better, I called upon the people I knew loved me and asked them to do me a favor.

I asked them to write me a letter and mail it to me. My plan is to put these letters, unopened, somewhere safe. Then, whenever I feel the way I felt last weekend, I can pull out a letter and read words of love and friendship from someone I know loves me.

I've already gotten three letters, and I haven't opened one yet. That's great, but also, I really want to read what's in them.

Know that you are so, so loved. I know that you have people in your life who would do something similar in a heartbeat, or even quicker. Those who love you want you to know their love. If you feel like this letter project is something that could help you, I urge you to reach out to your loved ones, and I know that they will respond.

Keep Calm and Carry On.

Those who struggle with mental illness know this: coping skills are key to a successful recovery as well as life with mental illness. I'm going to make a "master list" of coping skills that either a) I've tried or b) YOU'VE tried and would like to share. If you're interested in adding a helpful coping skill that is not on the list, simply fill out the form below. [contact-form to='cloudywithachanceofcatholic@gmail.com' subject='coping skills'][contact-field label='Name' type='name' required='1'/][contact-field label='Email' type='email' required='1'/][contact-field label='Website' type='url'/][contact-field label='Comment' type='textarea' required='1'/][/contact-form]

Happy coping!

Coping Skills 101

1. Journal

2. Write a letter to someone.

3. Call a friend.

4. Color.

5. BLAST music

6. Go on a walk

7. Look at pictures of puppies!

8. Rip paper into teeny tiny pieces.

9. take a warm shower, and sing as loud as you want.

10. Say a rosary, and concentrate on your breathing. Hail (Breathe in) Mary (breathe out) Full (breathe in) of (breathe out)... you get the picture.

11. Write God a letter. Tell Him how you really feel. Don't worry about fancy language.

12. Have a playlist of stupid, funny youtube videos you can watch when you're feeling down.

Searching for Augustine

Last week, it was the feast of St. Monica. During the day, a family friend posted the link to this video on Facebook. I thought it was nice and everything, and went on with my day.

That night, I went to daily mass on campus, and the chaplain preached about Saint Monica and how her persevering prayer was responsible for the conversion of her son, Augustine.

Sound familiar? It did to me. Especially since I had recently decided to give up praying for a special intention, because nothing seemed to be happening.

In our lives, we all have "Augustines", people we pray for, but who don't seem to change, or who God doesn't seem to answer any prayers about. I know I have. And I know I've almost given up on them. Thank God that Monica, because of her maternal love, didn't give up on Augustine!

We are all called to be like Saint Monica, to pray and trust, even when God seems to be too busy doing something else. Find your Augustine, and pray like a Monica. God prevails.

 

In Honor of National Suicide Prevention Month.

As you may know, September is National Suicide Prevention Month. In honor of this, I have some special projects and posts which I will be unveiling throughout the month.

One is a project that I have been working on since news of Robin Williams' suicide was made public. I'm really excited to share it with you, and am proud of all the work that has gone into this. If you have struggled with depression and would like to help, please email me at cloudywithachanceofcatholic@gmail.com .

I'm also fundraising for To Write Love On Her Arms, so if you are able to donate anything at all, I would really appreciate it :)

Thank you so much :)