Hallelujah is Our Song.

Today was Pope John Paul II's second feast day as an official saint of the Church. *throws confetti* And we all know how great I am at writing blog posts at the last minute of a favorite saint's feast day (shout out to Mary Magdalene), so here we go.

My sister, best friend and I at St. John Paul's
National Shrine in Washington, DC.

What is so spectacular about JP2 for me is the fact that I actually remember him. I was alive while he was. Sadly, the biggest memory that sticks out to me was the day the day before he died.

My homeschool group was at daily mass, and after mass had ended, the associate priest came running into the sanctuary holding a big picture frame and an easel. He set up this picture, which was of the Holy Father, and announced to the confused congregation that Pope John Paul had lost consciousness and was in the last days of his life. I was around twelve at this time, but I remember being shocked, and immediately kneeling to pray.

As a child, I knew what a special man he was and what a loss the world would experience with his passing.

I wish I knew the moment that I fell in love with this amazing man and his mission, but it was in the last few years. I think it had to do with this video:

It's a silly and fun video, but it was my first introduction to his beautiful words of self-worth, love, and redemption. I eventually heard this quote, which changed my life:

We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures; we are the sum of the Father's love for us and our real capacity to become the image of his son.

Wow. Just... wow.  How often do I need this reminder? Spoiler alert: Every single moment for my entire life.

Praying in front of  a relic of Saint John Paul's
at the National Shrine of the Immaculate
Conception in Washtington, DC.

No matter what mistakes we make, no matter what wrong paths we take, God's love for is is greater than us at our very very worst.

The Power of the cross is stronger than the power of our brokenness.

I literally need this reminder so frequently that it's my email signature. True story.

Another quote that changes me, whenever I read it, is:

“Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.” 

Again: wow. This man knew the human heart. I swear, these two quotes were said with me in mind. At the literal worst moment in human history, the mindless killing of the Messiah, it seemed like the end. But despite it all, Christ still rose. He defied human expectations and returned.

After the darkest night, the sun rose.

And so it is with our own lives. After our worst, darkest days, the sun of joy and hope will rise. Christ is with us.

St. John Paul II, thank you for reminding us that our darkness does not define us. That God loves us and sees us beyond our brokenness and shortcomings, that we are called to bask in the sunlight.

Friends, no matter where you are in life, know that you'll be okay. You've made it through every worst day you've already experienced. Go you! Sunrise is coming for you, nothing lasts forever, I'm glad you're here, and please, continue to fight the good fight.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here are some awesome images of some of my personal favorite JP2 quotes!

An Open Letter to Sisters at Shelton High School

To my beautiful sisters,

Last night was your prom, and I hope you had the greatest time ever! It's hard to believe that my own senior prom was three years ago, but it was such a fun night, and I hope that your own was just as great, if not even better!

One of my favorite parts of the night was getting ready. I spent hours looking for the perfect dress and when I found it, I shared it with the world. I couldn't wait to wear it to the dance. I can only imagine the anger and frustration you felt when your school announced the week before that there was a dress code you had to adhere to.

But ladies, some of the dresses... they weren't really dresses. This isn't about preaching or shaming, rather maybe reiterating something you know, or telling you something you didn't... You are so, so, so beautiful. Exquisite, even. In sweatpants, a bathing suit, whatever. Just think: you are the only person with your exact hair color, texture, eye color, nose shape, hand size, laugh, corny sense of humor, etc. You are unique, and a gift to the world. Please, share it with the world! Share your wonder, your beauty, your voice. Share it with your words, your actions, and, yes, even through your way of dressing.

You are more than your physical appearance. There's nothing wrong with dressing to complement your physical beauty, in fact, we are called to allow our inner beauty to shine through our bodies. But, beauty does not equal leaving nothing to be hidden.

Life itself is a mystery, and as women, we are called to enhance the mystery.

When you dress, think if what you are wearing is enhancing the unique, unrepeatable beauty that is within you, or if it's drawing away from your inner beauty.

This isn't a modesty post, rather a, "gosh dang, you're so beautiful!" post. This isn't about sin, or self-esteem, but about understanding your worth. And ladies, you are worth so much. 

Each of us is important and beautiful, needed and wanted. In his letter to every women, written in 1995, (now Saint!) Pope John Paul II thanks women (yes, even you!):

Thank you, every woman, for the simple fact of being a woman! Through the insight which is so much a part of your womanhood you enrich the world's understanding and help to make human relations more honest and authentic.

Because of you, the world is a better place. More beautiful, gracious, awe-inspiring, authentic.

Thank you for giving the gift of yourself to the world! Your beauty makes the world more beautiful.

Love,

Katie