Hilton Head Island, South Carolina is a beautiful place. This view in Spanish Wells Plantation was always one of my favorites when I went for a walk. It could bring a sense of serenity in no time at all.
We recently celebrated Christmas and the beginning of the new year. Many people enjoy these holidays immensely. Others find them difficult and even quite depressing. The circumstances of life and family dynamics can certainly impact one's perception of these events. Now that they have passed, how are we all doing?
Those experiencing grief from the loss of a loved one frequently find these days challenging and sad. That is completely natural.
In some families, existing pain and hurt became even more escalated during the holidays. Frustration and exhaustion were all-consuming. Tears from a broken heart flowed repeatedly. Being together was anything but a "Silent Night."
In some families, it didn't even require discussions on religion or politics to start arguments. The combative nature spewed forth easily from years of pent up anger and desperation. A lack of common sense, and a complete lack of charity toward one another, turned homes into a verbal and sometimes literal boxing ring. The abuse was real and painful.
Let's face it. The world is divided. The Church is divided. Our families are divided. We are broken. We are hurting. We are adrift from God.
"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (See Joshua 24:15) What would happen if we all started living by these words? How would that change family dynamics? How would healthier families impact our churches? How would strong and faith-filled churches influence our schools, communities, and the world?
My dear people, let us be people of prayer, study, and action. Let us bring the transforming love of Christ to the world. Obey the commandments. Live out the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Be an ambassador of Jesus Christ.
This weekend we will hear John the Baptist proclaim, "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." The question for each of us is simple: Do we really believe?
We recently celebrated Christmas and the beginning of the new year. Many people enjoy these holidays immensely. Others find them difficult and even quite depressing. The circumstances of life and family dynamics can certainly impact one's perception of these events. Now that they have passed, how are we all doing?
Those experiencing grief from the loss of a loved one frequently find these days challenging and sad. That is completely natural.
In some families, existing pain and hurt became even more escalated during the holidays. Frustration and exhaustion were all-consuming. Tears from a broken heart flowed repeatedly. Being together was anything but a "Silent Night."
In some families, it didn't even require discussions on religion or politics to start arguments. The combative nature spewed forth easily from years of pent up anger and desperation. A lack of common sense, and a complete lack of charity toward one another, turned homes into a verbal and sometimes literal boxing ring. The abuse was real and painful.
Let's face it. The world is divided. The Church is divided. Our families are divided. We are broken. We are hurting. We are adrift from God.
"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (See Joshua 24:15) What would happen if we all started living by these words? How would that change family dynamics? How would healthier families impact our churches? How would strong and faith-filled churches influence our schools, communities, and the world?
My dear people, let us be people of prayer, study, and action. Let us bring the transforming love of Christ to the world. Obey the commandments. Live out the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Be an ambassador of Jesus Christ.
This weekend we will hear John the Baptist proclaim, "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." The question for each of us is simple: Do we really believe?
RSS Feed
