Men of faith are called to be servants and leaders in their communities. They have an important role in being people who are to model humility and a vibrant spirit. They are to work with their partners in sharing their faith tradition with the next generation. Men are needed to be role models too. I think men also support their partners in achieving their dreams and encouraging those around who need a hand in times of need. I will expound on this topic in future posts. They need to pray for those closest to them. Faithful men also need to love, be tender, care and be there for others. God made man to be in his image and to put our best foot forward.
Category Archives: Rambling
Rambling About Catholics
Whenever someone says that Catholics aren’t Christians it saddens me. If it were not for the Catholic church Christianity today wouldn’t exist. Catholics represent over a billion believers in Jesus Christ and did all the heavy lifting in the early church. They worship Jesus, not Mary as some would believe. Many protestants are ill-informed about what Catholics are all about due to what they have been taught by their clergy who seem to ignore Church history. Scripture is not the only guide in the lives of believers. The church existed long before The Bible and much of faith was transmitted by oral tradition and customs passed down from one believer to another.
Think about how many colleges, schools, orphanages and hospitals have been founded by those people of Catholic faith who follow the examples of grace, peace, piety and most importantly love. Mother Teresa and many of the saints of the church who have written creeds, prayers and more have been Catholics.
I am an Episcopalian and by faith I am closely related spiritually to my Catholic brothers and sisters who I can tell you are more Christian than some you see on TV. Catholic also means Universal which there is a church Universal which includes all of Christianity. I don’t even have a problem with the role of The Pope.
Yes Catholics have had some serious issues over the years which lead to the Protestant Reformation and the split of people of the United Kingdom from the church during the reign of King Henry the VIII. In modern times documented issues of abuse have damaged their reputation but there are probably just as many protestant churches who have skeletons in their closets.
For a protestant to say that Catholics are not Christians is coming from a place of willful ignornance and disrespect.
I don’t agree with their stand on women in the priesthood and they have a way to go in other gender and sexuality issues but good things take time to change. The Eucharist I believe can be open in their tradition while maintaining their spiritual views on the bread and wine. Many of my Catholic friends are progressively minded and they will be a part of the changes of the Church in the future.
A Ramble on Unity, Or Lack Thereof
The notion of Unity is a noble one. Bringing people together for a common cause is great but in reality it’s like herding cats. I live in the United States and really its just 50 states who choose to be together under one flag. The same can be said for the United Kingdom. But when you look closer there are differences in culture and customs that make them very different.
Of course politically there is the whole liberal vs. conservative vs. other to deal with and there is little unity to be had there. Even in factions you have sub factions and other smaller groups that fight for their own agenda. In marriage its a union of two people who love each other and it’s probably as close to a good union as you will find. Yet there are couples who go through trauma and setbacks that find strength in turmoil. However they can be easily torn apart.
A united front happens when there are situations that bring people together like what happened on 9/11/2001 for a little while. WW I and II brought my country together in so many ways. People were self-sacrificing, involved and called upon to fill in the gaps while men and women were overseas fighting to win.
At this moment I don’t think my country is united, its way to divided. Too many issues have polarized us, made us suspicious, made us become very tribal and sometimes primal. Our politics has torn friendships and families apart, like during our civil war days. I am finding that some folks want separation, segregation and isolation while others want to be in community and to be challenged.
One day there will be unity and maybe a little utopia too. It will be a day that will hopefully be a time of peace, tranquility and free of conflict. My faith is that day will come sooner rather than later. I am hoping it might happen by our own choice than at the hands of someone or something out of our control.
A Ramble About Retirement
Today a co-worker retired after 33 years of service to the company and there was a pot-luck lunch given in her honor. My longest tenure was 8 years for Olan Mills Church Directories. People have multiple jobs in multiple locations over their lifetime. Just ask freelancers, ministers and others who work one string of temp jobs after another. Some people change jobs like they do their socks.
There is something to be said for longevity and stability. It sure makes managing your retirement fund easier I would think. Companies are getting rid of older workers all the time to keep payroll and expenses lower to improve profit margins.
Retirement is a great thing. They say you are busier in retirement than at any other time in life. This is something we all must face at one time in our lives. I can safely say I won’t get a retirement cake saying 33 years. I might get a cupcake or something like that.
Rambling About A Movement, Advancing A Cause
Any cause or movement is bigger than the person who inspired it. The ideas and spirit of a movement should be carried forward by the people who were encouraged to dream and think about a brighter future. No one person can do it alone. Change requires everyone working together. Granted there will be disagreements along the way but that is what happens when humans work together. Anything worth doing requires a lot of work. In certain situations it might require another person taking the movement and advancing its ideas to the masses. Transition is never easy but you have to faith and hold people accountable to making things happen. It can take years and generations for a cause or a movement to be realized in full. If you want something done, it requires your participation and your dedication. There are sometimes bigger things at stake than the movement too.
Rambling About Being Yourself
There’s nothing wrong with living outside the mainstream and coloring outside the line. I am a proud black sheep of sorts. However there is a price you pay for it because some folks don’t want to understand you or your point of view or your choices. It’s a part of marching to the beat of your own drummer. Be yourself, whoever that might be.
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