Still Hope for Texas Woman Being Euthanized

Posted on by charliej373

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Cavalry Charge

By Charlie Johnston

A key part of the Texas 10-day rule that makes it nearly impossible for poor people to avoid forced passive euthanasia is that the law requires that families privately raise the money needed for transfer to a facility that will care for them rather than kill them. Since the costs almost always exceed $30,000, ten days is nearly never enough for poor people to avoid this soft death penalty. This means that rich folks who are seriously ill and have come under the 10-day clock of forced euthanasia have real options when they find an alternative facility that will treat them. The poor just have to die. As covered in yesterday’s article, the Texas Conference of Catholic Bishops (TCCB) supports this hideous law. So much for the Church’s “preferential option for the poor.” In Texas, the Bishops (with the notable exception of Corpus Christi Bishop Emeritus Rene Gracida) implicitly say that the rich have options and the poor can die – perhaps “decrease the surplus population,” as Ebenezer Scrooge was wont to say before his conversion. Certainly the Vatican these last few years has found quite an admiration for population control efforts – including coercive ones.

Although the law the Texas Senate passed yesterday (it still needs House approval and the signature of the Governor) comes too late for Carolyn Jones, once again Texas Right to Life (TRTL) is doing the Christian work Texas Bishops refuse to do. There are three facilities that have offered to care for Jones. TRTL is footing the initial cost of transfer and treatment – but it is not enough to cover it completely. So TRTL is doing an emergency fundraiser, seeking to raise the money to fully cover the cost of her transfer, the first few weeks of her treatment at the new facility, and her legal defense. Any money raised in excess of these needs will be earmarked to help other patients and families like Jones through its TRTL Family Assistance Fund.

As I mentioned yesterday, I am an occasional consultant to TRTL. I know its practices intimately. With TRTL, the money goes to help real people in real need. I am proud to be a part of the TRTL family, doing every day the hard and prosaic work to truly be a sign of hope – the hard work that others only give lip service to. If you have a few extra dollars you can spare, please give what you can to this emergency appeal. Show the world (and the TCCB) what real Christian charity and activism is.

Readers at this site helped save the life of a little boy a few years back, Joseph Cronin, who another Texas hospital was trying to euthanize. Readers at this site weighed in and helped secure the confirmation of Kyle McCarter as America’s Ambassador to Kenya a few months back when some Senators were trying to derail him because of his active Christian faith. In the Epistle of James, the inspired author says, “Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith.” (Jas 2:18). One of the short forms by which we speak of our mission here is “trust-do-love.” It heartens me that the folks here have never scrimped on the “do” part.

We have a wide cross-section of readers here. Some live week to week, others have some earthly wealth. If your needs are such that you cannot donate, remember that your responsibility to your family comes first – that is key in your hierarchy of responsibilities. Instead, contribute richly from the store of your prayers to Mrs. Jones. If you have some earthly wealth, whatever you give to help this woman who wants to live will accrue to the treasure you build in heaven.

 

 

88 thoughts on “Still Hope for Texas Woman Being Euthanized”

  1. Thank you, Charlie, for bringing this from the comments section to our wider audience. Heading on over to the fundraising page. Beautifully and rightfully expressed ending.

    Liked by 5 people

  2. I used to live in Houston. This makes my heart break for all Texans. My prayers are for all Texas and every soul within it.

    Liked by 3 people

  3. Hi, I just wanted to point out that I clicked on the link Charlie just sent to donate and my donation went to “Texas Right to Life”, not a specific fund for Mrs. Jones. I hope she will get the help?
    Thanks. Love and prayers to all

    Liked by 3 people

    1. She will, Sr. Mary. They have a specific donation account in their family assistance fund. Again. I spent much of last year working directly with TRTL – and the money always goes to where it is supposed to. I got a text from TRTL Pres. Jim Graham a half hour ago to tell me they are very close to getting it done now.

      Liked by 5 people

  4. Charlie, I have donated to TRTL today and have called my state senator and representative. I am very disgusted with my adopted state of Texas about this law. Texas is so conservative and such a welcoming state for Christians and conservatives and yet, this law is one of the worst in the country.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. When I first found out about it a few years back, Judith, I almost couldn’t believe it. “Texas?!” I thought. California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Illinois would be easy to believe. But it is Texas that has the most punitive law in defiance of people’s autonomy in the country. I would literally be safer falling seriously ill in California than in Texas. The Texas Medical Association is a pernicious influence in your state.

      Liked by 6 people

      1. So you know, TRTL is right around $20,000 in donations coming from this donation portal right now. Though the donations go to TRTL, the portal distinguishes them. Meantime, staff is busy making emergency calls to past significant donors specifically for this purpose. I expect that this will be done before the day is over. I will let you know as soon as it is fully accomplished. Thank you all for your generosity.

        Liked by 4 people

  5. Just made a donation. I hope they are able to save Mrs. Jones.
    My own Mother passed almost a year ago and I know how impossible Heathcare can be for the elderly, especially Hospice organizations ( not all are created equal.there are good and bad). God Bless her. I said a prayer for her last night asking God to spare her so she can defy the doctors despite their removing of care….and live….

    Liked by 4 people

  6. Thanks, Charlie, for putting the spotlight on this horrific Texas law. And I applaud not only the Grahams and TRTL, but also Kassi Marks, Bishop Emeritus Rene Gracida and you who have kept us informed about this law over the years and the consequences of it. I have asked my Bishop Strickland, “Why is the TCCB on the opposite side of life? ” I didn’t get an answer from him. My email was forwarded to my priest. And for the second time, since this law has come before this Texas legislature, my priest said that it is a complicated issue. Only gray. Not black and white.
    But I ask you, are 10 days black and white? The commandment, ” Thou shalt NOT kill,” isn’t that black and white?
    So my priest could not nor cared not to really explain why the Texas Bishops have ended up on the wrong side of this issue again.
    In the last elections, Bishop Olsen of Ft. Worth issued a memorandum under the TCCB letterhead stating that TRTL should not be allowed on any Texas parish property and that we, the people, should disregard the TRTL voter’s guide. He said that the TRTL voter’s guide did not reflect how Catholics should vote. Well, I think this backfired on TCCB because a lot of RINOs were voted out of office and any politician who pretended to be for life and Christian values.
    What I can’t stand is that the priests and Bishops will not take a stand against pro-abortion politicians in their homilies because they don’t want to appear political, and yet the priests and Bishops align themselves with the pro-euthanasia forces under the false mercy pretence. Or, they preach to us that we need illegal immigration because it’s the merciful thing to do, etc. Bottom line: The priests and Bishops pick and choose the political issues that they want to preach on. And if the issue is not popular, they don’t preach on it because they don’t want to appear “political.” This really steams me. Thanks for letting me vent. It’s going to be a battle in 2020.

    Liked by 6 people

    1. It is a terrible betrayal when leaders start working to conform themselves to the world instead of seeking to preach to the world that life comes from conforming themselves to Christ.

      Liked by 5 people

      1. Charlie, I was just over on the TRTL donation page; and I see that they haven’t updated their total since noon. Any word?

        Like

        2. Sorry, Mick, I don’t have one yet. I have been there when a frantic all-hands-on-deck push is going on, though. They literally have almost everyone hammering away on the phones. I will check as soon as there is a break. I know there is a determination to get this done today.

          Liked by 1 person

      2. I remember the panicky braying. Sitting with my Ma at the State Theatre on Main St. watching “Pinocchio” for the first time is an indelible memory. Honest John, not honest. Lampwick, bad advice. Coachman, bad. Strombolli, really bad. Pleasure Island, not at all what it appears. Monstro… invevitable.

        Between now and then, Disney took a turn for the worse like just about everything else. What ever happened to good old-fashioned fairy tales with a sound moral thread!?

        It’s really come down to the few, hasn’t it. Crickets, old men… and that wondrous Lady in blue light.

        Liked by 5 people

    2. Texas n’s all…
      In my perspective, our Obedience is to the Pope (Francis) to our Diocese Bishop (for me Bishop Scharfenburger-Albany NY) and onto our Parish Priest.

      The USCCB aka texas subordinate has a role to play, though the end decision is with the Diocese Bishop. He is in charge. The local Bishops allow this organization to pass rules n regulations which is wrong. The local Bishop ia in charge and has the say.

      Hindsight, it all looks clear, but these Bishops convene and collaberate toward the best interests of the group. I believe this is where it gets ‘murky’. This is the Catholic administrative dilemma. This (our) organization needs to change and become smaller. Albany (NY) Diocese is a prime example.

      A community needs a few things: A Priest; Parishioners; not much else. K.I.S.S.

      Keep It Simple (S)

      Liked by 4 people

      1. That is a decent rule, Sean, though it does get a bit more complicated – and in these strange times it is probably good to consider some of those complications. Obedience only applies to lawful authority. So if any of these authorities tried to pretend to authority to tell you what level of taxation to vote for or what sort of water system to choose, it would not be related to their actual authority and so you are not bound by it. They can (and often should) express their opinions on such matters, but it is not within the realm of their authority. Should they pretend to speak authoritatively on such they both offend God and abuse their actual authority.

        Similarly, the lines of authority more practically work from the bottom up. You are first, in spiritual matters, obligated to your Bishop, then to your Pastor as the Bishop’s agent, and then to the Pope. But there are exceptions: on the matter of Medjugorje, for example, the Vatican took direct responsibility for it from the local Bishop because it affected the global faithful. Your first duty of obedience actually goes to your local Bishop. The Bishops are not just branch offices of Catholicism, Inc. The Bishops have a more intimate duty of obedience to the Pope than the laity do.

        All of this is subordinate to our first duty of obedience being to Christ through the Scriptures and the Magisterium. If a Priest, Bishop or Pope, for example, told you to go fornicate, or to become a thief, you would not only be under no obligation of obedience; you would be under obligation to resist such a thing. Obviously, most direction involves interpretation of Scripture and the Magisterium. The hierarchy has firm authority over such things, given by Christ. It has no authority to clearly contradict those things.

        Then, if an authority is clearly contradicting Scripture and the Magisterium, the question comes up on how you are called to resist? Must it always be private? I reject that, as I think much of the trouble we are in stems from Catholics thinking they should never criticize a Priest or Bishop. Silence in the face of grave abuses has been fertile soil in which the gravest of abuses have taken root. Must it be timid and hedging? How is that going to get the attention of abusers?

        It is a very tough road for each of us – and each of us will have to account to God for how we handled it…some for a silence that enabled it, some for a toxic malice that hurt good and noble Bishops in the fallout. I think each of us is likely to make mistakes of calibration as we go through these tough times. The thing I keep foremost in my mind is how to build up the Church rather than tearing down the structure – knowing that I will sometimes err along the way and have to account to God. If you keep in mind neither to remain silent out of fear nor to speak out of malicious anger, I think that can be a helpful navigational guide in these strange waters in which we find ourselves.

        Liked by 6 people

        1. I’m actually looking for more clarity here. The whole world is awash in words. Most, or at least a fair chunk, garbage. Some, right on point, though I know you’re not just talking about words here. Still, too many deaf ears out there.

          Yes, prayer. Yes, fasting. Yes, pursuing holiness.

          Seems like there’s bigger, better tools in our bag that we’re not even willing to consider.

          Liked by 3 people

          1. You are very right, MP. I have been expressing some of what I think as we have been going along, but I’m not there yet. It may have been better for me not to comment at all, for it didn’t really give any useful tips for dealing with these things – just semi-random thoughts. I’m working through it myself – and I just gave a rare glimpse of the soup of questions and thoughts that go through my head as I am figuring out my way. I know it is important and I want to contribute to help people forward – but it just isn’t near fully formed in my own head yet. Right now I try to do the most right thing I can think of in this context, without having many over-riding first things developed to guide me. I guess I am trying to figure out how to pull out the rotted planks without destroying the foundation – and I’m not real clear on the “how” of it, myself, yet.

            What are some of the bigger, better tools you are thinking of?

            Liked by 4 people

            1. Considering I was referencing Pinocchio and Strombolli earlier, I’m glad you didn’t find my first sentence ironical.

              I’m not altogether certain what the bigger, better tools are yet either, but some bone-rattling themes have really been thrust into my field of vision lately, prompting me to seriously consider the possibilities. Probably it’s a matter of timing, as you say.

              Maybe the better question: is it time to consider using bigger and better tools?

              Liked by 3 people

              1. I certainly think it is time to speak together of them. It is part of what I look to explore and contemplate as I go out and travel the country once more. A key man in our team, a very accomplished man, is working with me to put together some basic templates for folks to use in the clans I have spoken of as the wind and waves grow.

                I was a very young man, indeed, MP, when I was told that the time was coming when I would not be able to see more than a step in front of me – would have to concentrate on each step, trusting God entirely to guide me. I think that time has come. There are so many dangers…you don’t want to strike God’s anointed…neither do you want to enable toxic abuse and blasphemy coming from pulpits. I spoke to my Director Priests several decades ago about how hard it would be to live obedience AND fidelity well in the time of great confusion that was coming at us out of the Storm I was speaking of then. Heaven knows, I had a big head start – but it still is a matter of finding one step at a time – neither letting fear paralyze us nor anger lead us to strike out brashly. It is tough as can be.

                I know many would have preferred that God send a guy who would just tell everyone reliably what to do. I am sent, my friend, but sent to find my way with the help of my friends while encouraging and heartening all I can to stay the course and, together, find the way forward without losing our way – without turning to the right out of fear or to the left out of anger…to walk in a plain path back to God, holding fast to what is good (including those institutions He founded) while determinedly pulling out what is corrupt. Many of the best insights I have gotten have come through others along this pilgrim way. My virtue is not that I know precisely what must be done, but that I am more persistent than a mule – and would rather die than break faith with my call. No one can know that for sure about themselves, but I had opportunities during my pilgrimage (and a few other times) to see whether I truly meant that. So far, trust has sustained me and led me through those dark fearsome passages that would lead me to swoon. But God never intended me to be a one-man band. I was always intended to found a sort of divine orchestra in His service. While I can lead, no one can be a one-man orchestra. So I rely on the combined wisdom of my friends who are as dedicated to God and neighbor as I am, even when we don’t see eye to eye. Together, acknowledging God, we will find the way – but a lot of the old verities we counted on are not reliable in this Storm.

                I appreciate the honor readers here do me. I pray you know how much I rely on all of your insights as we stumble forward in God’s service. I do not know the way, exactly, but I know that all of us working together with rigorous honesty and good will towards each other, acknowledging God, cannot fail but to lead us safely to the harbor of Christ that the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart proclaims.

                Liked by 3 people

                1. UPDATE!!!….

                  As of now, TRTL has just gone over $30,000 in its goal for Carolyn Jones. Things slowed a little in the afternoon, but are picking up again. Once again, the spot for donations is hereherehere. Staff at TRTL is working the phones hard – and making preliminary arrangements. Mrs. Jones is hanging in there. One thing the hospital and its “ethics” board was certainly completely wrong about was that she would expire quickly once basic care was removed. Everyone is praying that she holds on and that we can begin to effect the transfer tomorrow. Thank you for all you have already done.

                  Liked by 5 people

                2. Charlie, I hope you incorporate this comment in a future piece. If God had sent you to just tell us what to do, we’d be mere puppets or pre-programmed robots, not children of the Living God. This is a major co-creating time with God and with one another. I DO know, without a doubt, if we ask for inspiration and guidance, Holy Spirit’s Power will show up in our contemplation and discussions in ways that will surprise and delight us.

                  Charlie, thank *you* for honoring us by opening up in this vulnerable way, essentially inviting us to ponder and dream – in concrete, practical ways – about how to go about renewing, reforming and rebuilding in the midst of this mighty mess.

                  Liked by 3 people

                  1. Yes, grateful for Charlie, and I certainly don’t disagree with anything in his or your response. In the midst of all Charlie’s keen observations, I may just appreciate most those times when his honest reply is “I don’t know.” While I do understand the hair-trigger (responding to some folks wanting Charlie to tell them what to do), I’m completely baffled why you would apply it here. Gosh, B, have you met me? In all this time, when have I ever treated mystical phenomena (alleged or Church approved) as anything other than that? And, I’ve maintained that respectfully without the probing, intrusive and/or all-too-human and merely curious questions.

                    At some point St. Joan of Arc had to mount up. I’m not even remotely there in my thinking, but simply wondering from a purely practical standpoint, what other tools may be available to us beyond engaging in this endless and constantly escalating war of words with those who unjustly oppose Holy Mother Church.

                    Liked by 3 people

                    1. Oh Gosh, MP. My reply was not meant to challenge you… or anyone else here. I was simply struck by this line in Charlie’s comment when he replied to you: “I know many would have preferred that God send a guy who would just tell everyone reliably what to do.” It prompted me to respond as I did as I joined in the thought-sharing of wondering aloud. And I am so very grateful for having met you here, MP. Thanks be to God for the wonder of you and all your ways of building us up in this place while you ever point to Christ as the Center of all we do.

                      Liked by 2 people

                3. I agree with Beckita, Charlie, that some exploration of this theme might be very helpful for others in understanding why we each are here and what we’re trying to do together.

                  When you said, “I was always intended to found a sort of divine orchestra in His service,” I was really struck with a feeling that I had just heard something important. It may or may not seem strange, but I’ve always wondered (in one sense of the word) why I’m here in this community or on your team while also wondering (in another sense of the word) at how the team in particular and the community as a whole have so many parts (people) who fit together so well, each covering what others do not. I’ve seen the orchestra but not known why it was forming or coming into existence.

                  I hope you’ll think more deeply about this from your perspective and what you’ve learned from your visitors. I think it could be a very fruitful line of thought, especially as you are about to go wandering around in a process that is very much an informal but potentially powerful organizational one, or perhaps better, an orchestral one.

                  Liked by 5 people

                  1. “…I was always intended to found a sort of divine orchestra in His service…” This quote caught my attention also.

                    Liked by 3 people

                  2. Dittos, Steve. I wonder the same thing about why I’m here. I have no doubt this special community is where I belong, though I do not yet know why. Still….here I am, Lord.

                    To follow the divine orchestra analogy, each of us called to be in this ensemble contributes his or her own unique “musical” talents – and what variety! For my part, I practice my instruments every day (piano and oboe: prayer and obedience) and will play here and there for my local community, but I wonder about the big performance(s) ahead. We haven’t seen all the sheet music yet, but the concert will surely be like nothing we’ve ever heard before.

                    Charlie, I wonder…who will play trumpet if you are leading the orchestra?

                    Liked by 3 people

                    2. Ha! I will be first trumpet player. It’s not my orchestra; it’s God’s. I just founded it on His behalf. He is the only Maestro. I gathered it up for Him and we are in His service together.

                      Liked by 2 people

                    3. And am I ever grateful the Holy Spirit whispered a few times in this heart’s ears to go… look and see. WOW! Thanks to the Padre who invited me here. (He’s still reading.) Thank you, Charlie, for listening, following, contemplating and stepping out in faith to establish this place.

                      You know, there’s a saying frequently used in some apostolates when inviting people to come aboard and open up to what God is doing through, with and in them. It certainly is apropos for TNRS-ASOH. Since following the Lord’s call to take up residence with Y’all (Peace Corps volunteers in Liberia learned to authentically use this expression), my life has never been the same and the change has been for Good.

                      When I think of many of our old friends who used to come here, a PMT rises for each of them currently walking a different path… and I pray each one is taking next right steps with confidence in God as they continue to weather the Storm with our forever prayers.

                      I guess it’s song day for me. These lyrics do not get it exactly right for me because I KNOW I’ve been changed for the better – and that IS Good – because of the people gathered round here. Love You Guys!

                      Liked by 2 people

                    6. PD;
                      First off, congrats on your recent career accomplishment. Well done. And staying with the orchestra theme, I was thinking about the scarcity of my comments lately and it occurred to me I may be the cymbal ‘player’ guy (cymbalist?) who stands silently reading the score for 512 measures until his big moment at the crescendo. 😀

                      Praying for you all. Charlie, I’ll see you in Wadena, God willing.

                      Liked by 3 people

                  3. Love this, Steve: “I’ve seen the orchestra…” Indeed. May THE Maestro of all maestros send down Holy Spirit’s Power to inspire and fire our thoughts, words and deeds. We’re tuning up, Friends, to play in God’s Opus Magnum of these times.

                    Liked by 1 person

                    4. Um, Charlie, isn’t a cowbell what calls the others to follow? So that would be you, I would guess. 😀

                      And you thought you were first trumpet. How quaint. 😀 😀 😀

                      Liked by 3 people

                    11. Ah, Steve….that is very funny! 🐄 Actually, the title “Sherpa” does imply leader or guide, and if things get murky and become so foggy that we can’t see where we’re going, the cowbell may be the only sound to help guide us through.

                      Actually, Charlie, in high school we did a piece heavy on percussion that didn’t need oboe, so they tapped me to play cowbell. It featured a 4-measure cowbell solo with no other instruments playing — and all my years of musical training and theory converged at that moment (7 seconds of fame). It was basically straight 16th notes but, not being a drummer at all, I petered-out on the last few beats.

                      Still, if you need me on cowbell, just say the word. I’ll give it my best! 😁

                      Liked by 3 people

                    12. For some bizarre reason which I can’t recall, we did a very brief piece once in high school with no brass – and I was sent up to clang the cymbals. Weird.

                      Even weirder, I used to do a lot of pit orchestra work around Chicago’s north shore. In a production of West Side Story, I bizarrely ended up with two off-stage speaking roles. At one point Maria’s mother calls out to her when she is lingering outside. When she continues to linger, her father calls out. In a falsetto, I called out, “Maria!” as her mother – and then in a low voice called out, “Maruca!” as her father. Keep your cowbell close at hand, muchacho!

                      Liked by 3 people

                    13. The Musical Instrument Museum is about 30 minutes from here as the crow flies. It houses some 15,000 unique instruments. Ever see a cheese drum kit? I like drumming. I reckon Charlie could help hollow out the cheese wheels since he’s so fond of cheese, and I could finish the kit from there since I like crafting stuff. Win-win.

                      BTW, PD. When I told my folks that I wanted to play the drums, they said that I had better learn all the percussion instruments, starting with the piano. Thus, the little known Piano Battle of ’70 – ’76 played out in our home. That’s one of the few times my Ma underestimated me. Regrettably, I went through a few piano teachers though.

                      Liked by 3 people

                    14. I love percussion of all kinds. In Africa, I grew fond of the Djembe and talking drums. Surprisingly, the Marsolek Brothers, aka the Drum Brothers, studied the rhythm patterns of West African tribes and set up a studio in Missoula. A bunch of us from the music ministry attended a workshop or two and began incorporating some drumming in our liturgical music. I especially loved the Palm Sunday procession when I played a frame or pan drum in a simple heart-throbbing beat with plenty of rests interspersed. Its rhythm vibrated, deep down in the gut, the sure and certain truth of what Christ did for us.

                      Liked by 2 people

                    15. Ha, Charlie! I’ll be happy to bring my pom-pons; but wouldn’t they be more fitting where there’s a marching band rather than an orchestra? 🙂

                      Liked by 2 people

                    16. Our orchestra gets pom-pons….the Lord is doing something new. Besides, I’ve always wanted to see how pom-pons could be adapted to Beethoven’s Symphony #3 in E-flat major, Opus 55. Now maybe I’ll find out.

                      Liked by 2 people

                    19. You gotta admit, though…Beethoven and pom-pons? Cool, right? I’m thinking bah-bah-bah- BAHM…and then you jump in with your patented Mick grin, a pair of pom-pons…and the crowd goes wild. We gotta get to work on the flaming baton number, though.

                      Liked by 2 people

                    20. Ha, Charlie! A left-handed klutz with a flaming baton would certainly liven things up a bit. (I took baton-twirling lessons for a little while when I was maybe 7 or 8. It was not pretty.)

                      Liked by 2 people

                  4. I also love this statement. To be in an orchestra is to be able to play an instrument well. The first problem is figuring out which instrument I am and then practicing with all my might. I hope it’s an easy instrument to learn because if it’s going to fit in my brain I’m going to have to forget something else. But don’t we all love to hear the voice that cannot sing belting out songs of praise during Mass. Praising the Lord with the best we have is all we’ve got! Lead on, Charlie. I’ll be upstairs away from the delicate ears of all around me practicing my tuba!!! (Or whatever: speaking voice, cooking skills, marksmanship)

                    Liked by 2 people

                    1. Ah, St. Joan… yet, this is an orchestra like no other where e.v.e.r.y.o.n.e. is called to play/sing as God equips each and every one with whatever it is He asks of us right where we are. Love this: “Praising the Lord with the best we have is all we’ve got!” He a.l.w.a.y.s. provides what is lacking when we do just what you have said.

                      Liked by 1 person

                    2. SJM, you are your own instrument in this Orchestra. Just be yourself to the best of your ability, and you’ll be fine. 🙂

                      Liked by 4 people

                  5. I always knew exactly why I was here. Well, at least at the time we moved. Like many, I felt panicky I could not do it ( not computer savvy); plus it was the very days my husband was passing — that’ll test one’s resolve. I decided the try was worth it because this was where I was finding imperfect truth — but truth nonetheless.
                    And practical guidance.
                    Still happening 🙂

                    Liked by 2 people

                    1. The other side of why I’m here: God expects me to do something about what I learn here.

                      It’s a give and take ( I like give and receive, better 🙂

                      Liked by 1 person

                4. Pilgrimages. They do have many facets and players, don’t they. To be as fully aware and engaged in the journey as possible, to be intent on and grateful for the company when present, always keeping our hearts and eyes fixed on The Prize… wherever you go, there you are. it’s really that simple for me.

                  When ‘walking’ amongst a party of pilgrims, I think it best to first look for that Christ within them and recognize Him, whether or not He is readily apparent. What better way to truly get to know folks.

                  As for the idle shepherds weighed down by worldly concerns, I suspect matters beyond our control will resolve much of that. Their prize certainly will be a crushing weight.

                  From a purely practical standpoint, I’m at a point where I’m keen on what we actually have to work with.

                  Liked by 2 people

                5. Your “blind” obedience/trust Charlie reminds me of a line from the book City of God by Mary of Agreda.
                  Our Lady related to her about intimate details pertaining to Her loosing Jesus for three days. She relates how she had a kind of mystical union with Jesus allwing her an awareness of Him and what he was doing at all times. She mentions how this connection was severed during the three days as a trial for Her but She, not growing concerned, did Her duty as His mother to find Him with all expediency and efficiency trusting the trial, as Abraham did concerning the sacraficing of his only son, trusting that God was fulfilling His great work even in this seemingly (humanly thinking) unrealistic way and not doubting His will be done no matter the outcome.
                  Here is the “bigger tool” we can apply to our present situation and darkness; Complete, perfect, loving, faithful, diligent and unyielding trust that God has got this dispite our inability to see a way through it.
                  As a God of surprises, He uses this stealth technique to confuse His enemies, not us. If we trust Him, we don’t sweat the small stuff as He writes straight with our crookedness, thwarting the enemy with another original moment to rescue His people.

                  Liked by 2 people

            2. I’m often contemplating “roots of problems & possible solutions”. Spirit Daily recently had a good article on “The deepest root of sin” if concepts like “inordinate love of self” and a proper love God could be defined, then that would be a good starting point. I feel & believe that too much has been built on government & it’s secular services which is eroding faith in God by making people dependent on services (and not dependent & trusting in God).

              It seems the weather & events are getting more extreme as people/society do more things to reject & deny God…

              Liked by 2 people

    3. Why are sermons on abortion so incredibly rare, while this greatest of sins is incredibly prevalent and has touched 1 in 4 women (23.7%), not to mention the men?

      The silence from the pulpit is frustrating, especially when hearing mawkish, milquetoast sermons or lectures against the evils of border security. What say Father Frank Pavone about pastors’ fears regarding preaching on abortion?:

      “Am I afraid I may alienate some of my members?

      “Certainly, we do not want to unnecessarily offend or alienate anyone from our church. We are reconcilers. At the same time, the One to Whom we reconcile the people is God. To have the people coming to our church is one aspect of our mission; another aspect is to make sure that when they come, they hear the full message of the Gospel. This is not a favor to them; they have a right to hear the Gospel fully proclaimed. To believe we can do this faithfully and at the same time never alienate anyone is to ignore the fact that even Christ Himself alienated some people (see, for example, the interaction between Jesus and His hearers in John 6). Can we do better than Christ did? Such alienation is not intentional on our part, but it is INEVITABLE (emphasis added). This is so because of the mystery of freedom. Some people have alienated themselves from the truth about abortion. If then, we faithfully expose that truth, they may choose to alienate themselves from us, too. This is not the same as “driving them away,” which is a situation in which we provide the cause of alienation by our carelessness or unkindness.”

      Here’s the larger piece: https://www.priestsforlife.org/brochures/facefearsecumenical.html

      Fr Frank Pavone, Priests for Life.

      Liked by 4 people

  7. Thank you! I signed up with TRTL yesterday, but didn’t see anything about the fundraiser. I cannot let this pass by without contributing. This site truly is a Sign of Hope

    Liked by 4 people

  8. Just donated but was confused went it said I was donating to the Education Fund so I went to their web page and saw that the Ed Fund does indeed go for situations like Mrs Jones’.
    The Bishops position puzzles me. I suspect if it was an illegal person it would be different.

    Liked by 3 people

  9. CHARLIE – we sent a donation but the website has 3 funds and not sure which one to send to. pls help others.
    tks/Ed

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Just donated…am not surprised at the demonic sacrifice of the poor, helpless victim by the degenerate Texas medics with the approbation of the wolves in shepherd’s clothing..Any wonder Akita statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary shedding copious tears of blood? …

    Liked by 2 people

  11. WOW… I was worried before that environmentalism & saving the planet would be used as justification for ending lives, but it looks like life-ending laws & loopholes are being applied via other schemes as well…

    What else is out there I wonder?

    Liked by 1 person

  12. NEWS & MILINET: Articles for Christians – 16 May
    ========================================

    Pope Denounces ‘Troubling Recrudescence of Anti-Semitism’
    https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2019/05/15/pope-denounces-troubling-recrudescence-of-anti-semitism/

    CALIFORNIA CONFESSIONAL BILL IS ABSURD
    https://www.catholicleague.org/california-confessional-bill-is-absurd/

    Evangelization and Doctrine Are Inseparable
    https://www.crisismagazine.com/2019/evangelization-and-doctrine-are-inseparable

    Police raid Catholic offices in Dallas as part of sex abuse inquiry
    https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2019/05/15/Police-raid-Catholic-offices-in-Dallas-as-part-of-sex-abuse-inquiry/7761557935794/?sl=2

    THEY’RE COMING FOR YOU
    https://churchmilitant.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=e719ceb125642d4ba546b7842&id=4ce5c82b7c&e=2a0b6c7ef6

    Alabama governor signs near total abortion ban into law
    https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2019/05/15/Alabama-governor-signs-near-total-abortion-ban-into-law/6411557960504/?sl=6

    The Latest: Missouri Senate passes strict abortion bill
    https://www.apnews.com/a5f9877201864a3bbcfbaa69b1bb999e

    Alabama and Georgia Are Throwing Down the Gauntlet against Roe. Good—DAVID FRENCH
    https://www.nationalreview.com/2019/05/alabama-and-georgia-are-throwing-down-the-gauntlet-against-roe-good-2/

    It is really hard to belive that INFANTICIDE has becme the Touch Stone/Corner Stone of Democrat Party USA …. but … There we are then ;-( !!!

    Kamala Harris Attacks ‘Same Kind of People’ Who Passed Pro-Life Abortion Restriction
    https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/05/15/kamala-harris-attacks-same-kind-people-passed-pro-life-abortion-restriction/

    Gillibrand: AL Abortion Ban an ‘All-Out Attack’ on ‘Basic Civil Rights’
    https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2019/05/15/gillibrand-al-abortion-ban-an-all-out-attack-on-basic-civil-rights/

    Gillibrand Urges ‘Action’ Against Justices Gorsuch, Kavanaugh If They Don’t Uphold Roe v. Wade
    https://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/susan-jones/gillibrand-urges-action-against-justices-gorsuch-kavanaugh-if-they-dont

    Booker Has An Interesting Idea For Making Abortions Permanent In America
    https://townhall.com/tipsheet/bethbaumann/2019/05/15/booker-when-im-president-roe-v-wade-will-be-the-law-of-the-land-n2546420

    PRO-INFANTICIDE GOV. CALLED A MODERATE
    https://www.catholicleague.org/pro-infanticide-gov-called-a-moderate/

    Abortion Lobby Killing Free Speech, Too
    https://townhall.com/columnists/kenblackwell/2019/05/16/abortion-lobby-killing-free-speech-too-n2546408

    Meltdown: This Is How Liberal America Reacted To Alabama’s Anti-Abortion Bill
    https://townhall.com/columnists/rebeccadowns/2019/05/15/meltdown-this-is-how-liberal-america-reacted-to-alabamas-antiabortion-bill-n2546404

    Here’s Just How Unhinged Hollywood Is Over Alabama Passing A Massive Pro-Life Bill
    https://townhall.com/tipsheet/bethbaumann/2019/05/15/leftie-celebrities-become-unhinged-over-alabamas-decision-to-ban-nearly-all-abor-n2546419

    Democrats Love Drugs too:

    These Are Real ‘High Crimes’
    https://townhall.com/columnists/anncoulter/2019/05/15/these-are-real-high-crimes-n2546414

    ….. and Democrats enjoy “Dissin’ God as well!!:

    On Oaths and God
    https://townhall.com/columnists/jerrynewcombe/2019/05/15/on-oaths-and-god-n2546407

    The Coming War Over Abortion
    https://stream.org/coming-war-over-abortion/

    3 Mistakes Pro-Lifers Can Make That Could Ruin Our Recent Victories
    https://stream.org/3-mistakes-pro-lifers-can-make-that-could-ruin-our-recent-victories/

    House Conservatives Seek to Root Out Support for Abortion Industry
    https://stream.org/house-conservatives-pro-life-abortion-industry/

    Rep. Andy Biggs Introduces Bill to End Tax Deduction for Abortions
    https://stream.org/rep-andy-biggs-introduces-bill-end-tax-deduction-abortions/

    American Fertility Once Again Hits Record Low
    https://freebeacon.com/issues/american-fertility-once-again-hits-record-low/

    The GOP Base Is Done Tolerating RINO Collaboration With The Democrats
    https://townhall.com/columnists/kurtschlichter/2019/05/16/the-gop-base-is-done-tolerating-rino-collaboration-with-the-democrats-n2546315

    White House Invites Americans to Share Stories of Being Banned on Social Media With Trump
    https://stream.org/white-house-invites-americans-to-share-stories-of-being-banned-on-social-media-with-trump/

    Mainstream press still ignoring church vandalism in France – even after Notre Dame fire
    https://www.getreligion.org/getreligion/2019/5/9/mainstream-press-still-ignoring-church-vandalism-in-france-even-after-notre-dame-fire

    THE CHINA TRADE WAR: NATIONAL SECURITY ON THE LINE
    https://www.frontpagemag.com/fpm/273775/china-trade-war-national-security-line-michael-cutler

    Selling Out American Exceptionalism
    https://patriotpost.us/articles/63046-selling-out-american-exceptionalism

    America Deserves Spygate Answers
    https://patriotpost.us/articles/63023-america-deserves-spygate-answers

    NO WRAY OF HOPE FOR FBI REFORM
    https://www.frontpagemag.com/fpm/273759/no-wray-hope-fbi-reform-lloyd-billingsley

    COMEY TURNS ON BRENNAN: Fired FBI Chief Claims Brennan Pushed Junk Dossier in IC Report
    https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2019/05/comey-turns-on-brennan-fired-fbi-chief-claims-brennan-pushed-junk-dossier-in-ic-report-video/

    JAMES BAKER RATS OUT COMEY: Top Officials “Quite Worried” Comey Would Appear to Be Blackmailing Trump
    https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2019/05/james-baker-rats-out-comey-top-officials-quite-worried-comey-would-appear-to-be-blackmailing-trump/

    The FISA Court Was Frequently Abused by Obama Deep State Officials – When Will These Liars and Crooks Be Brought to Justice?
    https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2019/05/the-fisa-court-was-frequently-abused-by-obama-deep-state-officials-when-will-these-liars-and-crooks-be-brought-to-justice/

    Sweden BOMBING Crisis Continues: 50 explosions so far this year – Innocent bystanders injured
    https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2019/05/sweden-bombing-crisis-continues-50-explosions-so-far-this-year-innocent-bystanders-injured/

    SOCIALISM LEAVES SOUTH AFRICA IN THE DARK
    https://www.frontpagemag.com/fpm/273705/socialism-leaves-south-africa-dark-daniel-greenfield

    How to stop pesky robocalls and texts to your cell phone
    https://www.foxbusiness.com/features/how-to-stop-robocalls-texts

    HEADLINES:
    SAUDI PAPER URGES STRIKES ON IRAN
    Iraq, Fearing Another U.S. War, Warns Militias Against Provocation
    Iran-backed militias move rockets in range of U.S. troops: Report
    Iran Threat Debate Is Set Off by Images of Missiles at Sea

    GOD SAVE ALL HERE!!

    Liked by 2 people

  13. Thanks, Charlie.
    Wouldn’t have known about this if you had not brought it to my attention.
    Just donated.
    Will pray.
    Have just finished reading biography on Dietrich Bonhoeffer and watching a couple of documentaries on his life.
    Most of the German churches were quiet about the What the Third Reich was doing.
    Bonhoeffer painstaking worked out a Biblical defense for becoming a spy against what Germany had become. He died a martyr for his approach three weeks before the Allies arrived.

    I feel we are there now.

    This Storm is very different from what I had imagined when I first stated reading you in 2014.
    We started raising chickens and planting fruit trees and gathering food.
    Now my thoughts are focused on The Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Thank you! It is just what I needed to structure my day) and surrendering to God’s will in the little things.
    The “next right step” approach has been incredibly helpful.
    Everything has become so confusing…I am so grateful for your essays which anchor me.
    Love,
    Narnialion

    Liked by 4 people

  14. A view up top of a charge. A view down below across the battlefield via today’s headline on Drudge:

    The headline is right on point. Temporarily propped up by the satan, their posture is firm and defiant. No need to even comment on the diabolically disoriented words on the placards. Just more words.

    Beseeching St. Joseph and reaching into the bag for the right tool I come up with a… plane. Not an ax. Not a sledge hammer. Not so much as a wee, ball-peen. Really, when it comes to Heaven, this is what I have to contend with.

    Liked by 2 people

  16. Cow bell.
    Alright, no one else has so I’ll follow my intuition and be the cowbell ( it struck a chord:)
    I abide in both Iowa and Arizona so it fits there; and my spirit has me minding the fortress at the bridge; now with the directive, clarion cowbell signal:) ( donated first)

    Liked by 2 people

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Published by charliej373

Charlie Johnston is a former newspaper editor, radio talk show host and political consultant. From Feb. 11, 2011 to Aug. 21, 2012, he walked 3,200 miles across the country, sleeping in the woods, meeting people and praying as he went. He writes on cultural, global and political issues from an orthodox Catholic perspective. He emphasizes that we find God most surely through the ordinary, doing the little things we should with faith and fidelity. His constant refrain is that, to live real joy, we must acknowledge God, take the next right step, and be a sign of hope to those around us. He lives in the Archdiocese of Denver in the United States.