Spes... the Final Frontier

Have you ever had to wait at an airport and be subject to the incessant bad news coming from the tellys suspended every ten feet for an hour or more? Every 20 minutes the bad news repeats itself on the cable news networks with only the occasional new tidbit tossed into the mix of mayhem, murder, and market madness. No wonder sales of meds for depression and high blood pressure never falter.

The true and faithful Christian continues in hope in spite of persecutions from governments, from other religions, and from those who believe in diversity as long as it does not include a Christian in that mix. A Disciple's faith feeds that hope which in turn, fuels the fire in our bellies to continue the difficult road every day. We need hope and God is generous when we pray for hope. He always answers our prayers. Spes... hope... really is the Final Frontier in today's overcast world. (HT to Gene Roddenberry).

As a kindness to yourself, turn off the bad news and open the Good News for some uplifting strength. May hope be your companion, your faith fervent, and charity your signature on your every action.

'Umble

'Umble: that's the way we Texan Plain Catholics say "humble". What is being 'umble? It's not about being a door mat. On the contrary we stand firm in our faith. It's not about being lower than everyone else: all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God Romans 3:23. 

Really, being 'umble means we admit to the possibility that we might be wrong. It means not getting into a debate or argument about every little point on the news today. It means asking for help when we need it without being embarrassed or ashamed. It shares the same root word with the Latin word for humus or "soil". So being 'umble recognizes who we really are, dust but with one exception. We're God's dust. We've been given a second chance to follow Him. Now mix that dust with a little manure and you'll have some mighty fine tomatoes too!

That's us, just dust. And like those tomatoes we come in all shapes, sizes and stages of maturity in our Christian discipleship.

We're redigging the garden for Fall plantings of cabbage and collards. Praying yall have a blessed day. Don't you forget to feed Hester the Hamster down below. Just click on her picture and out pops some kibble.