Light to Banish Darkness

Darkness and evil are such intangible, invisible things in this world. However, lately, I've become more aware of it. Sadly, sometimes, a little too late. Darkness shouldn't scare me. We have God on our side.

One cannot deny the atrocities of this world. Some issues that I consistently am moved by are the women in Africa caught in strife and war, abused and assaulted internally and externally (ask if you want more disgustingly graphic details), trafficking of children and women in Asia and all over the world, and those that are alone, orphans, without families, living in the streets, without a roof over their heads and not receiving love. All these bad things roil my blood.

What can we do to make the world a better place and dispel the darkness? Do what you can. Volunteer, donate, and pray fervently. I may be missing some other things, but this is how I break down my life.

No need to fear darkness, only to fear in the Lord.

Forgiveness

The power of forgiveness is the power to take away all those negative feelings of anger, hate or other grudging emotions. Forgiveness makes you whole and helps you let go of a negative past, allowing you to move forward.

Grandma, My Hero

The title's cheesy, isn't it? But she is inspiring me right now to do harder work and be better at things. More than anything, I'm happy that she's finally not suffering anymore. That must also be why I'm not breaking down either.

Thought I'd share some thoughts that I wrote for her at the memorial/wake/visitation (whatever it's called before the requiem mass):

To be honest, I wanted to make this longer than it is...but only simple thoughts came to our minds. Our grandma lived a full life - God gave her time to see her sons, daughters, and grandchildren grow up. She was truly a lady - a beautiful, king, gentle woman who valued family and instilled strong morals in us that penetrate our core being.

I think she wants us to know that she is truly at peace tonight. She has finally let go of this world, but we will continue to live on, products of her love. She has been a blessing in our lives and we are filled with gratitude.

Grandma, we love you with all our hearts. Until later, when we meet in Heaven.

Nearing Death and God

Friedrich Nietzsche, the father of nihilism (I think) and famous for the quote, 'God is dead', was a brilliant philosopher. He also turned to and sought God toward the end of his life. Lenin, known as the Father of Russia, actively worked to destroy Christianity in his homeland. Known to love books, he died in his study, reading. What was he reading? 'What is the Meaning of Christianity'. No one can doubt that these men were smart. Eventually, for them, things pointed to God and Christ. Why? Who knows, but as we understand our mortality, we again think, who am I? Why am I here? Being a Christian provides you with that answer. Do you know?

9/27 update:
Maybe it wasn't Nietzsche, but Sartre after all...my poor memory.