Religious Freedom, Nevermore

Trisha Niermeyer Potter © November 2012

O beautiful the spacious skies

Of amber waves profaned.

The purple mountains,

Your Majesty,

In the upended plains.

I pledge no allegiance

To this plague

In the United States

Under Obamacare

Nor to this immoral public

For which it stands

An administration without God

Visible with religious liberty for none

But contraception and abortion for all.

Moral relativity from sea to sea

Depravity is keyed

Into the side of these rights withheld. 

The religious leaders and faithful few

Try their best to catechize,

But our elected leaders scandalize,

Slaughter our freedom of religion,

Bring genocide stateside.

Thank you very little.

Turn over a new leaf,

Not abandon all Truth and belief

In a matter of convenience

Devoid of obedience

To anything other than pride.

Granny, get your gun

Before the death panels

Are at your side

To choose

How many days you have left

Before your family is bereft. 

It’s bad enough our patriots

Get treated with such disdain.

Apparently it’s better if we ease

This sort of pain

By tearing babies

limb from limb

Based on the slim chance

that God didn’t really mean:

Thou shalt not kill.

For 40 days

They showed up at your door

Reminding you what

God stands for: LIFE.

Far above any pay-grade,

This verdict was clearly laid

and will never be overturned.

I’m afraid  

Though many remain unaware,

Obama doesn’t care

About the youth in Asia

Killed because they have

Two X chromosomes.

I don’t see Y

The home of the free

Has been turned into the prison

Of a slave

To the Devil’s only weapon:
lies.

There are some who refuse.

They are silent no more

After the tears they’ve cried

Over children that died

At their parents’ hands

Not in foreign lands

But on American soil

caked with blood.

Rachel’s project expanded

Since evil sisters

banned parenthood,

demanded the president

Continue this precedent

Of scarring the young and the old

The rich and the bold

The greatest and the least

with the mark of the Beast.

St. Teresa of Avila poem: In the Hands of God

I am Yours and born of You,

What do You want of me?

Majestic Sovereign,

Unending wisdom,

Kindness pleasing to my soul;

God sublime, one Being Good,

Behold this one so vile.

Singing of her love to you:

What do You want of me?

Yours, You made me,

Yours, you saved me,

Yours, you called me,

Yours, you awaited me,

Yours, I did not stray.

What do you want of me?

Good Lord, what do you want of me?

What is this wretch to do?

What work is this,

This sinful slave, to do?

Look at me, Sweet Love,

Sweet Love, look at me,

What do you want of me?

In Your hand

I place my heart,

Body, life and soul,

Deep feelings and affections mine,

Spouse – Redeemer sweet,

Myself offered now to you,

What do you want of me?

Give me death, give me life,

Health or sickness,

Honor or shame,

War or swelling peace,

Weakness or full strength,

Yes, to these I say,

What do you want of me?

Give me wealth or want,

Happiness or gloominess,

Heaven or hell,

Sweet life, sun unveiled,

To you I give all.

What do you want of me?

Give me, if You will, prayer;

Or let me know dryness,

And abundance of devotion,

or if not, then barrenness.

In you alone, Sovereign Majesty,

I find my peace,

What do You want of me?

Give me then wisdom,

Or for love, ignorance,

Years of abundance,

or hunger and famine.

Darkness or sunlight,

Move me here or there:

What do You want of me?

If You want me to rest,

I desire it for love;

If to labor,

I will die working:

Sweet Love say

Where, how and when.

What do You want of me?

Calvary or Tabor give me,

Desert or fruitful land;

As Job in suffering

Or John at Your breast;

Barren or fruited vine,

Whatever be Your will:

What do You want of me?

Be I Joseph Chained

Or as Egypt's governor,

David pained

Or exalted high,

Jonas drowned,

Or Jonas freed:

What do You want of me?

Silent or speaking,

Fruitbearing or barren,

My wounds shown by the Law,

Rejoicing in the tender Gospel;

Sorrowing or exulting,

You alone live in me:

What do you want of me?

Yours I am, for You I was born:

Yours I am, for You I was born:

What do You want of me?

Fresh Bread and Other Gifts of Spiritual Nourishment by Joyce Rupp

The whole grain taste of Fresh Bread is certainly one that can provide ample food for thought and considerable spiritual nourishment throughout the year.  Fresh Bread and Other Gifts of Spiritual Nourishment by Joyce Rupp, OSM is beautifully written, engaging, intimate, vulnerable, and honest.  From a place of humility and brokenness, the beauty of God’s love shines through her poetry, prose, prayers, and provocative questions with a quiet, gentle intensity that seeps into the soul.    

   
Since this book was recommended and loaned to me by my spiritual director, who likes to keep a copy on-hand for reference, I planned to skim the chapters that looked like they might speak to me most right now, then give it back.  At first, I did as planned, but God knew how much I needed to soak up the lovely imagery, faith-filled wisdom, and tender vulnerability of Fresh Bread in its entirety.  Crumbs, bits, and pieces here and there wouldn’t have been sufficient.  

   
The book is set-up to be used as a spiritual guide throughout the calendar year.  There is a themed chapter for each month.  Original poems, Scripture reflections, and memoir-like entries are included along with a passage of Scripture to read and meditate on for each day of that month, that goes along with the theme.  The reflections are often followed by another poem, a thoughtful, tender prayer, and four questions for journal keeping—one for each week.

   
Joyce Rupp, OSM is one of the authors who I feel understands on a deep level the struggles and challenges of following Christ, knowing there’s always room and need for us to grow.  I admire her greatly as a writer who is willing to let her weaknesses, suffering, and questioning be accessible to others, especially when there’s a chance it might lead them closer to the Lord.     

   
There are a select number of writers who I really love to read, learn from, and with whom I can genuinely identify on the deepest level.  Joyce Rupp is one of these writers, mentors, and people I hope to emulate through the written word and a willingness to let God speak through my life when and how He wishes. 

I highly recommend Fresh Bread for anyone interested in a closer walk with the Lord.  These reflections, poems, meditations, Scripture passages, and questions will present challenges and blessings beyond anything you can imagine.  Do yourself a favor, and have some Fresh Bread.  For more information about or to purchase your own Fresh Bread and Other Gifts of Spiritual Nourishment by Joyce Rupp, OSM, click here.

My Grandma's Hands

This morning

I held your worn red rosary

to pray the joyful mysteries

just before your funeral began.

You cared for so many

and prayed for so much.

This mourning

I must do alone.

I sift through your prayer books,

Miraculous Medals, Mass cards,

special intentions, and charitable deeds.

I’m not sure where

I fit in them now

you’ve passed from this life

into the next.

You’d cut up fresh fruit,

slice raw vegetables,

knit slippers for your grandchildren,

work in your garden,

play cards with your friends,

receive the Body and Blood

of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

You’d roll your hair in curlers,

put homemade cold cream on your face,

ponder for periods forming the longest words

when you played Scrabble.

 

You saved a pile of newspaper clippings,

stories from magazines, and articles

to pass on to a family member or friend

you thought might find them of interest.

I still have some of the garage sale

finds that you’d give us each holiday

along with a savings bond receipt,

put aside for our higher education. 

A passion for learning, current events,

international travel, new foods, and

exotic places kept you moving, tasting,

experimenting long after others

had slowed down, given up

or thrown in the towel.

You longed to be useful and needed

always wanting to know

what you could do to help.

You came to Mom’s rescue

when Dad was away

traveling for business,

or not available in some way.

Making meals, cleaning up,

decorating the church for holy days,

being one in the Legion of Mary

who interceded daily for many petitions.

Recycling pieces of foil,

scraps of paper, collecting

packages of salad dressing,

and reusing paper towels,

you didn’t waste or trash things

before their usefulness had run out.

Your eyes filled easily with tears

after all you’d been through—

the loss of your sister so young,

your mother, your daughter,

your long-suffering husband,

your health, your independence,

your memories—

quite a bit over the years. 

Ever-appreciative of a visit,

time spent outdoors,

bouquets of flowers,

spicy beef with broccoli,

chocolate candy,

a hearty laugh, a good book,

an old movie, a familiar song.

Now forever

won’t be long.

I wrote the above poem in honor of my maternal grandmother Marilyn Lohwater, on the day of her funeral & burial, February 9, 2013.

Magnificat Year of Faith Companion

     I have been a fan of the Magnificat publications for many years.  I have found the monthly magazine a wonderful guide to Catholic prayer that gives the feel of the Liturgy of the Hours without its complexity or multiple volumes. 

     The Magnificat monthly magazines were absolutely indispensable for me when I was studying abroad in France, because I was able to follow along with the readings at Mass, had the words in front of me to the prayers I knew only in English before then.  I am certain using the Magnificat in French dramatically improved my appreciation for the language as well as the nuances and multiple translations of prayers that are possible. 

     I knew I would like the Magnificat Year of Faith Companion, but knowing that the regular monthly publication already contains a number of prayers, the daily Mass readings, reflections on the readings and information about the saints, I wondered what this magazine would add to the mix.  I am pleased to report that this book is indeed a beautiful way to “rediscover the joy of believing” as Pope Benedict XVI put it. 

     Scripture reflection, prayers, meditations, original poetry, essays on the faith, devotions, and explanations of the Catechism are what you will find in this daily boost for your faith.  Each day there’s something different to ponder, and perhaps share with others.  The variety of writers and myriad of genre included guarantee a blend of insights, outlooks, and perspectives that will deepen your understanding of the faith and richly enhance your prayer time.         

     I wrote this review of for the Magnificat Year of Faith Companion as part of the free Catholic book review program.

     Tiber River is the first Catholic book review site, started in 2000 to help you make informed decisions about Catholic book purchases.  I receive free product samples as compensation for writing reviews for Tiber River.

Teresita: An Original One-Act Play Based on the Life of St. Teresa of Avila by Michele Morris

Teresita: A One-Act Play Based on the Life of St. Teresa of Avila is a lively, humorous, thought-provoking play inspired by the life of a saint who had lots of personality and a great deal of faith.  This original one-act play written and performed by playwright, actress, and director Michele Morris is one you won’t want to miss!

     
As Michele Morris has been discerning her own lifelong vocation, she has asked the Lord many times throughout her life a question that appears over and over in her play: “What do You want of me?”  This question is the refrain directly from a poem penned by St. Teresa of Avila called “In the Hands of God.” 
     
Those who are familiar with the life of St. Teresa of Avila tend to be quite impressed by how true to form the play is in presenting the facts of this woman’s life, particularly her childhood and the time leading up to her discerning God was calling her from a life of privilege and popularity to enter a cloistered convent.  Others who don’t know as much about this Doctor of the Church are often inspired to research her after seeing this brilliant play.
     
Michele Morris portrays the young, vivacious St. Teresa of Avila beautifully.  Her interest in things of the world and contentment having close relationships with family and friends pose a number of challenges with which the playwright is all too familiar.  In Michele’s own spiritual journey, she has felt God’s Presence from very early on in her life, but it’s taken longer than she hoped or expected for her to discern what God wants of her. 

There’s a great deal to be said about the timing of this play, the Opening night, July 16, which is the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and the clear blessing of the Holy Spirit in this endeavor.  Michele had been working on the play for months.  After reading and researching a great deal about St. Teresa of Avila, she began work on the one-woman play she was inspired to write and perform as a fundraiser to pay off her student loan from getting her Masters in Divinity so she’s free to become a postulant of the Carmelite Sisters by the Sea.

     
Friends eagerly supported her effort by offering their own talents to assist in the production.  What seemed like a far-off dream became a reality in the days and weeks leading up to the first scheduled performance.  A friend came forward to make her costume, another to help her with direction and rehearsal stepped up.  Soon portraits, fliers, business cards, a website, and a location for Opening night were all provided. 
I got chills watching Teresita: A One-Act Play Based on the Life of St. Teresa of Avila both at the by-invitation-only dress rehearsal and the Opening night performance.  As someone who has read and thoroughly enjoyed learning about St. Teresa of Avila over the years, I really appreciated the attention to detail, inclusion of factual events, and the spirit with which this exuberant woman’s life was portrayed.  Knowing a great deal about many of Michele’s own struggles throughout her discernment only served to make the play that much more amazing and believable.       
     
For more information about where Michele Morris will be starting August 6, 2013, visit the website for the Carmelite Sisters by the Sea. 

Because I Am Furniture

    Can you break the patterns of abuse in a household of five where there’s only one person willing to admit the truth about what goes on behind closed doors?   
     Because I Am Furniture is heartbreakingly real.  I was profoundly moved by these poems and curious to discover how well a novel-length story would be told through them in a way that would appeal and speak to young adults.  It’s been a while since I immersed myself in writing and reading poetry.  It felt very good to get back into it and see how forceful and powerful poems can be in conveying raw human emotion, longings, fears, and honest thoughts we’d rarely, if ever, say aloud…
     I was worried when I checked this book out of the library that I might find it more of an experiment on the page of breaking a prose novel into lines and calling them poems, but I was pleasantly floored by this poignant poetry and how well-crafted each piece of the story is—lyrically and in a literary sense. 
     Because I Am Furniture reminded me how beautifully naked emotion and serious conflicts can be arranged on the page as well as how essential it is to keep in mind that every word, every syllable counts.  I needed such jarring evidence that we do a major disservice in whatever we write if we add fluff to cushion the blow or water down the stark reality and piercing pain that exists in real life. 
     I found myself praying for victims of all types of abuse as I read this.  That’s the only way I could keep going when I know that there are people who are actually living in such terrifying situations as this one.
     The fear of speaking out against the perpetrators of such horrifying acts is quite tangible in this novel, as is the heartache of someone who carries the burden of seeing what’s going on and knowing it needs to stop, but who isn’t sure how to end the vicious cycle in effect.
     To read more about Because I Am Furniture or to order your own copy, click here.

Going with or without at Christmas

 

This Year Our Christmas Came Without

It came without picking out the live family tree,
decorating homemade sugar cookies,
sending out a single Christmas card.

It came without setting out the family’s nativity,
listening to Christmas carols while
watching the colored lights on the tree.

It came without candles burning while sipping tea,
evenings of jingle bell laughter, singing, spinning and dance,
watching all of our favorite Christmas movies in advance.

It came without stressing over buying a long list of gifts,
going to our usual Christmas shows,
lots of parties to go to given by friends.

There were a number of extenuating circumstances which kept Kevin and me from participating in our usual Advent and Christmas traditions this year.
    
Fortunately, we made it to my mom’s for hors d’oeuvres by the tree and each opening one gift on Christmas Eve.  Mom made the customary assortment of finger foods including: chips, a veggie tray with dip, cocktail wieners, crackers and cheese, shrimp cocktail, and her famous homemade chicken tenders. We got a chance to catch up with my mom, sisters, and brother-in-law while enjoying food and listening to Christmas music around the brightly decorated tree.
    
We returned to Mom’s house in the morning by 8:15 to open presents as a family. Even though we’re all 19 and older now, my sisters insist we get there relatively early to open gifts. It’s kind of cute that even now my one sister still gets so excited about opening presents Christmas morning that she can’t sleep the night before.
    
Kevin and I went to Mass on our own. The gift of the God’s only Son, Mass, the Eucharist, and the love of my husband and family made this Christmas even though there were many things and activities it came without this year.
    
Things didn’t quite turn out the way Mary and Joseph had envisioned leading up to, on, and beyond Christ’s birth, but love prevailed and the Lord’s Will was done. God was, is, and always shall be with us, in us, and working through us. Amen.

My Dad's Footprints in the Sand Prayer Journal

     My dad used to take scrupulous notes in his day planner about his exercise, how his blood/oxygen level and heart rate were, who he spoke with on the phone and when, but I hadn’t seen him write his thoughts or prayers in a regular journal. I thought he might like to have a prayer journal. I chose one with a picture of footprints on the front cover and the Footprints poem inside. Each left-hand page begins with a passage from the poem, such as “One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord…” and has a quote at the bottom. The right-hand page has a verse from Scripture at the top.
On the first page inside the cover I wrote:

                                                        July 2009

Dear Dad,
     
I remember you talking about a Footprints poster you’d seen framed in Dave’s office. I hope you will use this journal to write about your walk with the Lord, both when you walk side by side and those times when He’s been carrying you, only leaving one set of footprints in the sand.    

I’ve found more encouragement and hope than you know in your persistence in the midst of adversity to serve God and remain faithful to Him. God’s strength shines through our weaknesses and His love, if we accept it though we don’t merit it, will cast out our fear of failure, the future, and despair.
I love you, Dad, and hope you become increasingly aware of how much God loves you.
Love, hugs, and prayers, Trisha

It wasn't until the night he passed away that I looked at the journal and saw the following entry which he must have written at night before going to bed on his 54th birthday:

7-25-09 – Today was a great day
     
Ann, Mary, Jordan & Theresa called singing Happy Birthday. I miss them a lot, but that started my day with a big smile. My brother Dave called at 9:45 – We had a discussion about past birthdays – Great memories. I thanked him for his beautiful card. Trisha called and came over with Holy Communion. I love the times we’ve spent praying together. Trisha and Kevin treated me to dinner. They gave me wonderful gifts. I appreciate my family and what happened this day. Thank you God for my girls and brothers.

Nobody wants me

     At some point or another, most of us have felt this way and probably heard someone else express the same sentiments. A sense of rejection and being unloved cuts right to the core. I know I have felt this way at times over the years and have heard others express in one way or another that they’ve experienced such hurt as well.
     The poem below I’ve written contains just some of the nobody wants me sentiments I’ve heard and/or felt over the years. I’m sure there are many more you could add.

Never Give Up

The title of this book sounds like something my dad would say. I think he’d also like the picture on the cover of a little fish leaping out of a small fishbowl into a bigger one. Never Give Up: My Life and God’s Mercy by John Janaro delves in to the stark reality of physical and emotional suffering in his own life and talks about how the unconditional love and grace of God have brought him through some very dark periods, giving him glimpses of the Light of the world in the process.
    
Janaro’s daily life thoughts, prayers, mediations are mixed in with sublime revelations, down-to-earth, pensive prose, questions, and reflections. The poems/prayers I found utterly profound. I don’t usually reread books, but I’m definitely going to go back through this one and spend more time with the poems.
    
I will admit that it was very uncomfortable to read this book at times because the descriptions of pain hit close to home, elicited memories of loved ones and some of my own suffering. The poignancy of the poetry and prose certainly fit within the realm of afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.
    
I can attest to the pain, frustration, and emotional distress caused by Lyme disease. I was diagnosed with it many years ago after I began developing a number of the symptoms during eighth grade when our family lived in NJ. Fortunately, I had a good pediatrician who was familiar with the illness, and I was given the treatment needed to get rid of it before it progressed too far. Reading about Janaro’s struggle with the illness and its countless symptoms reminded me again to pray for the many people who suffer daily in mind, body, and spirit, with little reprieve. I’m not sure how people do it without having a relationship with God.
    
Some of the internal monologue and even prayers are disturbingly easy to identify with if you or someone close to you has suffered a lot. The first part of the book is very much focused inward and on pain, then it moves outward to family and God, touching on major elements of the Catholic faith and beliefs along the way.
    
The only minor confusing aspect of the book is that it does hop around a bit from the microscope on pain and self to the wide angle lens of God’s grace and the vastness of His Kingdom. This microcosm versus macrocosm relationship I believe is best summed up by Janaro’s describing how Jesus Christ’s whole divinity and humanity are present in each Eucharist, every single Host.
    
This book digs deep into the soul and lifts the heart up high, just like the Lord does.
This review was written as part of the Catholic book Reviewer program from The Catholic Company. I receive a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Never Give Up - My Life and God's Mercy.

Unearth the Treasure

     I love thinking about how the theme of unearthing the treasure relates to spirituality. Of course it brings to mind wooden treasure chests brimming over with gold coins, emeralds, diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. It also makes me think about children digging in the dirt or the sand with a passion few adults bring to the same activity. When kids have a pail and shovel, it’s all about discovery and play. They have no idea what they’re going to find, so the energy and curiosity fuel their desire to dig deeper and deeper.
     We know that at some beaches kids are likely to find seashells, some pebbles, lots of sand (which they can and will manage to get in all of their major crevices), and possibly some trash that they will often mistake as being something of value.
     As adults, digging and fun aren’t often synonymous. We dig through closets to find shoes and purses to find keys. We sit in traffic while construction workers dig up pipes. We dig up weeds and dirt on other people.
     Perhaps what we need as adults is to rediscover the joy of digging while fully believing that we’ll find something really good if we’re willing to stick with the search.
     We have to take time out to unearth the treasure in ourselves and help those around us do the same. It’s far too easy to let our treasures get buried underneath the sand. Each time we are criticized, hurt, disappointed, afraid, or sad, it’s as if another pile of sand has been shoveled on top of our treasure chests. Not only do these piles of sand make it hard for others to find our treasures, but they also makes it difficult for us to open our own treasure chests even though we can locate them without trouble.
     To God, each of us is a precious treasure. We each have immeasurable value in His eyes. When we take the time to listen to God, He will show us how He feels about us and tell us how He sees us. God and those special treasure-seekers He places in our path will help us to discover the essence of who we are and who we can be.
     Treasure-seekers come in many forms. They may be church leaders, spiritual directors, family members, or close friends of ours. They could be co-workers, mere acquaintances, or total strangers. Perhaps a beloved pet, a touching movie, a well-written book will be part of the process that leads us to unearthing treasure. God has an uncanny ability to work in and through people, animals, nature, and experiences to reach us.
     There are circumstances that may cause us to lock up treasure inside our chests and hide it in hopes that it’ll never again be found. In that case, the excavation process may take some time. Trained spiritual anthropologists may need to go in to help remove the debris and grime allowed to build up. I say, dig anyway! Soon enough, you’ll strike it rich, and the beauty of God’s love will burst into every color of the spectrum when reflected and refracted through the diamond that is you.
Unearth the Treasure

However much digging it takes
to unearth the treasure,
it’s worth it.

However many shovels you break
and new friends you make
in the process of

unearthing the treasure
that is you,
it’s worth it.

Discover and accept
you are a treasure.
Live as the treasure you are.

Become a treasure-seeker,
and affirm the beauty
you see in others.

I wrote the above reflection and poem July 27, 2008 in honor of the participants on the 408th Central Virginia Men’s Cursillo Weekend whose theme was Unearth the Treasure. God bless you as you continue treasure-seeking.