I have a soft-spot for fairy tales. They are an authentic way to tap into the stories of my Anglo-Germanic heritage. When people compare life to a fairy tale, they are asking whether or not it measures up to some beautiful ideal. But really, fairy tales are more often stories of fear, death, and magic … Continue reading Fairy Tales
Moral
Arrogance
[Bingley said,] "But there is one of her sisters sitting down just behind you, who is very pretty, and I dare say very agreeable. Do let me ask my partner to introduce you.'' "Which do you mean?'' and turning round, [Mr. Darcy] looked for a moment at Elizabeth, till catching her eye, he withdrew his own … Continue reading Arrogance
Excessive Prudence
Prudence What is Prudence? The word "Prudence" comes from the same root as "provident": to foresee. Prudence is the habit whereby we try to act as if we can see the future. There are three steps in trying to act as if we know the future. First, you investigate the circumstances, try to know all … Continue reading Excessive Prudence
The Reason in Emotion
Anger and the ax When I was young, anger was my most powerful emotion. At slight provocation, it would pour into me like molten metal. It would burst through my meager defenses and spew across my family like lava from a volcano. After years of practice and prayer (mostly my mother's prayers...), I was able … Continue reading The Reason in Emotion
Gracefulness
"Hail, full of grace!" Luke 1:28 ____________ Gracefulness Grace and gratitude It is interesting that the words "grace" and "gratitude" have similar etymologies. They derive from the Latin word gratus, which means both pleasing and thankful (pleased). This reveals a practical way of understanding John Paul II's description of mercy as "bilateral", or two-sided: An act of … Continue reading Gracefulness
Love One Another
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love [agapas] me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love [philo] you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He then said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do … Continue reading Love One Another
The Call
“Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10 ____________ The Call Ears to hear “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Matthew 11:15 Ever since I was little, I have been fascinated by the idea that God calls each of us to do His Will in a particular way. I believed it … Continue reading The Call
Correction vs. Condemnation
The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery; and making her stand before all of them, they said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery. Now in the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They … Continue reading Correction vs. Condemnation
Freedom
The most scared I’ve ever been when my life was in my own hands was driving to a friend’s house this past weekend. There’s one place, an exit from one highway and entrance to another, that the lane lines disappear. Cars in front of me, cars on either side, cars behind me. And no lines … Continue reading Freedom
Eclipse
Then came the Witch’s voice, cooing softly like the voice of a wood-pigeon from the high elms in an old garden at three o’clock in the middle of a sleepy, summer afternoon; and it said: “What is this sun that you all speak of? Do you mean anything by the word?… Can you tell me … Continue reading Eclipse
A Grain of Salt 