The First Amendment and Fatima

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Today I took #3 and #4 to a "protest" - that's what they called it but I'm calling it a rally. We stood outside the local Senator's office and held signs like this

 and this

and we watched and listened to the others across the street tell us that we were taking away "women's right to health care" (heard of Community Health Centers?); and how "everything at Planned Parenthood is free of charge, regardless of who you are or your income", not...warning, clicking the link may make you fairly nauseous...bigger babies cost more $ to kill; and how we were taking away a woman's rights over her body. I can't even go there right now.

It was a blessed day. Those standing for life outnumbered those supporting PP three-to-one. It was a joy to see so many people of different ages, incomes, and family situations joining together to speak out about the murder of the innocents. I was nearly in tears when I turned around to see my 6-year-old holding a "Defund Planned Parenthood" sign next to her 4-year-old buddy who held a similar poster. I turned to the mother of the 4-year-old and said, "We're indoctrinating our children." "Yes," she said, "that's what parents do, we teach them what is right."

I don't think it's "coincidence" that our reading tonight in Family Consecration began to tell the story of Our Lady of Fatima. It centered on the Angel of Portugal's prayers taught to the children. After watching the 20somethings on the street today, shouting all types of untruths that someone they trust (like a "friend" on Facebook) told them, I was happy to have the opportunity to process the world, in a small way, with our family tonight. We got to talk about truth and lies and the ultimate Truth that God has written on each of our hearts and our obligation to speak that truth, even when it is difficult, and when it is unheard, to pray for those who are lost.

My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love You! I ask pardon of You for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love You.

We are all sinners, each and every one of us. That doesn't mean we can't speak the Truth; like Murder is wrong...always. It is so important that we pray for those who are confused and misled. It is essential that we cry out for God's Mercy on us all.

O my Jesus! Forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are most in need of Thy Mercy.

I think it's easy, when we're caught up in our lives, to forget the evil that surrounds us all. God is stronger but the devil is going to give it his very best shot and when we are purposefully or unintentionally involved with "other" things, or too worried about judging or being judged, he is more than willing to take advantage. The world needs us right now. We have to pray and we have to do it fervently. Start today (don't wait for Lent...this is going to take a lot longer than 40 days!). Show God that you believe and hope in Him. He is the cure.

Let's review. This is cute and funny

These are scary and deathly serious.

The time has passed for avoiding the issues. We are murdering children under the guise of compassion. We are tolerating the sexualization of our children under the guise of education and diversity. Wake up. Speak out. I beg you.