Peace, People, Peace

GRATEFUL GIRL'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Before this weekend, I thought of Charlottesville, Va as the site of Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and the home of the University of Virginia.

In addition to being the birth place of Jefferson, the third President of the United States, I believed it to be the home of James Madison and James Monroe (numbers four and five, BTW), as well.

I thought I remembered that football great Howie Long and gorgeous actor Rob Lowe were also from there. Good on you, Charlottesville.

Now, when I hear the name of that city, I will always be sad.

It's not the city of Charlottesville's fault, what horrendous things happened there last Saturday.

Just like it's not Manhattan's fault what transpired there on 9.11.01. Nor is the Dealey Plaza in Dallas to blame for the murder of an American President which took place right there on those streets. Yet these places are now all intertwined with tragedy...likely forever.

My heart hurts today just like it did on September 11; just like it does on the anniversary of the murder of John F. Kennedy each November 22.  

Hate is ugly and despicable and evil and horrid and has no place in this world. #prayforCharlottesville                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
You may not like how I look or talk or chew or sit or even the way I snort when I laugh ... but does that give you the right to hate me? And even if, in your heart of hearts, you feel justified for loathing me -- is it fair of you to hurt me or worse?

#whatsgoinon

I'm just a gal from a small Ohio town who loves her kid and husband and parents and siblings and nieces and nephews and friends and dog more than anything. I work hard and I try to be a decent example of Catholicism and motherhood and communication and just, you know, nice. I give it my best shot to do the right things though I'm just about as imperfect as a gal could be, I suppose.

But I'll tell you this: I have friends and loved ones from all walks of life and with varied religious and political beliefs and at the end of the day, if you're a good person and you're compassionate and giving and kind to the other humans -- I will respect that and befriend you.

Even if you decide that my big hair is just too much for you to take, yo.

 #peace

Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20 R. (12a) Praise the Lord, Jerusalem. Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion. For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; he has blessed your children within you. He has granted peace in your borders; with the best of wheat he fills you. He sends forth his command to the earth; swiftly runs his word! He has proclaimed his word to Jacob, his statutes and his ordinances to Israel. He has not done thus for any other nation; his ordinances he has not made known to them. See 2 Thes 2:14 R. Alleluia, alleluia. God has called you through the Gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.                      
PHOTO:
​https://www.google.com/search?q=images+for+peace+sign&rlz=1C1GGRV_enUS751US751&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjsi_-R0tbVAhXEbSYKHYcGATcQsAQIJQ&biw=1920&bih=1021#imgrc=t7QYiYNAX6dy2M:

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