Random Musings

1. I came across a couple amazing readings today in my Intro to Religion class... The first one I would like to share is a very simple saying from St. Francis of Assisi, "Beware of the sin of ingratitude." - I think it's so easy to get caught up in everything in this world that we forget about the simple things that God gives us. The grass, the blue sky, smiles.. the little things. Very simple saying, very deep and profound meaning.

2. The second comes from Martin Luther speaking on faith, "Faith is God's work in us, that changes us and gives new birth from God. Faith cannot help doing good works constantly. It doesnt stop to ask if good works ought to be done, but before anyone asks, it already has done them and continues to do them without ceasing. Faith is a living, bold trust in God's grace, so certain of God's favor that it would risk death a thousand times trusting in it. Such confidence and knowledge of God's grace makes you happy, joyful and bold in your relationship to God and all creatures. It is just as impossible to separate faith and works as it is to separate heat from fire." There's a lot to digest here, but it's unbelievable. Fire doesnt think about the fact that it gives off heat, it just does. It's part of the nature of fire. This is how good works should be in our life. So many times I end up thinking about whether or not I should serve somewhere, when really it should just be an innate quality about my life...

3. The third comes from another Martin Luther, only this one has a King, Jr. tacked on at the end. He says very simply, "Let us develop a kind of dangerous unselfishness." This is so unbelievably profound. He says we should not ask the question, 'If I help this person what will happen to me', but rather, 'If I don't help this person, what will happen to them'. This truth can literally change our lives. In Matthew 6 Jesus talks about the giving to the needy and he says over and over, 'When you give to the needy...'. It doesnt say if, it says when. Jesus commands us to help the needy, but how often does that truth actually reflect our lifestyle in the least bit?

4. I'd like to quickly mention 'To Write Love On Her Arms' (TWLOHA). This is non-profit movement designed to help people struggling with depression and cutting. This is a real issue in America today, and the story behind this movement is absolutely unreal. PLEASE check out the website and the story at www.twloha.com