Campaigning For Change

Wisconsin just endured 9 recall elections of state senators.  Over $40 million was spent on these elections.  That same amount would provide comprehensive long-term care services to over 600 people with special needs for a year.

Perhaps we should considering giving to God what we give to Ceasar.

I'm All In

For over a decade, I have been discerning a call to be a permanent deacon.  In fact, I have been ready to apply to a formation program for several years.  However, there has been a significant challenge:  the diocese in which I live is not actively recruiting and forming new permanent deacons.  Thus, my discernment journey has been long and often frustrating.

Yesterday, I was informed that my bishop signed that last document that paves the way for me to begin permanent diaconate formation in a neighboring diocese with the intention of being ordained and serving in my home diocese.  So, I am now official...which is good - the formation program begins in a little over a week!

I remain grateful to the many people that have been and continue to be part of this discernment journey. 

Recalling Being Born and Bred in Wisconsin

I am a moderate and I am lost.  Tomorrow, there will be six recall elections targeting Republican State Senators in Wisconsin.  Next week, there will be two more elections targeting Democratic State Senators.  Unless your last name is Van Winkel, you are probably aware of the damage that extreme partisanship has brought upon Wisconsin.  We now only know how to campaign.  We no longer know how to govern.  This is a major problem during any period, especially a period of severe economic challenges.  So, the Blues and the Reds are ready to bash each others heads in for the next week. 

Most of the time, I am part Blue and part Red - I am Bred.  I don't know if I have ever voted straight ticket in any election.  However, in the current political climate, that is not acceptable.  I have to choose one or the other.  It seems that there are a growing number of people like me - people that look for leaders to govern, rather than campaign.  Maybe we are the actual silent majority that so many people talk about.

Good Grief?

For the past several months, I have witnessed a Facebook friend grieve the loss of a spouse.  During that time, this friend has posted numerous photos of the spouse that died.  There were also numerous reflections about how much the spouse was missed.  Overall, there must have been over 50 related posts in a few months.

I don't know if this is a good thing.  It is certainly a good thing for people that are grieving to share their thoughts.  But on Facebook?  I have had numerous opportunities to grieve the loss of a close family member.  I really don't think I would be comfortable grieving on my Facebook wall.  I could be wrong, but I think it would be best to seek out specific people with whom to personally share grief and be personally supported by them.  That personal contact seems more like a continuous stream of balm to help heal the grief, whereas the Facebook contact seems like random drops of balm - some hitting the mark and others...who knows?