Ok, so I bet you said "WHAT?" with a little voice of surprise when you read this blog title...How can we view the HHS Mandate as any kind of blessing?
Well, I came to this place of pondering AFTER I've had more than a little voice of surprise and a bit of an attitude over this whole HHS Mandate-Obamacare ordeal. I admit that I've really let it get the best of me at times and that's not good...At all. That's to put it lightly as there have been some days where I've been pretty ticked off. I just know there's got to be MORE to this...God's hand must be here somewhere?
Before I recognized where His hand might be, I spent a lot too much time being mad at President Obama and his whole administration for introducing such an evil plan. Then I've felt anger towards fellow Catholics who support this crazy idea, not knowing or living their faith as they ought to be. Feeling betrayed by people in your family of faith has got to be one of the worst feelings ever! Can you say "Judas"? How can they be so ignorant, I'd ask myself? How can they not SEE? How can a "certain female" politician (and others) call herself Catholic and group other Catholics into her own crazy category? I've wanted to just shout out to the world...
"C'mon people,what in the world are you thinking?" (I don't ever write about politics so what am I thinking? I may not write about politics but I am a Mama Bear when it comes to defending my faith!)
I've wanted to blast a few friends on Facebook too...But I've prayed really, really, hard about biting my tongue in certain situations, in a monumental attempt to stay charitable.
Oh my goodness, for the love of charity!
I'm really not a person that likes to get worked up over things but it was hard as I continuously read articles on both sides of the fence that just seemed SO negative. It's been a major dose of "gloom and doom!" This has not been good for the mood around here. It just doesn't feel good to be drenched in bad news. Through it all, I have been searching for some light and optimism in these murky waters...My prayers turned into begging: "Please, Lord, shed some light!" I really like to think (like this cartoon) that every day is a miracle and NOT a disaster.
Then one day last week, a thought came to me in prayer...
What if this is all part of God's plan?
Well of course it is. God has a plan for everything...
But REALLY, what if this is part of a very big and GOOD plan, designed to test ALL of us?
What if it brings Catholics and Protestants closer together...The unity that we have always prayed for?
Hmmm, I think it already has.
What if it unites us with our Jewish brothers and sisters?...Again, something we always pray for.
Hmmm, yes to that one too.
What if it brings lukewarm Catholics face to face with their faith and what it really means (or doesn't mean) to them? You know, poop or get off the pot? Oh believe me, I've been there so I know this isn't an easy task.
What if it brings all Catholics together over issues that have split them for decades?
What if it provides better education about the evils of contraception, sterilization, and abortion?
What if people see the church as a place of God's mercy and not a place of damnation?
What if all of this is a blessing in disguise?
We are always being taught that nothing in the spiritual life comes easy...Temptation comes easy; resisting temptation does not.
So I've decided to resist temptation, the difficult thing to do, and not get down over this whole thing.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not rolling over or giving up on this battle...Let's roll, I say! I'm just changing my perspective and putting on the armor of hope, trusting that God has this all under control, Obama and all;)
I don't know what the outcome will be but there is one thing I do know...Our salvation, after all, came about from the greatest evil of all time... death of Our Lord and Savior on the Cross. God Himself was murdered so that we may have Eternal Life. If that's not a blessing in disguise, I just don't know what is!
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Note: One of my favorite articles on this subject was written by the Passionate Papist. He also offers some real and practical ways that we can fight this battle. Be sure to check out his article.
Note: One of my favorite articles on this subject was written by the Passionate Papist. He also offers some real and practical ways that we can fight this battle. Be sure to check out his article.
Amen! I stand in prayer with you that something good will be done. True Catholics should join forces and evangelize our brothers and sisters that are ignorant in this kind of issues. I was an ignorant Catholic for many years, until I left the church and joined a Christian Church. But God had a plan for me, and not at the Christian Church. He called me back to the Catholic Church for a reason. I have been learning more about our Catholic faith, learning how to vote correctly, defending what the Church teaches.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great perspective, Tiffany. Yes, I do think this is all God's plan, and that yes, good comes from what God deigns. Thank you for your thoughts on this. I've got some similar thoughts on this issue, and am glad you posted. This HHS mandate gives us new opportunity to be Christ to others. I think I might have to post about this myself. thanks for stepping up!!
ReplyDeleteLove how you think!
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking this exact same thing. It is amazing how Protestant ministers who would normally keep their distance from anything labeled as a Catholic cause have come out of the woodwork in support of the bishops and our American religious liberties. Praying, praying, praying that more good comes out of this!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments, everyone. I stepped out on a big limb (for me) to write this so I appreciate your feedback:) God Bless all of our courageous bishops who are working to defend the truth! Uniting my prayers with all of yours!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat blog post!!! Two thumbs up for your awesome, glass 1/2 full, we are not ever going to give up attitude!
ReplyDeleteI have been trying to work my way around this too- especially on the heels of the high that my daughter came home with from the Walk for Life in SF. Seeing all those people out there walking and praying together was just so hopeful. And then this. It just seems like maybe by going "too far", it will shine the light of truth on the subject. I always appreciate your ponderings! Putting on the armor of hope with you!
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I have not kept up with all that is going on with the HHS, it makes me crazy! I tend to get so frustrated and discouraged - even with the presidential race I'm having a hard time getting engaged, because I'm discouraged about what has taken place in the past. And FB? Drives me crazy. But, I like your angle here and I think you might be right :) Thanks again for the encouragement not to be discouraged!
ReplyDeleteI pray for unity as well...but I fear outside of our circles where the majority of the world lives there is apathy. Forgive me Lord, I continue to pray THY WILL BE DONE!
ReplyDeleteThis is Awesome! I always love everything you write Tiffany. This time it is above everything else. This is a great way to look at everything that is happening. May everyone learn how serious this really is. (Just to let you we too were getting upset so it is pretty common) Keep praying and staying positive and keeping our eye on the prize of heaven. God Bless You and good job!! :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent post, Tiffany! I follow politics a little too closely, I think. I've always enjoyed it calling myself a bit of a political junkie, but I find myself feeling very overwhelmed, angry, and frightened right now. This post took a good and different perspective. +JMJ+
ReplyDeleteVery well written!! I always get uptight but I noticed as I'm approaching 40, I'm really getting the sense that you know what, it's not in my hands. I'm not the one in control here, God is! Let go, love, serve and above all TRUST!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless,
Tanya