Our Daily Bread

 “Give us the bread we need today." ~ Matthew 6:11

The 36-year-old Salvadoran left Mexico’s Pacific coast in a small boat accompanied by a much younger crewmate. An experienced sailor and fisherman, he expected 30 hours of deep-sea fishing, hoping to bring back a lucrative haul of sharks, marlins, and sailfish. The 24-foot open fiberglass boat had a single outboard motor, rudimentary electronics, and a large icebox for storing fish.

Shortly after departing, they were blown off course by a ferocious, weeklong storm that damaged the motor and emergency radio beyond repair. They were forced to dump the fish they’d caught to make the vessel more maneuverable. They also lost almost all of their fishing gear, leaving them with only a handful of basic supplies and little food.

Without sails, oars, an anchor, running lights, or any other way to contact shore, the boat drifted westward across the open ocean. Local authorities called off the search after two days, citing heavy fog and extreme weather.

Their maritime diet initially consisted mainly of raw fish, turtle blood, and small birds (fresh meat helps prevent scurvy). To quench their thirst, they drank rainwater and urine.

Spending most of his life at sea, José Alvarenga was used to a seafood diet and the harsh salty air. His 22-year-old companion was not. Four months into their oceanic odyssey, he became ill, stopped eating, and eventually died from starvation.

Floating across the unforgiving ocean for over a year, he battled loneliness, depression, and thoughts of suicide. But surviving the planet’s largest ecosystem, vivid hallucinations, and extreme solitude did little to prepare him for the fact that he would soon become an international celebrity and an object of curiosity.

After 438 days adrift, covering about 6,000 miles, his excursion ended ten years ago tomorrow. By the time he was rescued, José was in surprisingly good health, except for dehydration, anemia, and aquaphobia.

Alvarenga's journey reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of faith, even in the direst circumstances. When asked if he’d learned anything from his ordeal, he replied: “I’ve learned that if I can have enough food to eat and fresh water to drink, I will be deliriously happy for the rest of my life.”

When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, He had them ask only for “daily bread.” He didn’t have them ask for luxuries, property, or lavish meals. He didn’t have them ask for protection or for all of their future needs to be met. He had them ask for the spiritual sustenance that only God could give.

But we can only receive it when we open ourselves to it. Jesus knew that constantly caring about ‘things’ and worrying about our future would only separate us from God and love. Only God knows our genuine needs better than we do.

“Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Help us avoid earthly temptations and protect us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, forever.” Amen

Age Is a Gift

 “Though our bodies grow older, our spirits are being renewed daily." ~ 2 Corinthians 4:16

The phrase "Age is just a number" suggests that the number of years a person has lived doesn't define who they are or what they can accomplish; our only limitations are those we set for ourselves. While a positive attitude can help, we all need to accept the changes that come with age and plan for how to make our aging excursion as healthy and productive as possible.

Take Jonathon, the world’s oldest living land animal, for example. Estimated to have been born around 1832, this giant tortoise lived before the invention of the telegraph. He’s lived during all but six U.S. presidencies. Up to 400 land vertebrate species have gone extinct during their lifespan.

Jonathon arrived at the small, tropical island of St. Helena at about age 50. He’s strolled and foraged the gardens of Plantation House, the governor's current, and Napolean’s final, residence, ever since.

Over time, Jonathan lost his sense of sight and smell, making it difficult to find food which led to malnutrition. A few years ago, the island’s head veterinarian began treating him with a new diet and exceptional care.

The adjustments were life changing. He’s now hand-fed once a week with a fortifying helping of fruit and vegetables. He enjoys the attention of a small group of devoted volunteers, who report that the reptile shows no signs of slowing down and remains vibrantly healthy.

On mild days, he sunbathes. Cooler weather sends Jonathon digging himself into leaf or grass compost. He also enjoys eating and dalliances with his girlfriend, Emma.

He’s regained his stamina. With no scale capable of weighing him on the island, his exact weight is unknown but estimated at between 300 and 450 pounds. Young tourists are no longer allowed to ride atop his shell.

It’s phenomenal that this gentle giant has outlived every other living creature on earth, including the entire human race. All indications point to Jonathan reaching into a third century.

Despite society’s negative attitude about aging in general, and stereotyping older adults as feeble and insignificant, many elders thrive despite their years and the barrage of pharmaceutical ads.

Some people are fortunate to have the healthy genetics of 90-year-old parents.

But, almost without exception, successful agers effectively manage the aging process by how they live. They build and retain strong social connections with family and community. They tend to avoid things that can damage health. They move their bodies regularly, at least a little.

Those who recognize the reality of their situation don’t proclaim that their age is “just a number” but rather something they acknowledge, respect, and work to slow and manage.

A cheerful outlook doesn’t hurt either.

"Dear Lord, as I enter the later stages of my life, present myself humbly to You, asking for your guidance and protection. My body, stamina, and mind are changing. I need Your help to stay healthy, strong, and spiritually grounded. Amen

One Nation Under God

 “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." ~ Psalm 33:12

It's not part of the Constitution, nor does it establish a state religion. It wasn’t originally even a product of government legislation. By all accounts, it was a marketing gimmick by a clever sloganeer to sell more U.S. flags.

Before classes began on the morning of October 21, 1892, children at schools across the country rose to their feet, faced a newly installed American flag, and, for the first time, recited these 22 words written by a man few people knew.

"I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

It was hastily written in 1892 by Baptist Minister Francis Bellamy, an advertising salesman for the “The Youth’s Companion,” (1827–1929), America’s largest children’s magazine. Its early issues encouraged "virtue and piety,” and warned against “the ways of transgression".

The Companion offered U.S. flags as a marketing promotion to readers who sold subscriptions. With the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival in the New World approaching, the weekly sought to raise the U.S. flag in every classroom across the Nation.

Bellamy launched into his mission with evangelical passion. To induce schools to purchase Old Glory, he proposed his “Pledge of Allegiance” be recited by all students at the start of every day.

The gimmick worked.

On October 21, 1892, millions of kids kickstarted their day by reciting the “Pledge of Allegiance.” They stood erect giving the traditional Roman salute. The magazine sold thousands more flags.

By the 1920s, Italian Fascists and later German Nazis embraced the same Roman salute, but with more menacing intent. So, when the U.S. entered World War II, Congress amended the Flag Code to require the “Pledge” be recited by facing the flag with the right hand over the heart.

In response to the Communist threat, President Eisenhower in 1954 encouraged Congress to add the words "under God" as it reads today:

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

The additional two words were added to “reaffirm America's transcendence of religious faith in America’s heritage and future” and “strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country’s most powerful resource in peace and war.”

Today, all but three states (Wyoming, Vermont, and Hawaii) require the “Pledge of Allegiance” be recited in public schools, with varying exemptions for students or staff who wish to opt out.

Despite Monday’s national holiday being overshadowed by the President’s Inauguration, we must never forget the life, leadership, and inspiration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Raised in a family of faith, he strived to be a minister of God’s Word. Dr. King believed that love, even love of enemies, was the only way to achieve victory over hate, violence, and injustice.

Father God, help us remain hopeful and optimistic about our country’s future. Guide our leaders with faith, generosity, wisdom, and courage. God Bless the USA! Amen

Saints as Sinners

 “God blesses those who endure temptation and persecution." ~ James 1:12

Genesius, a gifted actor, comedian, and writer, was also the troupe's leader. Yet acting in early Roman society wasn’t a respectable career; its status was similar to that of a slave or pagan laborer. The group rarely performed the original Greek and Roman dramas.

Ancient Roman comedy was boisterous, crude, and offensive. But the cunning performer had a plan that might land him a position at the Imperial Palace.

Emperor Diocletian planned to visit Rome in the summer of 303 to celebrate his twenty years as Rome’s sovereign leader. Various cultural events were being organized for his visit. Given the Emperor’s hatred of Christians, a satire mocking Christianity performed during the jubilee might amuse the emperor and win Genesius notoriety and favor with other nobles.

For research, he presented himself as a catechumen (person seeking faith instruction before baptism and admission to the Catholic Church). Genesius sought material to use for his play but had no plans of converting to Christianity.

During his months of training, Genesius chose to make Baptism the subject of his irreverent play. He planned to mock the claim that baptism washed away sin and invited those baptized into a new life in Christ! When he’d done enough study, he left the membership training.

The farcical play began after Emperor Diocletian took his seat in the Imperial Box. Genesius cast himself in the role of a bedridden man screaming to be baptized. As the play grew more extreme, an actor priest entered the stage to “baptize” the ailing catechumen.

Then something miraculous happened. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Genesius arose from his bed and began to profess his faith in Christ:

“I hoped to please an earthly Emperor but instead I will praise a heavenly King. I came here to give you humor, but I will praise God and bring joy to His angels. I will never mock these great mysteries again.

Jesus Christ is the only true God, the Light, the Truth, and the Mercy of all who receive His gift of baptism.”

Genesius was arrested immediately and urged to recant his claims. Despite being beaten, racked, slashed, and burned, he remained faithful. After immense suffering, he was condemned to death and publicly beheaded.

Legend claims that his final words were, “Our Lord Jesus Christ is God. We shall have life in His name.” Through his martyrdom, he’s considered to have been “baptized by blood.”

A similar transformation takes place in every Christian. Jesus teaches that we must die to live. St. Genesius’ conversion shows that it’s never too late to turn to God and embrace Christianity. His courage is an inspiration to boldly witness our faith. His actions remind us that joy and laughter can be powerful evangelization tools.

Saint Genesius, Patron Saint of theatrical performers, we ask for your intercession as we seek to use our talents to bring joy and motivation to others. Grant us the courage to remain true to our faith, even in the face of persecution. Amen

The Answer Lies Within

 “We make our plans, but the Lord guides our steps." ~ Proverbs 16:9

She was miserable until age 29. One heartbreak after another kept stealing her cheerfulness.

Shari lost her Mom ten years ago to MS. She’d rapidly become a prisoner in her own body relying on a wheelchair and adult diapers. Mercifully, she passed away from a stroke that eliminated her pain and helplessness but left behind a loving husband and two 20-something daughters.

Each confronted their grief differently.

Her 22-year-old sister developed a ‘brief’ drug habit. Shari’s Dad found her unresponsive atop her childhood bed surrounded by stuffed animals and adolescent memories. She passed away in her sleep from a fentanyl overdose seven months after losing her mother.

Dad never recovered. Shari cared for him while he battled depression, loneliness, and guilt. She watched a man who’d provided an idyllic childhood for them, complete with campouts and road trips, collapse into someone who could no longer drive. Four years of heavy drinking following the loss of his soulmate and daughter ended in a horrific car accident that took away his pain forever.

Now in her doctor’s uninspired exam room, Shari waited anxiously for the test results. She heard lump… malignant… oncologist… breast surgery, followed by an expression of empathy and “I’m so sorry.” She must have blocked out the ‘C’ word.

“This CAN'T be happening,” she sobbed in the vacant room. After a year of negative pregnancy tests, she and her husband were in the throes of fertility treatments. They were on a path to finally having a family. The grief was supposed to be behind her. She was chasing what others achieved so easily: happiness.

Happiness seemed like a mirage in the desert.

Despite the pain and expense, she didn’t want to board the journey with bald women with no eyebrows, where friends do fundraising walks and take turns driving her for treatments.

Eventually, she surrendered in exchange for survival. She underwent breast surgery, five months of chemo, and metallic tastes. She completed eight weeks of skin-burning radiation and takes daily estrogen-blocking hormones. 

Pregnancy will have to wait for 5 to 10 years.

Shari is no longer convinced that she needs more than she already has to find happiness. She learned to be grateful and find joy every day. It’s not something given or earned; the answer lies within.

During times of grief, sadness, or pain, her thoughts are hers to choreograph - true joy exists regardless. It’s not transient; you don’t have to catch or chase it, nor does it depend on your moods. Happiness is always available… with a little practice.

Life can be difficult, but happiness can coexist, even in dark times of grief or sorrow. Laughter can share space with pain. Joy can be found every day and everywhere.

Heavenly Father, thank you for our free will. Because You are guiding the path ahead of me, I have nothing to fear. I enjoy setting goals and having dreams for the future, but I trust Your plan for what’s best for me. Amen

Table Talk

“Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think and act." ~ Romans 12:2

At 37 years old, Sophia was still “daddy’s little girl”, even though she’d lost him to a massive heart attack months before. She hadn’t entered the world through his body, but the mother of three had arrived through his heart. The bond they shared was unlike any other.

Her Dad, Hernando was a happy, kind man. At dinnertime, their family would gather around the battered kitchen table each evening, no exceptions! Before grace, Dad would look at each sibling and ask: “I wonder what the poor people are doing.” Despite their abject poverty, he wanted them to know that they were rich because they had each other (and another wonderful meal).

As Sophia carefully arranged each place setting, she paused for a second and felt the smoothness of the antique wood. A faint smile crept across her face as she remembered the table’s history.

If it could talk, it would speak of their everyday lives, celebrations, and conversations. Around this table, family members had experienced joy and heartache, love and tears, victories and defeats.

For Hernando, it had been a kind of a workbench. He’d studied the bible on its surface and fixed various household items there. Dad sat at the table for hours worrying about which bills to pay first. It’s where decisions were made, and punishments metered out.

For the kids, it’d always been a reliable place to do homework or work their childhood magic in a coloring book. They played countless hands of Rummy and epic games of Monopoly on it.

Sadly, the kitchen table had aged with them, becoming more of a pointless souvenir with age. After Dad had passed on, the table made from barn wood, complete with nail holes and splinters, was now unsuitable for family gatherings.

Until Sophia’s husband, Miguel, rescued it from the junk pile, hauled it into the garage, and started sanding it.

Their youngest daughter, Isabella watched intently as he abrasively rubbed course paper against the wood’s grains. “You’re hurting the table!” she protested, but Miguel just smiled. He knew what she didn’t – that the sandpaper was exactly what that table needed.

He’d been wise and thoughtful.

After meticulous sanding and finishing, it was lovingly placed in their kitchen. Tonight, Sophia placed a “Thank You” note on Miguel’s plate. The table would serve as a steady companion to the aroma of freshly baked bread and the happiness of family ties.

Sophia snapped back to the present, thinking about the things in her life that felt uncomfortable, like sandpaper. Maybe she should really be thankful for the situations and people that rubbed her wrong. Were they meant to somehow transform her like the sandpaper had this table?

Jesus, if only we could be like You and show our “sandpaper” kindness and love. Smooth those edges that make us bitter, impatient, and unkind. They reveal the refinements that we may need to work on, to soften us, mold us, and change us. Amen

Shoeless in Seattle

 “Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers." ~ Hebrews 13:2

The bus rattled down familiar urban streets affording riders a sort of distant intimacy. Some gaze aimlessly out the window while others absorb themselves in music. Most drift into worries that’ll scatter upon arrival. All together yet separate, feeling identical bumps and curves.

The morning bus ride afforded Nathan time for silent prayer. “Lord,” he pled daily, “cross my path today with someone who needs me.”

As the bus approached the 25^th intersection of Nathan’s commute, he saw a woman standing at a bus stop who appeared to be homeless. She entered the bus wearing several layers of clothing, a winter hat… and no shoes.

No one seemed to notice.

After a brief exchange, the bus driver quietly removed her UGGs and gave them to the random lady. She stared at them curiously. They belonged to someone of means, not the harsh world of alleys and park benches.

But she took them, they were hers now. She slipped into them carefully. They were almost new, with no wear on the soles and heels. Her smile broadened with pride; tears flowed easily.

Then Nathan noticed something that would remain with him for the rest of his life. The woman’s walk toward the back of the bus was commanding and authoritative – an energized, steady, and confident stride. People noticed. She now owned boots that would provide winter protection.

UGGs, lined with sheepskin, are designed to be worn without socks. The bus driver who’d surrendered ownership to the vagrant woman, now sat shoeless - exposed and vulnerable.

Nathan reached up under the cuffs of his trousers, pulled down his freshly washed black socks one at a time, and walked them to the front of the bus. "Take these please,” he offered. “They're not very warm. But you can’t drive a bus without them."

After seeing what Nathan did, another passenger gave the driver an extra pair of socks to put on over Nathan’s. Soon others were stripping off their socks in a wild frenzy to increase padding for the rest of her shift.

Shoeless passengers seemed transformed by their own kindness - less aloof, perhaps humbler, and more accessible. No one was more touched by it than Sarah, who was still homeless but realized the power of simple kindness.

Imagine your home has been taken away. Clothes and belongings you can no longer carry are gone. Imagine having no access to fresh food, sleeping in the cold with no bed and no privacy. Worse still, imagine a lonely existence without friends or family.

Too many don't have to imagine this nightmare... because they’re living it, trying to survive it, or recovering from it. We’re often reminded to walk in someone else's shoes. But it's even more important to let someone stand in ours sometimes.

Father God, break my heart… in a good way, soften it so that I might love like You and in so doing, lead me to new life, new fruit, and new, beautiful beginnings. Amen