fabiochiu/medium-articles huggingface dataset:
My story with Lady Bird (2017)
Tags: Personal, Essay, Lady Bird, Movies, A24

Saoirse Ronan as Lady Bird McPherson in Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird (2017)

Picture this: it’s 2017 again, three years before the pandemic and everything is ‘normal’. Shape of You, Sign of the Times, HUMBLE. and Feel It Still are playing on the radio stations, Moonlight wins the best picture Academy Award after the La La Land mixup and the movie industry is thriving.

Wonder Woman, Blade Runner 2049, Wonder, The Last Jedi, Thor: Ragnarok, Dunkirk, It and Get Out are playing on a silver screen near you. Among these posters you see something that catches your eye ‘Lady Bird’ written in fancy, almost biblical letters underneath a girl with blonde hair standing sideways and a seventeen-year-old me purchasing a ticket that would alter his life forever.

Lady Bird (2017) is a coming of age movie, one of many in the genre, but for me this one is special. I remember actively choosing this movie instead of watching Wonder Woman, I remember doubting if this was the right decision, I remember being slightly anxious and waiting for the lights to dim. My doubts cleared as I saw the following letter and two numbers appear on screen.

A24

Before going to Lady Bird, I only used to go to the movie theater for the big blockbusters like the Marvel or Star Wars movies. But I had seen the gif above before, I didn’t remember where I saw it but it assured me that everything would be fine. One hour and thirty-four minutes later I was a changed boy. It sounds really dramatic but hear me out!

Lady Bird (2017) opened my eyes for me, as I began to realise there were many more movies besides the big blockbusters of box office hits. After returning home I actively went out of my way to watch a few more A24 movies that same night. A few months later I made my own Letterboxd account, where I write half-decent movie reviews. But I mostly use Letterboxd to track how many movies I’ve watched. In almost two years time I’ve watched over four-hundred movies (and still counting every day!).

This movie is what ultimately inspired me to broaden my horizons, to look for new genres/directors/companies/topics that I otherwise would’ve never discovered. That’s part of the reason why, among many others (but I will get into those in a later article), why Lady Bird (2017) will remain my favourite movie of all time.
Rather Be A Leader Not A Follower
By: Anish P
Tags: Personal, Personal Development, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, Inspriation, Growth Mindset

Photo by Patrick Robert Doyle on Unsplash

Rather Be A Leader Not A Follower

Nobody wants to take orders. We love the free spirits that we are. No person should impede upon any of our freedoms. As teenagers we rebel against those who tell us what to do thinking we know better. If this behavior is not course corrected we go through our lives thinking no a single person should tell us what to do as we know what is best for us. Sometimes we do know what is best for us, other times we have to learn from our mistakes. Being so stubborn as to think that we do not need to heed advice from anyone is arrogance. That arrogance is what tangles us up and does not help us move towards our true capabilities.

It Is About Who You Follow

I believe it is important to follow the right advice. His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj was a person that did not lead others for is ego. He did not lead others down a path that hurt any human. He genuinely wanted to lead others towards God and see them progress and flourish in life. His advice and his disciplines were not there to infringe upon any freedoms but rather focus our attention in the direction it needed to be focused on. The advice was there so that each person found the best version of themselves that they didn’t know was within them. Following a the right leader doesn’t make one weak, actually the contrary, it makes us stronger than we ever could have imagined. Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s strength came from following the disciplines of his guru’s Shastriji Maharaj and Yogiji Maharaj. He never took anything they said lightly and never deviated from their commands.

You Have To Walk The Path

A guru (teacher) who illuminates the path makes the path much easier. I have to walk that path as a follower rather than a leader. Flawed thinking is saying to myself, “I know what is best while I am leading my life into the unknown”. Sure my mind will fight wanting to do things that it doesn’t like, but the fight of life is much harder without any discipline at all. I know because for the best decade I have struggled to get where I wanted to go and achieve what I wanted to achieve because I have had ZERO discipline. That changes now, I know it is never too late but I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, so I will start today!
First Writing
By: Lydia Writes
Tags: Personal, Self, Writing

I want to write.

This time, I just want to write. I don’t have particular logical reasoning or miraculous inspiration that triggers me and covers me in flames to hurriedly start my writing.

For the past week, this idea kept running in my head,

“What will I discover if I write joyfully?”

I’m really interested to know where it will lead me to. So, here I am, writing my first post. I want to be intentional in writing joyfully, so… I’ll describe how it looks like to me:

I let myself writing about anything that I feel like to at that time. I don’t necessarily plan the topic in advance.

The writing doesn’t need to follow certain structure.

One thing that must be present: I feel joy when I write it. I don’t know how this sounds, but for now, imagining that I will ‘play’ with words and see they take form into something — even if it’s unidentifiable — is just… amazing.

English isn’t my native language. My English isn’t perfect. But, imagining that I will try new words, learn from my mistake(s), understand the differences between synonyms sounds exciting.

If you happen to read this, I welcome you to my journey here :)

Somewhere in the world, December 20, 2020
february 2020
By: Kyra Lally
Tags: Teens, Personal, Photography, Life

ah, february. easily the weirdest month, especially this year — an extra day??? i dunno how science works but that doesn’t make sense. anyways. this february was.. honestly pretty average as far as months go. could’ve been better, but it was much better than a bad month.

if this february was a drink, it would be a london fog. not hot, but just below room temperature. not cold, but cooling.

i have very specific ways of comparing feelings.

it was a month where nothing went wrong, and i wasn’t exactly doing badly, but my stability was felt fragile. it felt like every time i did something i was flying too close to the sun.

so it could’ve been better.

but i did take some pretty cool photos. again, it’s weird to see something and think that that memory is in the “pre-covid”-era of my life. it feels final, like i’ve locked myself into being a “responsible” person by wearing a mask, while people with many more responsibilities than me don’t even do that. i sound bitter, but i guess i kind of am.

i’m sorry this month is a bit depressing and introspective, but that’s how february is for me.

xxx

kyra
Dear No One…
By: Dear No One
Tags: Personal, Storyofmylife, Boredom, Fun, Diary

Hi, my names Analyn I am a 17 year old Filipino American who lives in California. I honestly am so in love with writing, I write every single day weather it’s in my notes or my diary. I discovered medium and thought to myself “hm, what if I shared my thoughts and stories online?”. I mean to be quite frank the idea is terrifying to me. Imagine writing on a website about your thoughts, feelings, emotions just for others to read? Like that’s definitely absurd, but I also thought to myself “what if someone comes across these stories and it makes their day?” or “what if i can leave a positive impact on someone else’s life?”. As a little girl that’s always been a big dream of mine, to be able to change someone else’s life through my stories and experiences. I honestly really doubt that anyone would see these anyways. I mean it would be really cool if just one person read this and found it interesting you know? To whoever is reading this, I just want you to know that you’re loved and you’re not alone. Living life in this pandemic has really changed my perspective on the definition of living. Life before COVID-19 feels like ancient times. Isn't it crazy how fast society can adopt to new things? I just realized that this question is a great Segway to other topics such as BLM, the LGBTQ+ community, Racism against the Asian community. Look around you, do you see how fast people accepted the fact that wearing masks was our new normal? I mean with the exception of the idiots in society of course. I would really love to get into all those issues and have these conversations with people, regardless if these articles kinda of just disappear to the back of this website I’ll figure something out and write something or an update every week. I know that literally no one is ever gonna read these little entries but for the time being, Dear No One I’m signing off :)
Hallucinating in a Hospital
By: Luke Oseland
Tags: Personal, Medicine, Experience, Drugs

Hallucinating in a Hospital

Photo by Daan Stevens on Unsplash

I recently spent some time in the hospital, I wouldn't be able to tell you how long for if I tried to (I genuinely have no clue when I arrived). I had a somewhat bad reaction to the IV drip they put me on which led to many psychoactive experiences, I thought I’d share a few of them here.

I initially went in as I had a form of severe tonsillitis to the point where I couldn’t swallow tablets, so I had to be put on a drip.

I’m not sure at what point it twisted to the point where I forgot I was in a hospital, but I do remember one of the earlier moments being me asking the nurse if I was currently being recorded for a game show. I was convinced that I was being stowed away in the dark back room of a large supermarket. And in all fairness, there weren’t any windows and I wasn’t allowed past a certain set of doors.

I remember one morning, waking up whilst the person in the same room was sitting on a chair (he was called Emmanuel or something) and if you’d have asked me then how long I’d have been there, in my eyes I could have been there for months. Fast forward to a couple of hours later where I made the discovery that Emmanuel was actually just my jacket on a chair, so we’re not still in contact sadly.

Photo by Brandon Holmes on Unsplash

There was one night where I really freaked out quite a few of the nurses, as I think it was around now that it became apparent to them that I wasn’t having a regular reaction to the drugs they had put me on. My room consisted of some colorful curtains, a chair, a day bed, and a bed. There was consistently stuff happening in my head, the smoke alarm was talking to me, along with all of the curtain rings. They all had very interesting individual characters, the curtain rings, in particular, were looking for a new manager as an ensemble choir (don’t ask). Anything that could look remotely animate was moving and talking, similar to a Disney cartoon.

The smoke alarm character was quite evil though, asking me to trigger certain buttons to test people. I had made it out in my head that one of the buttons was wired to an ignition, I obviously decided to press the button and then frantically explain to a group of nurses as to why I called them all in there.

Photo by Bret Kavanaugh on Unsplash

There was one night (and probably the last I’ll mention in this article) where I completely refused to sleep in my bed. I lay in it for a matter of minutes and was so convinced that there were people already laying down inside it, and corpses bundled on it, so I just sat in the chair watching the bed.

I’d say there was only one night where I didn’t have any reactions, but it wasn’t a good night's sleep as the nurses had to come in every hour to check on me, or test blood or something similar.

Overall, I wouldn’t say I enjoyed any of the experiences at all.
Sunny Days
Tags: Personal, Life, Life Lessons, Reflections, Personal Growth

Photo by Priyanka

It is a tranquil afternoon. At home everybody settles for an afternoon nap and for a while there is stillness. I notice the soft warmth of the sun and wonder how many times it changes its nature over the course of the day. I haven't seen the rising sun after moving back home. By the time I rise, sun is already bright and shining. As much as I love the view of the sunrise and the positivity it brings to the day, there is still comfort in staying in bed and getting some sleep that eluded me in the previous night. These days I am beginning to choose comfort over everything else. Is it a sign of growing old?

In the morning when I sit down to write in my journal, I love the way sun rays plays inside my notebook. Sometimes it moves along with my hands, sometimes it moves ahead of me and finally it settles down in one place when I was about to finish. When I get busy with work, I track the intensity of the sun by looking at its reflection on the leaves of the money plant that I put just above my workdesk. Some days the plant says sun is a little harsher and some days it is just bubbly with all the warmth it received.

Then there are afternoons like this. A bit of yellowish rays with just the right kind of warmth. Two more hours and the sun will be winding up his day in all its glory. It's a long time since I saw a sunset in a beach. Whatever the state of the world may be, heart wants what it wants. Hope the day comes sooner.
Merrick Moore
By: Merrick Moore
Tags: Personal

Merrick Moore (2020)

I’m Merrick Moore.

Architecture

Violin

Figure Skating

Chinese Language and Culture

Botany

Marketing

I’m currently focused on web design and development, and working with various mediums and software. (AutoCAD, Adobe Software)

I enjoy creating art and listening to music, along with practicing multiple languages. Some of my favorite genres are horror and psychological horror, researching the human psyche is one of my favorite things.

I’ve worked in customer service for most of my life, and have exceptional leadership skills, shown through my progress and projects. In my spare time, I help translate and tutor for Turkish and Mandarin Chinese, I also apply my skills in translating media from overseas.

I’ve maintained youth groups for the Deaf/HoH, and those with audio/visual disabilities through Discord and Twitch, after recognizing the lack of support for captions and accessibility on streaming sites and games.

When I can, I volunteer at churches and local events and act as a crisis and resource manager for privately run groups. This work brings me fulfillment and allows me to understand myself and others better.

Interacting with customer bases is one of my specialties, as with my experience, I can easily identify and find solutions. Over the years, I’ve maintained and run groups and organizations, ranging from private communities and forums to the management of games.

Understanding and professionalism are my strongest qualities, my experiences have molded me into a caring and compassionate person. I can assess and analyze delicate situations and respond with confidence.
Sleepless nights
By: How To Life
Tags: Sleep, Personal, Daily Life, Thoughts, Insomnia

I’ve been complaining about how I can’t sleep at night to my parents, it’s been a year.

I couldn’t possibly tell them the actual reason but they keep telling me to do something about it.

My mom said «help yourself». I don’t know how to feel about it to be honest. I’ve been struggling for so long now and I’ve never said a thing to anyone so I laughed at her.

They said that maybe I like this lifestyle and somehow blamed it on my laziness. Maybe I do like this lifestyle.
Power Dominance
Tags: Personal, Lifestyle, Life, Powerwoman, Power

Gender remains one of the most vital indicators of how much housework a person does. Our gender was decided for us even before we were born. Whether we are a boy or girl, society has an expectation of how we speak, dress, and conduct ourselves based upon our assigned sex. For example, girls and women are generally expected to dress in typically feminine ways and be polite, accommodating, and nurturing. Men are generally expected to be strong, aggressive, and bold. Women, in particular, have always had to go through this unfortunate stigma placed on them. They are expected to stay at home, take care of the children, cook, and clean the house, while men take care of finances, work on the car, and do the home repairs.

Carrying on outside household politics have given more reasons for the concerns of women. Society has made it hard for women to succeed in professional jobs. It always has oppressed females, and it’s alarming knowing that they are in charge and in power to gain equal rights. My understanding of the famous slogan “The personal is political” is the connection between personal experience and larger social and political structure. No matter the situation the relationship between women and men remains the same, in which it’s based on power dominance.

-Anonymous
Hiraeth
Tags: Personal, Meaning, Aesthetics, Words, Vocabulary

hiraeth

/ˈhɪərʌɪθ/

noun

(especially in the context of Wales or Welsh culture) deep longing for something, especially one’s home. “I could not begin to put into words the hiraeth that the Welsh feel for the mountains and valleys of their homeland”

“A homesickness for a home you can’t return to, or that never was”

When I first heard this word, I found it so pretty I wanted to name my future child (If they ever arrive) hiraeth. That was my first exact though. Although after some time I started creating more scenarios and situations which had the undertone of this word. Like losing a close someone, Someone you considered home. It doesn’t have to be death, There are plenty of reason on why you could lose someone. Losing interest, Drifting apart, Both being busy in you’re daily life, Miscommunication and maybe even through fights or disagreements.

It’s really sad to think about it, You could at someone one day and think something entirely different about them then what you thought the day before. You could suddenly feel far away from them, Or you don’t feel as connected as you did before.

Homesickness in general isn’t nice at all, I myself don’t remember feeling homesickness once in the past (probably cause I quarantined for almost 9 months now) It’s also linked a lot to nostalgia, Feeling nostalgic for a past someone, Something or event.

nonetheless, I just wanted to share this. To the person reading this, Thank you for reading ! And in case I don’t see ya, Good-morning, Good-evening and goodnight.
A Veil of Anonymity
Tags: Personal

There’s something to be said for the power of a shadow. Everything has one, they’re as common as the nitrogen in the air, the pianos in a Christian household. It’s the connotation of a shadow that really defines it though. Throughout elementary school, we were taught of a groundhog that let fear its shadow alter the atmosphere and change the seasons. I think the story is more one of fear than tradition.

We all have something to hide. Sometimes it’s little things like stains on a white blouse, but sometimes it’s more than that you know? The ugliest most arrogant parts of ourselves that we cover in layers of soft smiles and kind actions so people have no reason to dig around our psyche. I think I hide too much sometimes. Buried like a groundhog using its shadow as an excuse to stay in hibernation for another six weeks.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with hiding. It’s empowering as I sit on the other side of a screen, writing things I fear even admitting to myself sometimes. I think it’s good to put on a front. We’re all dice in a game of Monopoly, and wouldn’t we all like to land on free parking?

Sometimes there are parts of us that no one needs to see. The parts of us that sing at the top of our lungs as we dance around our kitchens, or the parts of us that ugly cry at movies we forget in a couple of hours. We are entitled to a part of ourselves. We shouldn’t be ashamed of keeping pieces of ourselves for ourselves.

Social media gets a lot of flack for giving anyone the ability to say things with minimal repercussions. Cyberbullying and fake news running rampant through the wafer of our microchips. But I think that’s some bad press. There’s no comfort that outways the keyboard at the tips of my fingers. It’s my soft place to land when the world becomes too much.

I don’t know if this is all unhealthy. If I had a therapist, would they tell me this is a good way to cope? I hate psychology, it’s easier to be aloof and not worry too much about what it means in the grand scheme. Blue being my favorite color doesn’t make me sad, and living in my own shadow doesn’t mean I’m afraid of the sun. It just is, plain and simple. No regard to the scientific point of view, or what your boss thinks of you. Just stand in your own light and embrace the way it blinds you.
Masterpiece
By: Yang Jing Zheng
Tags: Personal, Essay, Commencement, Speech, Prompt

Commencement Speech

We are the painters of our lives; our bodies, minds, and experiences guide the strokes that make up our masterpiece. Every person you meet, every moment you experience, and every place you go makes an imprint on your creation.

Dear graduates of 2021, as you arrive at the final stretch of high school, I sincerely congratulate you all on your accomplishments. I could distinctly remember the first day of high school. And here we are, four years later, your canvas that was once bare is now flooded with an array of vibrant and beautiful colors.

There may be times — and there will be — when you may feel like you are not in control, nor the sole artist of your creation. In my second year of high school, I felt like I lost that creative control. The news of moving to Canada dawned on me just days before summer ended in 2019. In just an instant, the situation tore the paintbrush from my grasp, beckoning to crush it.

The sudden splash of new colors, new people, and new places frightened me; everything felt new. The first few months were marked with blue hues, the sadness of leaving all that I’ve known behind, to then red, the unwillingness to accept that my life changed. But gradually, the colors swirled together and subdued into a warm-toned purple: acceptance.

I realized that my old life’s constant comparison to my new, more unpredictable life would only hold me back. Although it took time, I started believing that I could take control of my life and, once again, take ownership of the paintbrush that was seized out of my hands.

Yes, your life will change; in fact, it may get completely shaken up and rearranged in matters of seconds. At times, these changes may reflect obscure, chaotic splatters and incomprehensible smudges or beautiful and vibrant hues. And I hope that as you all move onto the next chapter of your life, you may find comfort and meaning in the distinct strokes of your composition.

Ultimately, it is not solely about what life throws onto your canvas, but rather how you, the painter, choose to perceive it.

That’s the art of life.

The art of life is the constant readjustment to your internal and external worlds; it is the process of painting your life, day-by-day, stroke-by-stroke, into your own masterpiece. The art of life, as painters, is trying colors that you’ve never tried before and embracing the daily irregularities.

The art of life lies in the fact that you are not just the artists; you are the masterpiece in the making. Graduate of 2021, may you continue to wield your paintbrush as tools to create your masterpiece: embrace the colors thrown onto your canvas and embrace the changes in your life.
Advent and Christmas carols, messages and services abound across Canada
By: Anglican Church Of Canada
Tags: Christmas Carols, Singing, Christianity, Anglican Church Of Canada, Church

Advent and Christmas carols, messages and services abound across Canada

Image via Shutterstock / Jacob_09

Despite many buildings closed due to pandemic-related restrictions, the Anglican Church of Canada has had no shortage of digital worship throughout Advent, with more to come in Christmastide. By no means is this a complete list, but here’s a roundup of some of the recordings and messages from the past few weeks.

Lessons & Carols

Many Lessons & Carols services can be watched on YouTube. We’ve compiled a playlist you can scroll through, of diocesan services (as well as a few others)—in particular, the national event of Lessons & Carols: From Coast to Coast to Coast, which features Primate Linda Nicholls and contributions of many at cathedrals across Canada.

To scroll through the list of YouTube videos, click the button at the top right corner of the video frame below (to the left of “Watch later”).
Hagia Sophia
By: Virtual Istanbul
Tags: Sultanahmet, Mosque, Church, Hagia Sophia, Dome

Located on the historic peninsula in the Sultanahmet region, Hagia Sophia is one of the oldest and most important landmarks of Istanbul. Originally built in the 6th century as a Greek Orthodox cathedral of the Byzantine Empire, the building was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman years and later into a museum in modern day Turkey. The building sits centrally in Sultanahmet with a commanding view of the entrance to the Bosphorus.

You can hardly appreciate the size and splendour of Hagia Sophia from the outside when you are standing next to it. Inside, visitors are stunned by its 32-meter dome, its marbles and columns, and large beautifully preserved mosaics. The building today also has four minarets added by the Ottomans during its conversion to an imperial mosque after the conquest of Istanbul in 1453. The Turkish name for Hagia Sophia is “Ayasofya”.
... so sorry to hear of what you went through.
By: Christine Sander
Tags: Church, Exvangelical, Christianity, Apostate

... so sorry to hear of what you went through. Heart-breaking it is... along with all the other horrors of humanity... Comitting to Him (not the Church or religion) holds the answer. I am the way, the truth, life itself...
Lately on my FB feed has been discussion about the reasons young adults leave church around college…
By: Lily Astra
Tags: Church, Christianity

Lately on my FB feed has been discussion about the reasons young adults leave church around college age. The gist seems to be 'The parents are relying on the church to teach! They need to step up and guide their own!’

I’m curious how many leave because of shame, even if they can’t articulate it.
God’s House
By: Harley King
Tags: God, Poetry, Church, Micropoetry, Spirituality

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When your calling is reduced to numbers, comments, or feelings. A letter to my friend…
Tags: Religion, Religious, Pastors Wife, Church, Spirituality

Dear Friend,

I understand those times you think you are not good enough. Times that you feel called but someone else tells you that you’re not. Times someone tells you that a different skill or personality would be better. Faster. More. Never quite enough. I feel those times that you are the scapegoat for someone else. Anyone else.

Friend, I understand that feeling that washes over you when you want to grow God’s kingdom but people want to grow their own. I see that pain when someone speaks against you, and God tells you to rest. I see the uncertainty of wondering if God will fight for you. I know the betrayal you feel when someone you trust stabs you instead of shields you.

Sister, I know the confusion of ministry. If we are obedient then why does — fill in the blank — happen?

Friend. I know the sadness of seeing people have relationships and you are the observer. I know the cliques. I know the gossipers. I know the anger when people go back on their word.

Dear sister, I want to tell you something. God knows it too. He sees. I am not going to try to make you feel better by giving you a list of things to do to make it all ok. I am just going to leave you with this.

Jesus saw Nathanael under the fig tree before Philip called him. Jesus said of Nathanael, “here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”

Girl — Just like Jesus saw Nathanael, Jesus sees you. He sees you. He knows you. He calls you. That is all you need. It is easy to think that we go unnoticed. Our wins and losses are missed. We are unimportant. We think that we are (brace yourself) ordinary. So we want to stay under the fig tree. Someone else tells us that we are less than. That we should sit there and watch. Stand up. Dust yourself off. Take a step out and leave that fig tree behind. He sees you. He is doing greater things in you. Don’t believe the person that spoke “less than” over you. Believe God.

50 Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.”
WHY I DON’T GO TO CHURCH ANY MORE The separation of clergy and laity and the dethroning of Christ.
By: Paul Toschi
Tags: Gospel, House Church, Churchianity, Religiosity, Church

WHY I DON’T GO TO CHURCH ANY MORE

The separation of clergy and laity and the dethroning of Christ.

The true nature of the church has been lost

The heart of the gospel is no longer relational but logical

When being a Christian is no longer a calling but a career

The abdication of men and the subjugation of women

The dependence on the teachings of men

The obsession with buildings, property and cash

The death of the Body and the rise of the Organization

Idolatry: false gods, false prophets, greed, false worship, deception

The tyranny of scholarship

The negation of the Old Testament and the eternal covenant

Turning the Lord Jesus Christ into a cardboard cut-out

The separation of the Persons of the Godhead

Exclusion instead of inclusion, division instead of unity

Individualism instead of community

The perception that grace precludes the necessity for holiness, obedience and accountability

Worldly leadership

Misunderstanding the principle of the Sabbath

Compartmenting our lives into the secular, the spiritual and the personal

An emphasis on the practical rather than the relational

Confusing worship with music, preaching, liturgy and religiosity in general

THE LACK OF:

Faith

Seeking God’s face

Godly fear and reverence

Striving and diligence in the pursuit of godliness

Godly wisdom

Love and brotherly affection

Ministry to the outcast, the poor, the marginalised, the oppressed and the broken

Prayer

Evangelism

Discipleship

Spiritual Growth

Humility

Stewardship

Pastoral guidance

Knowledge of the Scriptures

Transformation

Discernment

Bible literacy
The recent threat against churches and the challenge of securing our religious sites
By: Kenneth Bombace
Tags: Threat, Kenneth, Church, Bombace

The recent Joint Intelligence Bulletin issued by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security has emphasized the inherent vulnerability of religious sites in America. As supporters of the Islamic State terror group call for attacks on holiday events and churches during the holiday season, once again we are reminded of the unique difficulty in protecting one of our most vulnerable entities. The warning was distributed to law enforcement agencies, security companies and churches across the nation and calls for increased vigilance during the holidays.

To be sure, threats against religious sites has a long history in our country. In more recent times, the attacks of September 11, 2001 have made increased security at our religious sites somewhat of an annual ritual. In the absence of specific threats, an increased security posture at religious sites is usually a standard procedure for most police departments around the holidays. As a law enforcement, security and intelligence professional, I have been involved in responding to the threats facing our religious sites and I have had to overcome the inherent resistance to increased security measures that exists in many of our churches.

Following the horrific shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina in 2015, I was tasked with providing security training to the leadership and parishioners of many churches throughout Suffolk County. What, at first, seemed like a straightforward training initiative, became quite a bit more complex as I learned that we needed to convince many religious communities that in the modern world we must strike a balance between security and the desire to maintain an open and inviting environment in our churches. The Charleston shooting clearly demonstrated that churches pride themselves on accepting outsiders without prejudice and maintaining an open-door policy. In my experience, Jewish religious sites have been far more aggressive in obtaining additional security during religious holidays than churches. This is most likely because of a long history of being targeted by anti-Semitic and radical Islamic terror groups.

With the broadening of targets by groups like the Islamic State and the increase of active shooter incidents in the United States, churches need to understand that they too are vulnerable entities and appropriate steps need to be taken. I believe this can be done in a way that preserves the sanctity of churches and continues the culture of kindness and peace.
An Unlikely Soul
By: Vic Alcuaz
Tags: Stories, Miracles, Catholic, Prophecy, Church

A North-American man, who wishes to remain anonymous, and whom we will call Walter, was once obnoxiously loud, braggadocious, and mocked the Catholic faith, even to the point of ripping his mother’s rosary beads out of her praying hands, scattering them across the floor. Then he went through a profound conversion.

One day, his friend and co-worker, Aaron, who had recently undergone a conversion in Medjugorje, handed Walter a book of Mary’s Medjugorje messages. Taking them with him to the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament during his lunch break from his job as a real-estate broker, he devoured the messages and quickly became a different man.

Soon afterwards, he announced to Aaron, “There’s a decision I have to make in my life. I need to decide if I should consecrate my life to the Mother of God.”

“That’s great, Walter,” Aaron responded, “but it’s 9 a.m., and we have work to do. We can talk about that later.”

“No, I need to make that decision right now,” and Walter took off.

An hour later, he walked back into Aaron’s office with a smile on his face and said, “I did it!”

“You did what?”

“I consecrated my life to Our Lady.”

Thus began an adventure with God and Our Lady that Walter could never have dreamed of. While Walter was driving home from work one day, an intense feeling in his chest, like a heartburn that didn’t hurt, suddenly overwhelmed him. It was a sensation of pleasure so strong that he wondered if he would have a heart attack, and so he pulled off the freeway.

Then he heard a voice that he believed was God the Father: “The Blessed Mother has chosen you to be used as an instrument of God. It will bring you great trials and great suffering. Are you willing to accept this?” Walter didn’t know what this meant — only that he was being asked to be used somehow as God’s instrument. Walter agreed.

Not long after that, Our Lady began to speak to him, especially after he received Holy Communion. Walter would hear her voice through interior locutions — in words as clear to him as his own — and she began to guide, shape, and teach him. Soon Our Lady began to speak through him to a weekly prayer group that grew and grew.
Say What?
By: Rondo August
Tags: Funny Story, Humor, Funny, Christian, Church

Say What?

Photo by Carolyn V on Unsplash

When I was the pastor of a small church, we sometimes shared the facilities with a Laotian congregation that would meet on an irregular schedule.

One day I received a call asking “if it was all right to hold a revival service at the church” and that we would be invited to the meal afterward. Since I had never had Laotian food and heard how great it was I looked forward to this service.

Photo by Keagan Henman on Unsplash

When the day of the service arrived, a Korean pastor that I knew showed up saying he was invited also. I would guess about 100 Laotian people showed up and started singing in the church. My friend the Korean pastor Woong and I sat in the rear for two hours of singing and preaching by three pastors. In this whole time I recognized exactly two words “Jesus” and “Carey”( the town most of the people were from).

Toward the end of the service one of the pastors came around the back and whispered in Woongs ear and he got up and walked out. He returned a few minutes later and asked me to come out with him.

He explained the Laotian pastors wanted me to pray at the end of the service because some of the younger people didn’t speak anything but English. By this time the pastor had returned to the front so I asked Woong “do you know what they were preaching about?” He just shrugged and said with a big smile “nope, I think they want you to explain what is happening to the people who respond to the invitation by thanking God for it” He said.

When the time came for an invitation, the pastors asked Woong and me to come up front with them.

I should say that I had planned on sitting in the back and having no one see me. I had been mowing earlier and had on old jeans and a tee shirt.

Several people came forward and prostrated themselves, giving their lives to Jesus.

Photo by Edwin Andrade on Unsplash

Lots more singing and praying came after that which again I didn’t follow then a pastor walked up to me and handed me the microphone and said quietly “you pray now” he then turned and started to walk away. After only a couple steps he turned back and looked at me and said in a loud clear voice “in English”

I looked at Woong and he looked at me and we both just about lost it. I mean what else was I going to pray in? Klingon? Despite my disadvantage of being on the verge of outright laughter I made it through.

We then had one of the better meals I’ve ever had. I even tried the Tripe.

If you’ve ever been in a similar situation in front of a large crowd, I’m sure you can see the humor in this. If not, count yourself lucky.
Mysore Trip
By: Ahira Cheriyan
Tags: Church, Mysore, Temple, Adventure

I went to Mysore from Bangalore. The journey took place on 18th December 2020. I went by auto to bus stand, it was a long arduous journey. I left very late by 10.30 am and took the bus by 11.11am. I saw the various parts of Bangalore City. After reaching the bus stand, I boarded the bus. There were many buses and lots of people. What a view!!!

In the bus, vendors of fruits and peanuts. I was very hungry so I bought a Vada. I have been in the bus around 4 times before, but this was best experience and scary.

I went down the bus. I went to the St. Philomenas Church and Shri Chamundeshwari Temple. I bought some old coins for a friend as a gift. There was no time to eat and drink anything just being HIGH ON LIFE!!!!

I boarded the bus and went to 1MG Mall by Auto again. The theme was very Christmas and I could smell the joy in the air. The big Christmas Tree was very nice. I went to Puma store and then went home with papa what a day!!!!!
Dance Church Should Be DAOdance
By: Alex Hidalgo
Tags: Dance, Cryptocurrency, Dao, Blockchain, Church

Many of our shared experiences in quarantine leave us feeling disconnected, cooped up, or isolated, to put it lightly. Masses flock to various online communities, social video games, binge watch via Watch Party on Amazon Video, and more to satisfy our basic human needs.

I found one community, in particular, helped me connect with my friends while being physical. They call it Dance Church.

Dance Church Dance Team!

Dance Church is a donation-based dance workout party 💃 💪 🥳 where anyone can join to cut loose and boogie down. The video production focuses on a few professional dancers out of NYC, SEA, LA, INDY, SLC, and PDX who lead users through an hour-long dance routine that ranges from silly floor work to tiresome pump squats with ridiculously fun dancing breaks in between. The dancers on camera go nuts. 🙃 You must try it.

The website is populated with positive affirmations like LET’S GO! SAY YES TO YOUR CHOICES! EVERY BODY! ALL HEART! THERE’S NO FRONT! NO TALKING! SING ALONG!

Dance Church Website

I love doing it with my friends and sometimes without. I blast the music and dress up in my dinosaur onesie so I can tear it up in my own private club. No lines, no cover charge. To feel even more connected, I set my phone up next to the TV, so my friends and I can watch each other.

But, after a few sessions, I started to see why this community hasn’t turned into a phenomenon. Don’t get me wrong, 50k followers across social media platforms and an average 500 to 1,000 viewers for each session is a success story. Still, I feel like it could be so much more. I noticed that I never see my friends on the Dance Church video stream. It is always the same few dancers. There is no option for us to get on camera. We never pick any of the songs. We never pick when the next session will be (they only cover US timezones).

We never have a say in anything.

Dance Church went for production quality and control right off the bat, and it worked great to scale the community to this level. Still, it feels more like a SaaS platform than a community.

Eventually, I found myself feeling left out even though the platform’s intention was to connect people across the digital space through performance arts. Some users do interact on Instagram, but let’s be honest, that is not a good platform to have meaningful discourse, vote, or reward harder working members.

Cue the DAO

Not that DAO.

DAOdance

Imagine everyone in Dance Church could do the following:

collaborate on scheduling so the K-Pop masses can join

take turns being on camera

vote on a playlist

attract popular DJs and dancers to perform with us

help design swag

provide transparency on what funds are used for

all the while being rewarded for our efforts and rewarding others for their contributions

I believe the Dance Church community can benefit tremendously from a DAO model and a $DANCE token to engage its members and incentivize SO much more.

If anyone is interested in building something like this, I’d love to chat https://linktr.ee/thealexhidalgo
Controversial Issues of the Church ~ Abortion
By: Delaney Cheyne
Tags: Church, Religious Freedom, Religion

Controversial Issues of the Church ~ Abortion

. Because the Catholic church believes that all human beings are children of God, it is strictly against the act of abortion. committing the act of abortion violates the sixth commandment “You shall not murder” and the church condemns the act of destruction to any human being at any stage of its development from the point of conception to the point of death. The church affirms that induced abortion is an allowable option only when the life of the mother-to-be is threatened by the continuation of the pregnancy.

. The church expects believers to show Christian compassion and to offer support to those experiencing unwanted pregnancies as well as to those who have undergone abortions. It calls believers to speak out against the cruelty of abortion, to promote action that reflects the teaching of the Bible regarding the sacredness of human life, and to reject all violence against those who commit abortion.

. Personally, I am both pro-life and pro-choice. I believe that abortion is the mother’s decision, and I will respect whatever they decide however, I do disagree with abortion any time after about 8 weeks because anytime after that point, the baby starts to develop into a functioning human being. The mother is almost always responsible for her pregnancy and should be responsible for taking care of her child. But if she were sexually assaulted in some way or was terminally ill due to the pregnancy, I do think it is reasonable to terminate the pregnancy.

. The movie “Unplanned” did change my views in some way because before I had watched it, I agreed with abortion because it was the mothers choice to do whatever she wanted with her own body. This is still a valid point, however, my views changed when Cheryl admits that she had only been in the business and increased the expected abortion rates for the money she recieved. Abby was such an inspiration for standing up for what she knew was right even if that meant leaving her friends and career behind.

. Every life is sacred no matter the age, and should be treated with respect and equality. My heart goes out to anyone facing challenges in their lives related to abortion, and I will forever keep them in my thoughts and prayers. There is always another option and there are loads of services to guide expecting mothers throughout their journeys.
Religious houses, violence, and the limits of political consensus in early medieval León
By: University Of Florence
Tags: Violence, Church, Social Inequality, Middle Age

Religious houses, violence, and the limits of political consensus in early medieval León

Alvaro Carvajal Castro, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas

Sometime in early 963 in León, in the north-west Iberian peninsula, a man called Lupi, together with a certain Agila and a group of unnamed people, broke into the house of a priest called Helyas and a nun called Sabildi. They held a group of nine people for several hours, causing injuries to them, and then set fire to the house and its goods. The episode, about which we only have a brief, incidental account, stands out in the corpus of early medieval Leonese charters for a very particular reason: although the text does not explicitly say so, there are grounds to believe that the building in question was in fact a religious house.This is one among only a handful of brief references to attacks against religious houses and clerics in early medieval León. In one exceptional instance, the protagonist was a nameless crowd, which assaulted a monastery in the city of León upon hearing that the nuns had committed adultery and some had got-ten pregnant2. In the rest of the cases, the attackers were named, non-aristocratic individuals acting against churches and monasteries in rural locations, either alone or, most frequently, at the head of small groups of attackers.These events stand in stark contrast to what is portrayed in most charters from these centuries and in the related historiography, namely that this was a period in which individuals and families of very varied social standing strove to found religious houses — the so-called proprietary churches and monasteries — as a means to consolidate and enhance their social position. Conflicts over their control were not infrequent, but in León recorded attacks against churches and monasteries most commonly report either destruction caused by Muslim troops from Al-Andalus, or the appropriation of ecclesiastical property by aristocrats. How, then, are we to explain this other sort of attacks?

These records are part of a few dozen incidental references to violent actions, from petty theft to sexual assault and homicide, extant in León’s early medieval written record. The charters mention the episodes only in passing, either to justify the payment of a fine — which, when recorded, are usually paid in land — or to explain how a piece of land had been acquired, and thus to legitimise the capacity of an actor to dispose of it5. This reflects the overall nature of the charter record, which mainly comprises records of land transactions, most of them made on behalf of ecclesiastical institutions.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.6092/1593-2214/7242

Read Full Text: http://www.rmojs.unina.it/index.php/rm/article/view/7242