Give and Take

Today is Ash Wednesday. For some, this means a religious ceremony with a smudge on your forehead. For others, it has little or no meaning. Whatever the case may be for others, it is a day for me to reflect and think about how I am serving Jesus. Many Christians begin observing Lent on this day. This is a focused time of prayer, fasting and doing good for others. This Lenten season, I plan to reflect on the Stations of the Cross and think about what Christ's crucifixion and resurrection mean for my life. For fasting, I have decided to give up computer gaming for Lent. This is going to be quite challenging for me. I have also decided to add a more consistent workout. Each day, I am going to ask the Lord to show me how I can do something for someone else. It may be something very small, but I want to be aware of those around me and serve them when I can.

So, you ask, what does this have to do with human trafficking? Good question. Every day, human trafficking victims are forced to give things up and do things they would not do if they were free. It is our responsibility as Christians to pray for them. We need to open our eyes and see them around us and help them experience rescue, recovery and restitution. Christ died for all of us, not just those of us who live a "normal" life. He suffers each time they suffer. What do we need to give up to help trafficking victims? What can we do, no matter how small, to fight trafficking? I encourage you to reflect during these 40 days before Easter on how God may be calling you.

Happy Valentine's Day

Valentine's has long been a celebration of love and friendship with kids exchanging cards and candies and people declaring their undying love for one another. I was engaged on Valentine's weekend 15 years ago. It's a day that is loved by children and persons who have a significant other. Single persons often have mixed feelings on this day. I always send Valentine's to friends and let them know they are loved and appreciated. But what is Valentine's all about?

Nobody really knows. St. Valentine is the name of at least three different saints in the Catholic church in Ancient Rome, all of whom were martyred. The most famous was imprisoned for marrying Christians when Emperor Claudius outlawed marriage for young men as he believed single men made better soldiers.

Standing up for what is right is costly. For Valentine, it cost him his life. Let's remember this day and stand up for what is right, no matter the cost.