This is my first time blogging since mid-March. I have not known what to say. I did not want to be so positive as to take away from the seriousness of the pandemic. But I also did not want to add to the hysteria and panic around the pandemic. I apologize for not being more transparent and writing about my confusion and concerns. I am sure I am not the only one who has felt this way.  

What I have is hope.  According to Fr. Mike Schmitz, “Hope is trust in another that extends into the future”.  He is referencing Jesus.  Fr. Mike also says that hope has action and is not a wish or optimism.  Who, what, where is your hope?  Fr. Mike also references JRR Tolkien, Lord of the Rings.  A quote from Sam and Frodo’s journey; “What are we holding onto Sam?” asked a desperate Frodo. “There is some good in this world Mister Frodo and it is worth fighting for”, said Sam. (see below for reference for Fr. Mike)

During this time of social distancing and people being more isolated than ever have in this century, it has been a time to take a more internal journey for all of us.  There are many journeys in life. On this internal journey who do we take with us. Do we go with the committee in our head with the many voices of our supporters and our critics? Do we take our higher power to comfort support, guide, and navigate?

Debbie Hackett

“If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours!” Father Joseph Martin

Reference for Fr. Mike Schmitz; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGT_wBqDTDg