A Grown-Up Birthday (February ‘23)
Throughout the year, we celebrate many holidays such as President’s Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, as well as many other religious feast days. On a more personal note, our own birthday, or that of a loved one, are similar highlights on our calendar. As children, birthdays are celebrated with great joy, much to the excitement of the child, however this changes slightly once one reaches adulthood.
What is the purpose of a birthday in an adult life? And why does this change from a pure, joyful, celebration? There is no better day to reflect on the gift of our own lives, on both the joy that we find in them and the joy which they bring others.
So often, our life goes by without reconciling broken relationships, leaving us with regrets and lasting guilt about the mistakes we made, and resentment when we ourselves were hurt. Is it wise to go about our lives carrying these burdens? Think how much better our lives could be if there was a day dedicated to remedying our mistakes and healing our wounds, appreciating our past while paving the way for a fulfilled and regret-free future. In a similar way, a birthday is a great opportunity to make peace with ourselves. Forgiving ourselves for past mistakes is essential for internal tranquility, and serious self assessment producing practical resolutions imperative for character growth.
Each of us are endowed with incredible potential, to achieve more than life’s bare necessities: to flourish, create, and love. A birthday could be an opportunity to check in with our relationships, and make sure we surround ourselves with people who further our experience of a good life. Furthermore, how could we better set ourselves up for success? Are we looking after our own needs, or abusing the luxuries which are so available to us in this modern age? Let us avoid harm and promote good in how we relate to others and ourselves, and introduce new small habits to change our minds and bodies for the better.
Knowledge and belief in our own self-worth can be a lifelong struggle. Even when we are striving to lead a good life, and do good to others, an attitude of intolerance in our society can call into question our positive choices. These conflicts, often brought about by envy and jealousy, or those struggling with their own discontent, can distort and destroy our self belief. Why not use our special day as a shield and address those to attempt to degrade us? Standing by our own beliefs, values, and positive choices will give us confidence and possibly even benefit those who belittle us.
Life is precious, and every year, a birthday reminds us of its miracle and worth. At times, our own lives are mysteries, tested in time, whose ultimate purpose may remain obscure until their completion. Let this yearly reminder of life’s joy not only be exclusive to children, but used by adults as an opportunity to assess and appreciate the miraculous mystery of our own life.
Happy birthday!
The Walk for Life 2023 (January ‘23)
On January 22nd, people of all backgrounds flooded the Civic Center Square in San Francisco, preparing to march for love of the unborn. College students, children, the elderly, all ages and many cultures in their variety and beauty were represented and celebrated. However, they all had one thing in common. They were all pro-life.
The Walk for Life is an annual event in San Francisco, and an opportunity for those on the west-coast to participate in a march similar to the major pro-life activist event, the March for Life in Washington D.C. Participants hold a rally in the Civic Center, then march through the streets of downtown San Francisco, ending at the Embarcadero Plaza.
The Walk is an incredible opportunity to show support for the unborn children, as well as women who may be contemplating an abortion, helping them realize that they are not alone, and have options besides ending a life. Beginning the walk, participants sang and chanted, ‘pro-woman, pro-life,’ as a testament to this support. The National Anthem was added to the repertoire, representing how those who are pro-life stand with Americans past, present, and future, and that we are a society who wishes that future to be protected. For the participants themselves, walking with thousands who share your belief that life begins at conception and is worth protecting is also inspiring and encouraging for all, and an empowering experience in our very vocal ‘pro-choice’ culture.
The excitement and hope in the air of the Walk was palpable. This particular Walk was very special, as it is the first Walk for Life held since Roe v. Wade was overturned in June of last year. The participants chanted, 'Ho ho, hey hey, Roe v. Wade went away,' as an expression of this triumph, and the atmosphere was one of celebration.
A new wave of hope and encouragement was present not only among those participating in the Walk but also all of those who are pro-life today. The truth of the value of life and the necessity to protect that life from conception is legally being recognized in our country. The eorts of the pro-life movement and the support it gives to women, is saving lives and reversing the tide of our laws and our culture. Life is precious. It begins at conception, and thus it should be valued, protected and loved from conception. This truth, that all life, especially that of the unborn, is loved, was shown clearly at the Walk for Life. Thanks to those who participated, and all of those who are pro-life, this truth is being joyfully shown to our culture, and will hopefully one day penetrate the hearts of all.