I thought I might try to provide a bit of peace and reflection to this wonderful 'Deck of ours this evening, just as a general discussion topic.
Religion and politics are difficult and complex subjects. I suppose that's why some people either tend to avoid those topics, or get so wrapped up with them that they enter the public arena wanting to confront and engage those having different opinions from their own. Of course, this can be very challenging to people who care deeply about their individual convictions.
If we were really honest however, we would all understand that such profound ideas like politics and religious beliefs come from deeply held family traditions, personal experiences, and the many human encounters that all of us face every single day of our lives. Sometimes too, our beliefs and perceptions can and will change, as a result of our personal experiences and encounters.
I came from a non-Catholic Christian tradition where the study of Mary (The Mother of Christ) was not particularly emphasized. When I was a little child suffering in an oxygen tent in a Catholic Hospital, however, my perspective changed, and I came to appreciate Mary more and more. Over the years, I had numerous occasions to more fully appreciate and experience faith from the perspective of Mary.
Not long ago, I was inspired to write a song about those experiences. Today, we put it up on YouTube for the world to see. I thought that I might share that song with you this evening with the hope that it would serve as a positive inspiration from one Lakewoodite to our community. Whether or not you have, or believe in a religious faith tradition, you just can't argue with love.
This video was done with the help of my good friends Rick and Cindy Benjamin. I hope that you will enjoy it. Just click below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_fakbP ... e=youtu.be