Archive for February, 2012

Meryl Streep said it herself — Y’all are probably sick of me by now.

Okay. Well, she didn’t say it quite like that, but take away the southern accent and that pretty much sums up what she said after being awarded her third Oscar for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady.

“When they called my name, I had this feeling I could hear half of America going, ‘Oh no. C’mon! Her, again?’ You know. But, whatever,” Streep said.

I couldn’t help but wince a little for the other nominees. I mean there was remarkable talent among the bunch — Michelle Williams, Viola Davis, Glenn Close, Rooney Mara.

Don’t you imagine that Glenn Close felt like the bridesmaid once more? She’s been nominated for the Oscar six times and has yet to win. Sure it’s an honor being nominated but let’s face it, sometimes a girl just wants the public accolades for working so dang hard for so darn long.

Boys feel that way, too.

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O Raphael, lead us toward those we are waiting for, those who are waiting for us: Raphael, Angel of happy meeting, lead us by the hand toward those we are looking for. May all our movements be guided by your Light and transfigured with your joy.

Angel, guide of Tobias, lay the request we now address to you at the feet of Him on whole unveiled Face you are privileged to gaze. Lonely and tired, crush by the separations and sorrows of life, we feel the need of calling you and of pleading for the protection of your wings, so that we may not be as strangers in the province of joy, all ignorant of the concerns of our country. Remember the weak, you who are strong, you whose home lies beyond the region of thunder, in a land that is always peaceful, always serene and bright with the resplendent glory of God.

Flannery O’Connor quotes this prayer, which she attributes to Ernest Hello, in a letter dated 14 July 1964, less than a month before her death.

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I was in a public place recently and heard an older gentleman tell a joke about a 30-something woman who was despairing over not being married.

Such jokes don’t amuse me — it doesn’t matter if the women are portrayed as single, pregnant, want-to-be pregnant, divorced, blonde, anorexic, fat, or grannies — especially when it’s men who are doing the telling. I’m even less amused when the men doing the telling are standing behind a pulpit, as this particular gentleman was.

If you are that single person who longs for the companionship of a soul-mate that you hope & pray God has for you, such jokes are hurtful.  I know so many people — both men and women — who have yet to experience the kind of delight and intimacy that comes with a love that lasts through the decades.

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People all across the nation cried out after learning that Josh Powell blew himself and his two young sons to smithereens in Washington State on Sunday.  Powell has long been the primary suspect in the disappearance and suspected murder of his wife Susan.

Last week a judge denied Powell custody of his two boys, ages 5 and 7. The boys have been in the care of their maternal grandparents since last fall when Steven Powell, Josh’s father, was arrested on child porn charges. Josh and the boys had been living with the senior Powell at the time.

This case had more red flags than a NASCAR race.

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