RADIANT
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RADIANT
RADIANT SPRING ISSUE 2012 GIVE BACK Spring Issue 2012 In these turbulent times, there is one thing that remains strong and true, our faith, and our goal is to empower, inspire and encourage our peers to live that out each day with their thoughts, words and actions and let them know that their decisions will affect themselves, society and the course of history. Contributers: Pro Sanctity Camp Fun & Faith is a Catholic summer camp for girls of all faiths ages 3-18 run by the Apostolic Oblates, consecrated women who dedicate their lives to the call to holiness. Our goal is to create a life-giving, faith-filled, safe, fun environment where girls can grow in their faith, have lots of fun, and encounter wonderful, young, faithful, Catholic women who serve as counselors. For 21 years, Camp Fun & Faith has served girls of all ages and backgrounds with the help of numerous volunteers and generous benefactors, allowing us to keep camp costs low and offer scholarships to any girl in need. We invite you to participate in our mission--become a counselor, offer financial assistance, spread the word, and pray for the safety and holiness of all who participate! [email protected] | www.prosanctity.org Katherine Almon Catherine Eduru Daniel Miller Julie Ann Monzi Karla Kristine Nelson Design: Anna Liesemeyer [email protected] Publisher: Rose Rea [email protected] Subscribe, Order, or Donate to Radiant today! www.be-radiant.com Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ radiantmagazine Special thanks to Fr. Mike Murphy & Sacred Heart Church for their sponsorship of this issue! Cover photo by: Jefra Linn Photography jefrastarrlinn.com “AS YOU WISH” Have you seen “The Princess Bride?” It’s a film that pokes fun at fairy tales, dates with destiny, and dealings with true love. At the start, the main character Westley is a servant farm boy for the beautiful Buttercup. She orders him around, and all he says to her is, “As you wish.” She realizes with time that he’s really saying “I love you.” God wants our “I love you” to become our “As you wish.” But how do we know what God wishes? How can we be sure of life direction and vocation? “SPEND TIME IN THE CLASSROOM OF SILENCE. GOD DOES NOT PLAY GAMES WITH THOSE WHO HONESTLY SEEK.” First, we must seek to know. Spend time in the classroom of silence. God does not play games with those who honestly seek. Prayer comes first. Submission comes second. “As you wish” doesn’t mean fully understanding, but it does mean fully trusting in God’s wisdom despite doubts or suffering. “May it be done to me according to your word.” Only after we pray and submit can we listen. People around you may confirm your call. You may hear God speaking through a priest’s homily, a passage of Scripture, or a mentor’s challenging words. Last is obedience. If what you hear from God and from others is in line with Church teaching, being obedient means action. Be diligent and thoughtful in your contemplation, but be not afraid to act when the time arrives. Fear of the unknown should never prevent our response to God’s infinite love: “As you wish.” Daniel Miller Photo by: jefrastarrlinn.com O C TO B E R B A B Y I S G O I N G T O AWA K E N HEARTS WHEN IT HITS T H E AT E R S M A R C H 23R D. L E A R N W H E R E T H E M OV I E’S J O U R N E Y B E G A N; H E R E W E S P E A K W I T H J O N E R W I N, T H E CO-W R I T E R, CO-D I R E C T O R A N D CO-P R O D U C E R O F T H E M OV I E. Yo u ment ion the f ilm wa s i n s p i re d b y a re a l l i fe s u r v i vo r o f a fa i l e d a b o r t i o n , G i anna Jessen. How did G i a n n a’s s t o r y d e ve l o p i n t o O c t o b e r B a b y ? I heard Gianna speak at a banquet and was shattered by it. I had no idea there was such a thing as abortion survivors. I was moved and thought, “I need to do something about this.” I work in the business called entertainment and people want to be entertained first and foremost, so I thought, “What if we do an engaging coming-of-age romantic story of a beautiful 19-year-old girl when she discovers she’s an abortion survivor who has to find herself and find the power of forgiveness?” It would be entertaining, make people think about the sanctity of life and about something that really happens. So, while the story and characters are fictional, the reality of abortion survivors is very real. Hannah, the abor t ion s u r v i vo r a n d m a i n c h a ra c t e r, d e a l s w i t h t h e s a m e i ss u e s a l l o f us young women g o t h ro u g h : a n g e r, b e t ra yal , wa n t i n g t o b e l o n g a n d u l t im ately, forgiveness. You c a n fe e l e a c h e m o t i o n a l o n g w i t h h e r. W h a t wa s i t l i ke wo rking wi th Rachel He n d r i x o n h e r f i rs t m o t i o n p i c t u re ? It was kind of like listening to a young singer sing a song for the first time who you had no idea could sing. To see her hit it out of the park every single day was an honor, and I was so proud. We discovered her at the U. of Alabama a few years ago and put her in a Michael W. Smith music video. We’ve been developing her ever since, and to see her nail this role and bring so much heart and humor to it was just amazing. That also goes for the entire cast. They really came together in an incredible way, and I am so proud of them. Ho w di f f i cult was i t to g e t t h i s m o v i e i n t o t h e a t e rs ? Ha, it was more of an uphill battle making this movie than I thought. When we were looking for a movie studio, we were rejected by everyone. We found out very quickly this was an untouchable subject matter. The film was labeled polarizing. Nobody would help us. one step at a time, people passionate about the movie came forth financially to support it. Now, here we are, opening nationwide March 23, which is really a miracle in itself. It shows that a lot of people care about this subject matter and want to join a cause that supports the sanctity of every life. It’s really cool to see a film that has completely gone around the system because the system rejected it. I feel very blessed to be a part of it. We love a romant ic st o r y, a n d t h e o n e p o r t ra ye d b e t we e n Ja s o n a n d Ha n n a h wa s so honorable and re f re s h i n g ! W hy d i d yo u fe e l i t wa s i m p o r t a n t t o i n c l u d e t h a t relat ionship? I feel like in today’s culture there’s a big lie that is being promoted through TV and entertainment – that you have to lay down your morality at the altar of popularity. In most movies, the Christian character is the nerd or misfit. I wanted to make a story about a young girl who you fall in love with who has real values, stands for them and is empowering. I think that’s why young girls are drawn to her. They are like, “Finally! Someone who stands up for their convictions in a cool way.” I wanted to do a good romantic love story that spoke to a different set of values and an important issue. W hat can our readers d o t o p ro m o t e t h i s l i fe - c h a n g i n g m o v i e ? First thing they need to know is that your movie ticket is your vote. By doing that, you’re joining your voice to a much larger voice saying that every life is beautiful, every life is sacred. If a lot of people go and see the movie opening weekend and thereafter, the movie stays around and keeps playing. If they don’t take action, it will be gone before you know it. It’s been my movie for two years, and it’s your movie now. It’s up to you what happens next. The best thing you can do is create awareness for the film in your spirit of influence: Facebook, church, youth groups, etc. There’s an awakening to the value of life in our culture and this is a way we can promote that. Go to www.octoberbabymovie.net to find out where it’s playing, and if it’s not playing in your city, read how to form an action squad and bring it to your community. Photos courtesy of: The Maximus Group Quiz: Find Your Saintly BFF Katherine Almon 1. You and your BFF are looking for an alternative Spring Break trip. Which adventure do you choose? a. Did someone say safari? It’s time for Africa with a trip to Ghana where your mission will be to build a new church. b. Your heart is set on skiing the Alps and assisting sick children at a pediatric clinic in Northern Italy. Now that’s Amore! c. Without reservations, you opt for canyon climbing and teaching catechism classes to Native American communities in New Mexico. 2. Your prayer life needs some sprucing. What does your BFF recommend? a. Offer your daily activities up to God, even the most menial tasks, and respond to requests with a smile “as the Master desires”. b. View your life as a gift to God. Treasure every moment because you never know how long it might last. c. Recognize God in every person you meet, especially the poor and oppressed. 3. After a stressful week at school, your BFF announces the following weekend plans to pick up your mood. a. A morning of fun teaching cultural dance at a local women’s shelter. b. Fresh air, hiking, and a picnic in the park. c. Shopping trip to buy prom dresses and donate to girls in need. 4. Your BFF agrees to help out with a dinner party that you are planning for a “certain” guy in your life. What appetizer does your BFF bring to the table? a. Sudanese yogurt and Tahini dip b. Italian Meatballs, of course! c. Mini-Philly Cheese Steaks…what guy doesn’t love football food? 5. You and your BFF want to organize a letter-writing campaign to raise awareness about social injustices. What issue do you choose? a. Human Trafficking, a modern form of slavery. b. Destruction of Human Life by abortion, embryonic stem cell research, capital punishment, and euthanasia. c. Education as a necessity for all people – especially the poor, immigrants and victims of racial intolerance. Mostly A’s Mostly B’s St. Josephine Bakhita was born in Sudan, located in Northern Africa. At nine years old, she was captured and sold into slavery. She survived a life of torture, physical beatings, and humiliations. One of her slave masters brought her to Italy where she discovered the Catholic faith and eventually gained her freedom. Josephine Bakhita joined the religious institute of the Daughters of Charity of Canossia in 1896 and died in 1947. Her feast day is February 8. St. Gianna Beretta Molla was a wife, mother, and physician from the Lombardy region in Italy. She was known for her great zest for life and her love of the outdoors. While pregnant with her fourth child, Gianna developed a serious medical condition causing her to choose between her own life and the life of her unborn baby. She passed away seven days after the birth of her daughter. Her feast day is April 28. St. Josephine Bakhita St. Gianna Beretta Molla Mostly C’s St. Katherine Drexel St. Katherine Drexel was raised in a well-to-do family in Philadelphia. She gained considerable inheritance from her family and used the fortune to serve the needs of the poor. Katherine established a religious congregation, schools, and a university to educate Black and Native American people in the United States. Her feast day is March 3. Style Watch: Finding your Femininity in Fashion featuring: Casey Weigand 3 Style Tips for Spring 2012: This spring, brighten up your look with colored denim or tights. Add texture with a scarf or vest. Pair a long, flowy maxi skirt with a contrasting color top for successful colorblocking. For more looks to love visit: www.thewiegands.com I had been going to church for 21 years before somebody seriously challenged me to do something with the stack of stale pages we call Scripture. I was uninterested. Did I mention I had been going to church for 21 years? Let’s be real, at that rate, I had probably been through the Bible at least five times. I believed in God, I knew he sent Jesus, and I knew Jesus died for my sins. Done and done. Regardless, I accepted the challenge, chalking it up to my competitive nature. Now, I’m no expert, but I think there are three reasons Christians refrain from reading the word: • “It’s boring.” •“I go to church; if there’s something I should know, the Church will tell me.” •“I believe in God, so what’s the point?” Life’s a journey, especially when we walk it with the Lord. It’s full of tons of triumphs and tragedies. I think of scripture as the steps that lay before us. Not paved paths, made easy and obvious, but the sort that require work and build endurance. Yes, sometimes Scripture is really quite heady, but we live in a world abounding with resources. This can no longer keep us from seeking what God summons us to see. If we invest our time and energy into scaling the Scripture steps, the perspective we’ll come to have will be that much broader, richer, and all-encompassing. The stories in the Bible have more to say about our lives than the stuff we’re surrounded by in our society. I promise you, God has hidden a world of wonder in his Word that He wants us to explore. Take the first step. Karla Kristine Nelson new & up Coming.. Audrey Assad’s new album Heart, appropriately released this past Valentine’s Day, is filled with the intricacies of love and marriage alongside her husband’s discovery he had a treatable form of cancer. Her innate self-awareness, emotional delivery and rich desire to know and glorify the Creator’s heart are evident on the album. With influences drawn from the iconic singer-songwriters of the ‘70s (Paul Simon and James Taylor), Heart radiates with Audrey’s wisdom and stunning voice. Gold, Britt Nicole’s third album, hits stores March 26. The first single from the album will have you hitting repeat again and again. ‘’All This Time is the story of how I met Jesus,’’ says Britt. “It’s a reminder that whatever we face in life, we don’t have to face it alone, because Jesus promised to never leave us or forsake us.’’ This album is hip and fun, yet filled with reverence for the Lord and a vulnerability that will resonate with you. I had taken a home-pregnancy test that Friday, but I had been misled by these tests before, so my husband, Charles, and I wanted to be sure. We went to Birthright to get tested, and instead of two full lines, the test showed one clear line and one dim line. Although we were open to life, feelings of inadequacy and anxiety swallowed me as I wondered, ‘Me, a mother?’ We didn’t know what these test results meant. That Monday, we found out. I was at home, and without notice, collapsed onto the floor. I remember going in and out of consciousness, at times hearing Charles repeating, “Jesus loves you!” I remember making it to the hospital, and I remember hearing the phrases “life threatening” and “we don’t have time!” At that point, I surrendered to God. We learned that the pregnancy was growing in my fallopian tube, which is an ectopic pregnancy. In a healthy pregnancy, the embryo makes it down the tube, into the uterus, where it implants itself and develops. But, for some reason, the embryo had gotten stuck, and my fallopian tube had ruptured. I lost 3.5 liters of blood. I barely had a pulse, and I immediately needed surgery. My mind went to saving the child. I was told the child was lost. REAL WOMEN: REAL LIFE “ We learned that the pregnancy was growing in my fallopian tube, which is an ectopic pregnancy. “ My loss, His Grace “ I knew it was a special moment of grace for me because my womanhood shone forth like never before. What a way to find out I was officially pregnant. I couldn’t process what was happening. Now, it was a matter of life and death for me. After the surgery, I was told that had I not arrived at the hospital when I did, I would have died. It took some time for me to truly digest what had happened. But, then it sank in. Charles and I did in fact, have a child and lose a child. We named her Rose. She was baptized of desire, which can be done in emergency situations when a priest is unavailable. We believe and know she’s with our Father. “ Two days after we lost Rose, Jesus entered my heart, removed my feelings of doubt and fear, and flooded me with love and peace. In one moment, He freed my heart, renewed it and prepared it to be the heart of a mother. Sitting there in my hospital bed – un-showered and covered in tubes- I felt like a beautiful woman. I knew it was a special moment of grace for me because my womanhood shone forth like never before. “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” - 2 Cor 12:9 Catherine Eduru To read her full story visit: http://charlesandcatherineeduru.blogspot.com SPRING CLEANING By Julie Ann Monzi Imagine being Mary Magdalene on Easter morning. You peer into the darkness of the tomb, finding it empty. Where is Jesus? We all ask that question at some point in our lives, especially when we are in the gloom of our self-made tombs of sadness, anger, and regret. The good news is that because of that first Easter, our hearts can become the home of our risen Lord who wants to fill those musty graves with the fruit of His Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This Easter, roll away the stone from your own heart. It’s time for spring cleaning! Dust out the cobwebs of old dreams and embrace the new ones God is revealing to you. Sweep away the dirt of sin from your life since we know with certainty Jesus paid that price on the Cross. Let the Lord shine His light of hope on the sadness that paints the walls of your heart. Life abounds with possibilities when we open ourselves to Jesus, and our hearts can be full of the Savior of the world who came to give us abundant life and a fresh start this Easter and every day. Radiant Magazine 1452 Long View Dr. Chula Vista, CA 91915