Friday, January 07, 2011

Sister Mary Martha

I love reading Sister Mary Martha's blog.  She keeps the laughs coming with every entry.  It doesn't hurt that I enjoy learning about religions; I have certainly increased my knowledge of Catholicism, thanks to the Sister.   
Did you know Catholics are not required to believe private revelations such as Lourdes and Fatima?  It's true!  "Great news for the separated brethren who are so uncomfortable with Mary in the first place," she says.
I like the way Sister Mary Martha calls protestants "separated brethren".  It makes me smile.  
Here's a concept I've enjoyed learning about:  Offering up our suffering.  
Let me first state that, as one of the separated brethren (sistren?), purgatory isn't part of my belief system.  
But the idea here seems to be that if you are miserable in some way, you need to offer your suffering to the heavens as a gift for someone who is in worse shape than you.  Or, to the poor souls in purgatory.  
This seems like a great way to get my mind off my own troubles and get me counting my blessings.  
This pesky cough that's been robbing me of sleep?  What if I offer it up to those who show up on my sidebar whose homes are being plagued by cancer (there are at least four).  
Maybe it won't do them a bit of physical good, but at least I'll be sending good thoughts their way and getting my mind off myself.  Sometimes that's all a person can do.  
For a humorous entry on this concept, read about keeping score of your suffering.    


I don't know how anyone could keep from liking Sister Mary Martha; she's a treasure.  


On another note, here's something a lady named Susan would like me to share:  Do you know of a breast cancer survivor who needs a lymphedema sleeve and can't afford it?  Read THIS and spread the word to those who can use it.





6 comments:

  1. Thanks for all the good thoughts there today. It's good to know that our pain could possibly help take away some of what others are suffering. Even though I'm Catholic that is a point I sometimes forget. I do hope that cough goes away for you soon. Lots of Love and Hugs!

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  2. That does sound like an interesting blog! I'll have to go visit.

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  3. Anonymous9:23 AM

    I know this sounds crazy, but if you rub Vick's Vapo Rub on the bottom of you feet before you go to bed, put on some socks within 5 min. your cough will go away and you will have a peaceful nights sleep. Try it.

    sam

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  4. Sam, I did that for four nights straight; no joy. I finally stopped wasting my time.

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  5. Anonymous9:31 AM

    What a gift! I've been learning about Catholicism myself this year, and in fact just coverted last month, joining my husband in the faith.

    The nun mentoring me has also talked about suffering. It's one of the things that attracted me - that there isn't necessarily a REASON for the suffering, but there's no reason that it cannot be offered up and in some way used for good.

    This is the prayer she taught me: Lord, please take my suffering and use it for the good of your people. I'm seeing His work in action this week.

    Thanks for passing on the link.

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  6. Thanks for the plug! I recommend Mucinex nasal spray to stop the post nasal drip that may be causing your cough.


    And of course, St. Blaise, the patron saint for colds and flu.

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