Franciscan Media’s Post

Pilgrimage Post #5 For the first post in this series, see https://lnkd.in/gi9AvztV In the Church of St. Mary of the Angels, kneeling in the pew, I see the famous Portiuncula (the well-used headquarters for St. Francis and his brothers) under repairs in preparation for the Jubilee Year, which Pope Francis has titled: Pilgrims of Hope. The scene reminded me that life, lived positively, is a continual process of building and repairing, rebuilding and redesigning. Life changes us and we respond by readjusting our lives, or we don’t respond and we remain stagnant and static; and life moves on without us. Often these decisions to rebuild or not are precipitated by an experience of having arrived at a personal “crisis” (Gk:”crossroads”) of sorts. Personally-speaking, this pilgrimage has been one, big crossroads experience for me. I have spent days soaking in the Franciscana that is all around me in an effort to open myself up to God’s plans for my life, regardless of how strange or surprising the invitation. In terms of my role at Franciscan Media, I face another kind of crossroads: which direction to take this important and gifted, but challenge-laden ministry. These challenges aren’t unique. They are shared by many non-profits whose dreams of mission are periodically purified by the scrutinizing light of financial reality. All I can say (admittedly, in a cryptic way) is that we will meet these challenges head on, with hard work and joy, and with the support of our benefactors. There would be no Franciscan order today—and no Franciscan Media—without the financial support of men and women, moms and dads and grandparents, who want to ensure that the “church in the world” (cf. Gaudium et Spes) will always have a Franciscan character and witness. Like the under-construction-Portiuncula, the way forward for Franciscan Media requires a rebuilding process. In fact, rebuilding will be the ministry and future focus of our organization. I envision our future media resources directly supporting the work of rebuilding the spiritual lives of individuals, families, and those who minister to them with resources that present all the hope, love, and possibility for growth that is found in the gospel message, presented within a rebuild “curriculum”of sorts. More to come on this! Our resources need to be diverse in media, engaging, real, and practical. To pull this off, we will have to reforge some partnerships and establish new ones. We will have to draw on familiar and unfamiliar talent and resources; and we will have to do some things a little differently. I invite you to pray with me about the kind of rebuild your life needs right now. Another way to put this is: How do you need God right now? And how does God need you? These questions are derived from St. Francis’ own prayer before receiving the stigmata: Who are you, Lord? And who am I?

We made the hard decision to change Otter Creek to Mourning Dove Monuments & Memorials. We needed to make the business feel more ours. The mourning dove, with its gentle cooing and soft demeanor, is often associated with peace, love, and hope. After experiencing a loss, encountering a mourning dove might carry several symbolic meanings: 1. Comfort: The mourning dove's soothing presence may serve as a source of comfort during times of grief. Its gentle cooing can provide a sense of solace and reassurance that you are not alone in your sorrow. 2.Hope and Renewal: In many cultures, doves symbolize hope and renewal. Seeing a mourning dove after a loss could be interpreted as a sign that despite the pain of the present moment, there is still hope for healing and new beginnings in the future. 3. Spiritual Connection: Some people believe that encountering certain animals, like the mourning dove, is a sign of spiritual connection or communication from the divine. It may be interpreted as a message from a loved one who has passed on, offering guidance, support, or simply letting you know that they are watching over you. 4.Peace and Tranquility: The gentle presence of a mourning dove can evoke feelings of peace and tranquility. In the midst of grief and turmoil, seeing a mourning dove may remind you to seek moments of stillness and serenity to find inner peace.

Can you believe I'm still pushing this forking thing! I can hardly believe it myself. Well, my friends, it is still a damn good free book and any voluntary donations will still go to very worthy causes--and what else do you have to do right about now that's better than reading the kick-ass true story of a laughing, breathing corpse who is traveling around the world in search of truth, fun, the glow of universal love, and the shock of sacred depravity? So open the free copy right here and enjoy the reading before apocalyptic zombies come to eat your eyes. Call your neighborhood publisher or literary agent to tell them what they've been missing. Send it to your favorite ignoramus to help educate them or to your highest weed-saturated buzzbaby friend so they can enjoy the adventure. Send one to your sober spiritual friends too! They will get several good nods and giggles from it. Send it to people you love, just to tickle them--or to an asshole you hate, just to show how sweet, compassionate, and magnanimous you can be. Donate one to your church or crack-house library. Send one to your favorite politician or prostitute. Thank you for your support. p.s. You ask “Why would an author with two 5* books already selling give away his third and best work for free?” The answer is that you are more important than the money. https://lnkd.in/gC5pd8vm

The True Measure of A Man by George Nuthu The true measure of a person's impact often reveals itself at the end of their journey. When I was a church minister, I observed that the attendance and tributes at funerals directly reflect the deceased’s influence on those around them. People remember and talk about the relationships, kindness, and emotions they experienced with the departed, rather than their financial status or professional accomplishments. When conducting requiems for adults, I often noticed that the stories and tributes shared centered on personal interactions. People rarely mentioned the deceased’s net worth or dwell on their academic or professional achievements. Instead, they focused on how the deceased treated others and how they made them feel. Yesterday, such a poignant experience occurred during the memorial service for Dr Robert Kagiri, my mate in Westlands Primary School and Nairobi School (Patch). Seated among our Patcherian year mates, I listened as Robert’s children, siblings, relatives, schoolmates, and colleagues from Kiambu County government shared heartfelt memories. They spoke less on his material accomplishments and academic brilliance and much more on the profound and lasting impact he had on their lives and work. The wide range of attendees—from his immediate family to the Kiambu County Governor, cabinet members, Speaker, and three MCAs—underscored the extent of Robert's influence. In my pastoral role, I had occasionally seen such a diverse and heartfelt outpouring of love and respect, which spoke volumes about Robert's ability to touch lives on a deeply personal level. Robert’s life and the tributes at his memorial can be summarized through several key lessons: 1. Investing in People: Prioritizing time and resources toward relationships is more valuable than focusing solely on income-generating pursuits. 2. Connecting and Relating: Going the extra mile to build meaningful connections enriches both your life and the lives of others. 3. Openness and Accommodating Nature: Being receptive and inclusive opens doors to greater influence and lasting impact. 4. Emotional Resonance: People remember how you made them feel more than what you knew or said. 5. Using One’s Talents for Others: Leveraging your talents and gifts for the benefit of others creates a lasting and meaningful legacy. In the end, Robert’s life serves as a powerful reminder that our true legacy lies in the lives we touch and the emotions we stir in others. It is a testament to the fact that genuine human connections transcend professional and financial achievements, leaving a lasting imprint on the world.

Part 6 of the series It Begins with a Foundation. What are the marks of a shepherd? What is needed to build on the foundation God has begun in you? #ApostolicCommunity #accuratebuilding #foundation #biblestudy https://lnkd.in/dWWssdG3

WHAT BRINGS US TOGETHER Bill Click Part 2 Those who can be grateful to those who came before them can emulate what was done as a role model for how they themselves must conduct their own lives. And those who can be grateful to those who came before them can mourn its loss whenever occurring today. Whenever you lose something you know can never be authentically replaced, the heart condition has been created which brings honor and acknowledgment, albeit through personal pain. Such sobriety is not only highly appropriate, it is absolutely necessary in the world in which we live. When it comes right down to it, it is sacrificial life-giving service which paves the way for others which makes the difference in each and every life. Without it, we have no United States of America. To the degree our citizenry will live unto the Lord in the present and reproduce it in others by example, tutelage and endowment, this will remain to be seen in years to come. THE FOUNDATION FOR WHAT BRINGS US TOGETHER Remember: the foundation for such selfless serving and sacrificial life-giving is rooted in God by way of the giving of His son Jesus Christ to each and every one of us. This, in order that we might live forever with Him, no longer those in bondage under the elements of the world” as “children of wrath”(Gal.4:3; Eph.2:3). What brings us together as God’s people can never be separated from the operation of heaven on our behalf. To the degree we allow the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ be our unifying factor, we will never be truly defeated-even when we find ourselves concerned with matters of disagreement. By starting with God, we end up together! What brings us together as a nation can never be separated from others whom we cannot ever personally thank, yet it may very well include those near and dear to us. To the degree we allow their death- the result of sacrificial service- be our national unifying factor, we keep at the forefront what is necessary when finding ourselves in disagreement with one another. May what brings us together- all of us- be continually acknowledged as rooted in The One who has given us “eternal life” (Jn.3:16-17; 10:10). May what brings us together never be separated from the eternal impact Christ made on others which resulted in the model of sacrificial, life-giving service which has exemplified this nation. May it continue to be!

Soldier On “I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So, pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for Him, as I should.” – Ephesians 6:20 Chained. Imprisoned. Trapped. This was Paul’s predicament when he wrote Ephesians. Not the ideal place to conduct your mission from. Yet, Paul’s perspective was stronger than his predicament. He knew that his current situation wouldn’t be final considering eternity, and even if it would be final considering this life, he had to finish strong. He had to soldier on. You might feel trapped in, but you don’t have to tap out. You might be chained, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take charge. You might feel imprisoned, but you are still enlisted. So, soldier on. It’s not over yet. Paul pressed on with the end in mind. He still preached the Gospel, he still wrote church letters, he still prayed for believers everywhere, and he still invested his time and energy to boldly fulfill his mission. We, too, can endure like Paul, even if our specific missions may differ slightly. All of us have the responsibility of being and making disciples for Christ. But not all our contexts are the same. Not all of us have churches to plant and lead, although some of us reading this, do. Maybe you have a business to run or a project to complete. Maybe you have a family to lead with the love of God and a wife to pursue with the persistence of Christ. Maybe you have a team to coach or friends in need who you should support. Or maybe all the above applies to you, and the juggle has become too much… Paul was willing to suffer until he had given it all for his life’s mission. Many of us want to give up when the first sacrifice for our life’s mission is required. As men we may have different priorities and areas that need our attention, from work to family life, from hobbies to volunteer work or ministries. But we need to apply focused intention, and start being selective with what truly needs our attention. If an athlete is not focused on the finish line, or even the course set before him, he’ll go off track, miss the checkpoints and eventually lose his race. If a soldier is not committed to his mission, he will fail, he might possibly be discharged. Even worse, the failure might cost his life and the lives of others. It is with this focused intention that we read Paul’s writings today – both to the church in Ephesus and his spiritual son, Timothy. Whether you are weathered by the storms of life, like Paul, or starting out on your great endeavors, like Timothy. Whether you are giving guidance to the next generation or taking the baton from the former. You can soldier on and complete your mission as a godly man, husband, father, friend, and leader – wherever you are. Read 2 Timothy 2:3-10 & 2 Timothy 4:5-8

In our pursuit of cultivating pastoral resilience we have found that there is one key element each pastor needs to wisely navigate the burdens of ministry. Recognizing that stress and loneliness are weighing heavily on pastors our redemptive response is to build a privately curated portfolio of destinations where our pastors can rest. Having places where our pastors can disconnect from ministry and rest without cost is the need we are working to address. Our aim is to provide 'destinations worthy of our pastors'.™ Faithful pastors are models of selflessness and sacrifice. They regularly give of themselves for the good of others. And they regularly respond to emergencies outside of regular work hours. This can make it difficult for them to truly rest. Our desire is to identify 5-star destinations that are historic and/or distinct that want to set aside some nights/weeks for our pastors. We engage our pastors to determine their needs then connect them with a destination. Because of a community of generous supporters we cover the operating expenses of the destinations during our pastors visits so they decrease vacancy and get help in covering their costs. And we are able to invite pastors to rest without cost! If you know someone with a property who might be interested in being part of our ministry please point them to this online registration form. https://lnkd.in/eV6Ubsma To donate toward our effort to provide these respite retreats for our pastors please visit https://lnkd.in/ehzJRKcJ (Image: Mayhurst Estate in Orange, VA one of the destinations in our portfolio.)

WHAT BRINGS US TOGETHER Bill Click Part 2 Those who can be grateful to those who came before them can emulate what was done as a role model for how they themselves must conduct their own lives. And those who can be grateful to those who came before them can mourn its loss whenever occurring today. Whenever you lose something you know can never be authentically replaced, the heart condition has been created which brings honor and acknowledgment, albeit through personal pain. Such sobriety is not only highly appropriate, it is absolutely necessary in the world in which we live. When it comes right down to it, it is sacrificial life-giving service which paves the way for others which makes the difference in each and every life. Without it, we have no United States of America. To the degree our citizenry will live unto the Lord in the present and reproduce it in others by example, tutelage and endowment, this will remain to be seen in years to come. THE FOUNDATION FOR WHAT BRINGS US TOGETHER Remember: the foundation for such selfless serving and sacrificial life-giving is rooted in God by way of the giving of His son Jesus Christ to each and every one of us. This, in order that we might live forever with Him, no longer those in bondage under the elements of the world” as “children of wrath”(Gal.4:3; Eph.2:3). What brings us together as God’s people can never be separated from the operation of heaven on our behalf. To the degree we allow the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ be our unifying factor, we will never be truly defeated-even when we find ourselves concerned with matters of disagreement. By starting with God, we end up together! What brings us together as a nation can never be separated from others whom we cannot ever personally thank, yet it may very well include those near and dear to us. To the degree we allow their death- the result of sacrificial service- be our national unifying factor, we keep at the forefront what is necessary when finding ourselves in disagreement with one another. May what brings us together- all of us- be continually acknowledged as rooted in The One who has given us “eternal life” (Jn.3:16-17; 10:10). May what brings us together never be separated from the eternal impact Christ made on others which resulted in the model of sacrificial, life-giving service which has exemplified this nation. May it continue to be!

Easter Bunny, eggs, and a pinch of history ✨ Growing up Christian, Easter was all about hope and renewal. Yet, I never learnt the history behind the Easter Bunny. If you did not either, here's a summary of the summary: Eggs became a symbol in Christianity associated with rebirth as early as the 1st century AD via the iconography of the phoenix egg and they became associated with Easter specifically in medieval Europe when eating them was prohibited during the fast of Lent. On the other hand, the hare was associated with spring and fertility due to its prolific breeding habits. Spring festivals, celebrating the renewal of life and the fertility of the earth, often featured the hare. One of the most notable connections is with Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and dawn. The hare was considered to be Eostre’s sacred animal, symbolizing fertility and renewal. This association likely contributed to the hare's symbolic importance during springtime celebrations. The Easter Bunny, as we know it today, likely originated among the German Lutherans in the 18th century. They introduced the concept of an egg-laying hare called "Osterhase" or "Oschter Haws," which would deliver decorated eggs to well-behaved children on Easter morning. Children would eagerly prepare nests for the Osterhase, adorning them with leaves and flowers, hoping to find them filled with colored eggs. This tradition spread and evolved as German immigrants shared it with new communities, especially in America where it gained widespread popularity Today, the Easter Bunny symbolizes life's cycle of renewal and hope, especially when times are tough. Here's to embracing the quirky, the meaningful, and all the renewal this season brings. Happy Easter, everyone! May your days be filled with joy, color, and maybe a chocolate bunny or two. 🌷🐇🎨 🔍 Sources: 1. https://lnkd.in/d-M9Jaa4 2. https://lnkd.in/diJcyjvz