Audrey Assad

This advent season I have been touched by a song by an artist I wasn't familiar with. Her name is Audrey Assad. Today I discovered she is a convert to Catholicism, from an protestant background. Her faith journey is inspirational to me. Listen to the song by watching the video below and you will probably find yourself as moved as I was.

Patriarch Bartholomew

I have great admiration for this man. He is a great example of what Christ represented in the world: suffering for his faith which promotes peace, unity, and love.

As the Patriarch shares his struggle, I am reminded of the words of Christ, sung during Orthodox Divine Liturgy:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven" (Matthew 5:3-12)

The video is divided into part 1 and part 2.

kathryn should have won sytycd season 6!