Motherbrain

I'm an Episcopalian. I've only been going to the church for five years or so, but I'm pretty sure it's where we're supposed to be. I've gone to a lot of different churches and denominations throughout my life, and I've come to really love the rhythm and dialogue of the Episcopal church. One of the things that strikes me almost every week is a line in the Eucharist (Rite II) that our priest says while he's offering up the elements. “Unity, constancy and peace.” To me, that is the core of the Christian faith. Unity: We don't all agree. In fact, one of the draws of the denomination is that most people will not agree with your personal theology. You find touch points here and there with everyone, but there's an individuality that allows for the pull and stretch of the muscles of the Body of Christ. It's less of a balance and more of a pull between the two, giving each believer a place somewhere along the continuum of id...

This summer has been rough for us financially, and I've been thinking a lot about how we as a nation relate to those who are less fortunate than we are.  The solution as many see it is to have government programs that will feed, clothe and take care of those "below the poverty line" to increase their standard of living until they're not in the same position anymore.  A discussion with my children fomented this post.  By its very nature, need is unfair.  I don't have the same needs as you do. My family does not have the same needs as yours.  Keep that in mind for a moment.  Our government, at least the constitutional republic we live in, is based on the principles of fairness and equality.  Every person is given the same rights and privileges as a citizen of the United States.  So, when the government hands out food and money, it must be fair. Even when there are levels of need, the government hands out the same amount of money to the people w...