my Articulate Heart

In a world searching for identity, many find themselves caught between two extremes: shame and pride. These are not mere emotions but deep-seated responses to a fundamental deprivation of Agape, the unconditional, life-giving love of God. On one end, shame convinces people they are unworthy and broken beyond repair. On the other, pride masquerades as empowerment, urging people to claim their woundedness as their identity. The LGBT movement, at its core, operates on this extreme end of pride—reacting against shame, yet unknowingly reinforcing the very deprivation that caused it. Shame: The Lie That We Are Unworthy Shame is a powerful force. It tells a person that they are flawed at their very core, unworthy of love and acceptance. Many who struggle with their identity—especially in areas of sexuality—have experienced deep wounds, often from childhood. Rejection, abandonment, abuse, or the absence of affirmation can leave a person with a distorted self-image, believing that they are ...

In a world where confusion is celebrated as truth and disorder is disguised as authenticity, the modern gender ideology stands as one of the most striking examples of spiritual deception. The Catholic Church teaches that human dignity is rooted in our creation in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). Our identity as male and female is not an arbitrary social construct but a divine gift. Yet, powerful influences have worked tirelessly to dismantle this truth, leading countless souls into confusion and bondage. This movement is not merely about "inclusion" or "equality"—it is a deliberate attempt to redefine human nature itself. Worse still, global lobbying efforts have ensured that laws and policies now reinforce these deceptions, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to seek true healing in Christ. A Cleverly Disguised Deception Satan is the father of lies, and his strategy has always been to distort God's truth. Jesus warned us: "He was ...

The desire for nourishment is one of the most primal instincts in every human being. From the moment a child is born, it knows without instruction where to turn for sustenance—its mother’s breast. In certain tribal cultures, this truth is vividly demonstrated. Newborns are placed on their mother’s stomach, and without guidance, they instinctively crawl upwards to latch onto the breast. It’s not just a physical act of feeding; it’s a profound moment of connection. When the baby nurses, it receives more than nourishment—it feels loved, wanted, and valued. Mothers, attuned to their babies’ cries, know exactly what their child needs. This intimate exchange of life and love is a microcosm of the larger truths about human desire and fulfillment. But what happens when this natural desire is unmet? Often, a baby resorts to sucking its thumb—a substitute. The thumb cannot nourish, it cannot fulfill the child’s needs, and it doesn’t convey love or value. Instead, it forms a compulsive habit, a p...

We all carry within us a profound yearning—an ache that words struggle to capture. It’s a groaning of the soul, a deep longing that intensifies as we search for meaning, fulfillment, and purpose in our lives. Despite our relentless pursuit of satisfaction—whether through achievements, relationships, or material gains—there remains an unsettling sense of incompleteness. This dissatisfaction reveals something deeper, something beyond the fleeting satisfaction of earthly things. It is the cry of our hearts, longing for a connection with the divine, an invitation to embrace the fullness of who we were created to be. Have you ever felt a gnawing desire for something more—a deeper love, a clearer truth, or a beauty that takes your breath away yet leaves you still yearning? These longings are universal, etched into the very fabric of our being. And yet, no matter how much we achieve or acquire, we find ourselves hungry for more. Why is that? As St. Augustine wrote, “You have made us for y...

The connection between the one-flesh union of man and woman in the covenant of marriage and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist is profound and mysterious. One is a sign of the other, a sacramental revelation of human love ascending to divine love—an eros that is transfigured into agape. Drawing from the Theology of the Body, the Song of Songs, St. John of the Cross, and sacramental theology, let us explore this divine mystery. Advance Preparations In both marriage and the Eucharist, preparation is essential. The bride’s advance preparations symbolize the soul’s readiness to encounter God. Prayer becomes the bride’s ascent to meet the divine Bridegroom, and confession cleanses the heart, making it worthy to receive the Eucharist. Just as a bride undergoes a ritual bath before entering the bridal chamber, so too the use of holy water signifies spiritual cleansing and renewal. The Bridal Chamber The preparation of the altar mirrors the preparations for the marital union. The altar clot...

Have you ever felt like you and your loved ones are speaking different "languages" when it comes to expressing affection? Dr. Gary Chapman’s The 5 Love Languages offers a simple yet powerful framework to bridge these gaps, ensuring your expressions of love truly resonate with others. Each person has a primary "love language"—the way they feel most loved and appreciated. Understanding these can transform relationships, making love more intentional and impactful. Here’s a quick look at the five love languages: 1. Words of Affirmation For some, words hold the most power. Compliments, kind words, and verbal encouragement make them feel deeply valued. Whether it’s saying, “I’m proud of you,” or “You mean the world to me,” these affirmations fuel their emotional tank. Be sincere, and avoid harsh words—they can hurt deeply. 2. Acts of Service Actions speak louder than words for those who value this language. Simple acts like making dinner, running errands, or helping with ...

In his seminal work Love and Responsibility, St. John Paul II offers profound insights into human love, emphasizing the need to elevate it beyond fleeting emotions and desires. He identifies three dimensions of attraction—sensual, sentimental, and spiritual—that interplay in relationships, shaping how we approach love and commitment. Understanding these aspects can help us move beyond superficiality to discover the depth and beauty of true love. 1. Sensual Attraction: The Power of the Senses Sensual attraction is the most immediate and instinctive form of attraction, rooted in our physical nature. It is the response to the beauty of the other’s body, tied to their masculinity or femininity. This kind of attraction is not inherently wrong—it is part of human nature—but it is limited in scope. St. John Paul II warns that when sensual attraction becomes the sole foundation of a relationship, it can lead to objectification. In such cases, the other person is valued primarily for the physic...