Our Spiritual Legacy Friday, Feb 24 2023 

Everyday Life and Faith and Prayer , , , , , Mary K. Doyle 10:00 am

When we reflect on the legacy we hope to leave behind, we typically think of professional achievements and objects acquired. Our self-importance is evaluated in relation to our job title and awards won. We are proud owners of financial investments, large homes, and fast and fancy cars. We show off designer wardrobes and accessories. And we love to talk about our exotic vacations.

But how often do we consider our spiritual legacy? How well do we represent our faith in our daily life, talk to younger generations about our spiritual experiences, or pray in public, such as at work or on public transportation?

For Christians, Lent, and actually, spring for everyone, is a fabulous time of year to ponder our spiritual legacy. It’s the perfect occasion for spiritual renewal and growth through reflection and study of sacred scripture and saintly writings.

One way to do this is through something called faithbooking, which is a type of spiritual scrapbooking or journaling. Some of the things we might include in this project are noting the rites in which we participated such as baptism, confirmation, or bar mitzvah. We also might write about times when we felt closest to God, saints, and angels or believed we were especially blessed, the prayers that were miraculously answered, and also how we pray. We may write about our favorite devotions and the people who helped us grow in faith.

Sharing such details may feel too personal. Yet we live in an age when nothing seems off the record, so why would we hold back on sharing our intimate relationship with our Lord?

***Have you read The Rosary Prayer by Prayer, Grieving with Mary, Fatima at 100. Fatima Today, St. Theodora and Her Promise to God, or Young in the Spirit.

*Photo: Fox River, Illinois

 

Young in the Spirit Thursday, Jun 13 2013 

Everyday Life and Health and Perspective , , , , , Mary K. Doyle 10:26 am

Young in Sprit cover 4-22-2013 - Copy

Research shows a list of factors that contribute toward longevity and vitality. Genetics, a strong social network, balanced nutrition, exercise, limited stress, optimism, and a sense of humor all contribute.

A solid spiritual foundation also is of key importance. Studies confirm that people with a strong faith can indeed live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Spirituality promotes not only longer living but better living as well, because when the spirit is strong, the mind and body are strengthened as well. We can get through the challenges of aging and caregiving easier when we ride on the wings of faith.

My newest book, Young in the Spirit. Spiritual Strengthening for Seniors and Caregivers, was just released. The book explores some of the ways in which we can build on our faith, especially in our senior years or while caregiving. Topics include, making personal prayers and devotions part of our daily routine, participating in a faith community, serving and caring for seniors, reaching for the Lord in our suffering and loss, and sharing our spiritual story.

I wrote Young in the Spirit because I found books for the general reader on the combination of faith and aging, as well as such a resource for caregivers, to be limited.  The book is short and easy-to-read at only 125 pages but contains a lot to contemplate. It is written from a Christian, specifically Catholic, viewpoint as a caregiver and one who is fast approaching the senior years.

Copies can be ordered from:

©Mary K. Doyle

 

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