Inner Beauty

Photo Credit: statelinesptgds.com

Today, it seems to be harder than ever to find a person who will take the time to get to know someone simply for their personality. Appearances are valued far more than personal qualities are. I could go on and on about how this is so prominent in society, but I think most readers know this, and could relate firsthand to this issue. Instead, I am going to focus on how this issue affects many of us.

The Emotocoaster and Emotional Chastity

I would like to share an article that describes perfectly what emotional chastity is and what it is not. The author of this article actually lives in Atchison, KS! Her husband teaches at Benedictine College. This article is written in a perspective for girls, but guys can also read it and understand some of the same types of concepts. 

Sarah Swafford describes emotional virtue (or chastity) in this way, "Emotional virtue is all about realigning our own hearts in hopes of realigning our relationships with one another. Emotions are not bad and shouldn’t be suppressed. Emotions and passions are good and give us zeal and “fire” for life! But if we aren’t in control of our emotions (harnessing them and training them) then they will control us; and when they control us, we are no longer free to love. Emotional virtue, therefore, frees us to truly love with an undivided heart." The following article discusses a lot of modern concepts and puts them into perspective. It is an entertaining and cute article, but it also discusses a lot of important issues in today's social climate.

Here is the link to The Emotocoaster! Enjoy!

Nude Art versus Pornography

Photo Credit: Patrick Landy

I have heard many questions inquiring about the Church's views on nude art. The Church actually has a very simple answer for this inquiry: the ethos of the image and the ethos of seeing. St. Pope John Paul II said, "[There is] a reciprocal circuit which takes place between the image and the seeing, between the ethos of the image and the ethos of seeing. The creation of the image, in the broad and differentiated sense of the term, imposes on the author, artist, or reproducer, obligations not only of an aesthetic, but also of an ethical nature. In the same way, 'looking,' is understood according to the same broad analogy, imposes obligations on the one who is the recipient of the work."

Being Single: Not a Curse, Rather an Opportunity

Photo Credit: unsplash.com

A few weeks ago, I went to my cousin's wedding in Houston, Texas. It was so much fun! My cousin's bride was breathtaking; her dress was beautiful and she looked stunning. For most of the night, I was with my other cousin, whose boyfriend was with her at the reception. As with most weddings, a question was asked of me, "Are you single?" (This question actually means, "Do you have a special person in your life right now?") I replied, smiling guiltily, "Yup, I'm single."

Theology of the Body on YouTube

I was first introduced to this video via chastityproject.com and I thought it was very funny. A lot of the ideas of the Theology of the Body are reflected in this video. There is also a video for guys, too.