The Faith of a Child [Catholic Caucus]

Spiritual Friendship ^ | July 18, 2007 | Liz

[NYer]

Today was another beautiful day. Karim asked to be taken to the church to pray to Mary. He loves Mary. So we went to St. Michael's church, which is my parish. He prayed before the pieta statue. Then we went to the tabernacle. Ebtisam said they understand that Jesus is truly present in the tabernacle. We went up and Karim touched the tabernacle. Ebtisam said Karim would love to stay in the church all day and pray, so I told them we would stay as long as he wanted. God is doing something wonderful in their lives and I am happy to accommodate Him. He is speaking to the family through the faith and hope of a child. Jesus wants us all to have the innocent, trusting faith of a child. He said this more than once in the Scriptures. I see the beauty of this faith in Karim. I also see it in his mother. We also went outside to the grotto and prayed. We took some pictures. There are too many to share.

Afterwards, we went for a drive to the beach. On the way we stopped for ice cream. Did you know it is possible to eat an ice cream cone with no hands? I now know this. It is a very important skill! Ebtisam said she did not want any ice cream, but Father Antonio had told me the Lebanese people say "no" several times before they say "yes," so I bought her a huge ice cream cone anyway. She made it through about half the cone. We all laughed at the size of the cone. I think we are understanding each other pretty well, even without words. I had Ellen, the interprerter, say that we can love each other even without knowing the other person's language. Ebtisam agreed. She is my sister and I love her already.

My children absolutely love Karim. Today Laura played video games with him. He likes to listen to her sing, too. And did you know he can walk around the house on his elbows and knees much faster than I can walk? He goes up and down stairs, too. He doesn't let his handicap be a handicap. He accomplishes what he sets out to do. Andy is always telling me something funny that Karim did. He gets a big kick out of him. I am so happy that they are loving him, too. It makes me proud of my children. They have learned how to reach out in love to someone less fortunate. This is a wonderful opportunity for them at a young age. I thank God for this beautiful situation. I would do it again in a minute. Please keep prayers coming. Thanks.

[NYer]

Father Elfeghali comments from Lebanon

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"I live with angels"

When Liz called me yesterday, I talked to Karim's mother. She was very excited and happy.

She said, "I live with angels." She said this with great joy.

It reminded me of the people of Lystra or Malta.

At Lystra, when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they cried out in Lycaonian, "The gods have come down to us in human form." (Acts 14:11). And the priest of Zeus with the people intended to offer sacrifice. St. Paul and Barnabas shouted "Men, why are you doing this? We are of the same nature as you, human beings. We proclaim to you good news..." (Acts 14:15).

We are definitely not angels but human beings who are doing this in the name of Jesus.

Liz and her family are doing this in the name of Jesus.

[Gamecock]

***Karim asked to be taken to the church to pray to Mary.***

So RCs DO pray to Mary!

[Pyro7480]

This REALLY needs to be a Caucus thread. See post #3.

[marshmallow]

The story is about a handicapped child. However, for you apparently, the most salient point is a form of words which can be used to score a few more points against "RCs".

I believe a day is coming when you will look back on your particular contribution to this forum with unmitigated embarrassment.

I'm hoping those you've pinged will show a little more class.

[NYer]

So RCs DO pray to Mary!

First off, the child is Muslim. Secondly, as you know only too well from years of postings to this forum, Mary is an intercessor, as are the saints. Now, since you have taken the time to view this thread, I will ask you to pray for this child who is suffering from a rare illness - Olmstead's Syndrome. There are only 4 known cases in the world!

This Catholic mother of 5 has flown Karim and his family to the US to provide the child and his family with desperately needed medical assistance. Yesterday he met with a dermatologist who beleieves he can help Karim walk again. At the end of his first day, the American mom commented:

Finally, the greatest gift I received today was two kisses on my cheek from Karim. I feel like Jesus Himself planted those kisses on my cheek. Another taste of heaven!! Keep prayers coming. Liz

It took St. Francis many years before he could see Christ in a leper, and kiss him. As you can see, Catholics draw inspiration from the saints. Liz is living the message of Christ. Would that more christians did the same.

[Gamecock]

I wasn’t attacking the child but the unBiblical practice, or should I say the forbidden act, of praying to anyone outside of the Trinity.

[Gamecock]

Catholics draw inspiration from the saints.

I draw inspiration from Christ.

[Pyro7480]

See post #4.

[Religion Moderator]

I’ve added the caucus protection. However, if you’d like for it to be an open thread just let me know.

[Pyro7480]

I'm hoping those you've pinged will show a little more class.

Well, thanks to the Admin Moderator, this is now a Caucus thread, so it is a moot point.

[Pyro7480]

Thanks!

[NYer]

Thank you!

[Gamecock]

Well, thanks to the Admin Moderator, this is now a Caucus thread

Since it is a "closed thread" please stop pinging me, unless I have been granted some exemption that is....

Also questioning someones "class" seems to border on qualifying as personal attack.

[Pyro7480]

Marshmallow made the comment originally, not I. The comment involved you, so I thought it was proper to ping you.

[Gamecock]

Wht would you ping me to a closed thread?

PLEASE STOP PINGING ME.

[Pyro7480]

Just explaining. Sheesh.

[Gamecock]

Just explaining. Sheesh

Let me explain: This is a closed thread. I am not welcome here. Please do not post to me on this thread again.

Thank you.

[Salvation]

You know that’s not true. The author will get informed someday.

[Gamecock]

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