December Food for Thought

Hello again, everyone.

Welcome to my December 2024 By My Side post. With Christmas and New Year’s around the corner, I wanted to share some wisdom for you to reflect upon as we finish off 2024 and head into 2025.

For all of you navigating life after separation or divorce, it can feel like a battle between conflicting voices—what the world tells us and what God calls us to. For Catholics, staying grounded in faith means recognizing the contrast between cultural norms and God’s truths. Here are twelve key differences to help you reflect on what really matters and stay aligned with God’s plan for you.

1. The culture says, marry the person you love. God says, love the person you marry.
2. The culture says, love is a feeling. God says, love is a choice.
3. The culture says, if you find the right person, you will be happy. God says, if you become the right person, you’ll be happier.
4. The culture says, when it gets hard, get a divorce. God says, when it gets hard, lean on Me and each other.
5. The culture says, follow your heart. God says, guard your heart and be faithful.
6. The culture says, pursue your own happiness. God says, put your spouse’s needs above your own.
7. The culture says, forgiveness is for the weak. God says, forgive others as I have forgiven you.
8. The culture says, truth is relative—live your truth. God says, I am the way, the truth, and the life.
9. The culture says, assert your independence. God says, abide in Me, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
10. The culture says, store up treasures on earth to secure your future. God says, store up treasures in heaven, where they will last forever.
11. The culture says, celebrate self-expression. God says, clothe yourself in humility and reflect My image.

And finally…

12. The culture says, success is measured by wealth and power. God says, the greatest among you will be your servant.

In the end, what really matters is living a life rooted in God’s truth, where His love and guidance bring peace, healing, and purpose—even through life’s hardest trials.

A few thoughts to ponder this Christmas season. May our Lord’s blessings shine upon all of you and your families. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Love always,
MJ xo