Author: Julie Lotarski Page 6 of 11

The One Word the Devil Controls us with

On May 31, 2023

They say there’s a grain of truth in every joke. If that’s true, C.S. Lewis’s satirical classic, The Screwtape Letters, should have all of us taking a good long look in the mirror.

The premise of the book revolves around a man living during the time of World War 2. This man is unbeknownst to the multiple demons fighting to corrupt his soul into the eternal damnation of Hell. As I turn each page I picture the classic depiction of an angel on one shoulder, a devil on the other. Perhaps the red horns, tights and tail of the iconic devil in our minds makes it just comical enough for us to brush off as make-believe, but is it?

C.S. Lewis shines light on some of our greatest flaws as humans. It is interesting that we tend to associate the devil with temptation, when in actuality the road to hell isn’t much of a road at all, but more of a stop sign. If you think about it, the devil tells us what NOT to do more than what TO do.

“Don’t.”

There is a lot of power within this four-lettered contraction.

Think about all of the things you make excuses in your head to not do which are truly good for you.

Don’t workout, sleep-in instead.

Don’t go to church, keep watching tv.

Don’t eat that salad, these chips are so much better!

Are we sure money is the root of all evil, or is it complacency?

To think, if we could just silence that little excuse maker in our minds, we would be unstoppable!

“You can’t.”

That’s another game changer.

“It’s too hard.”

The list goes on.

“Other people can do that, but not you.”

Now I’m not saying all this negativity comes from the devil, but I’m also not saying it doesn’t…

All I’m saying is that perhaps there’s a reason people are still talking about this religious satire originally published over 80 years ago. Afterall, eternity never goes out of style.

Everything I know about Satan I learned from a pagan boy.

By Julie Lotarski

On May 26, 2023

In Book Talks

Before the horror of the 1994 Rwandan genocide set forth, there were a plethora of teenagers receiving apparitions of both the Virgin Mary and Jesus in Africa. In what seemed like one last “Hail Mary” attempt to save the human race from themselves, a select few were chosen to steer mankind back towards the path of heaven.

In Immaculée Ilibagiza’s fourth book, The Boy who met Jesus, we meet one Segatashya, who was impoverished, illiterate and completely ignorant of Christianity, yet was able to ask Jesus face-to-face the questions most of us have pondered our entire lives.

While reading through the conversations Segatashya had with Jesus, I was most surprised by how often Satan entered the dialogue. In all honesty, I feel like we tend to downplay Satan. I’ve come to realize in recent years how many people have either forgotten about Satan or simply don’t believe. Which to me is baffling, and most likely exactly what he wants.

On one account of Segatashya’s mission through the Conga, he describes a group of bandits running onto a moving train. They robbed, they rapped they murdered while howling like rabid animals. How can acts so savage occur without some demonic presence?

So, what could Segatashya’s conversations with Jesus tell us about events such as these?

One such recorded passage reads:

“When God created man, Satan, in his jealousy and loneliness, set out to destroy mankind’s relationship with God. Ever since mankind’s creation, Satan has been hoping to trick humanity with lies and temptation, hoping that man will love the sin of the devil more than the goodness of God.

Satan hates suffering in isolation and, rather than be alone, tries to lead as many souls as he can away from the light of God’s Love and into wickedness and evil. Satan wants man to suffer with him, to be cursed as he is cursed-for there is no suffering greater than to live without God’s love. Satan knows how much God loves mankind, and that gives him even more pleasure when he corrupts a human soul. He wants God to suffer as he does.

Remember this, my child, God’s love and light are the only safeguard against evil and eternal darkness…tell all those who will listen to prepare their hearts for the Day of Judgement, for the last days of Earth draw near. Satan is the author of all lies and is not to be trusted; he has been trying to separate mankind from God’s love since Adam and Eve.” (p. 108-109).

Satan is the author of all lies and is not to be trusted.
Jesus

So, what do I make of this? The devil is real, and the devil should be feared. Not just for how the devil may attack our earthly lives but our eternal lives as well. I do not think Satan separates souls from God in one large ambush, but from many small, consistent attacks.

Concentration camps, human trafficking, ethnic cleansing- perpetrators of such atrocities started off as ordinary men and women. The pain human beings can become capable of inflicting upon each other is truly terrifying. Luckily, the power of love and compassion we as a people possess are stronger than evil.

Just think, if we could all humble ourselves enough to listen to the words of a lowly bean-farmer, pagan turned warrior for Christ, the devil might not even stand a chance!

The Boy who met Jesus: Segatashya of Kibeho

By Julie Lotarski

On May 24, 2023

In Book Talks

How would you like to live in a mud hut, sleep on the floor, and consume a diet of meager beans? Segatashya of Kibeho did, and his sister Christine described him as “one of the happiest boys you could ever hope to meet.” Kind of gives new meaning to that old Abraham Lincoln quote, “Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.”

Immaculée Ilibagiza’s fourth book focuses on an illiterate pagan shepherd boy, so malnourished that at the age of 15 he still resembled a young child. Yet Jesus selected Segatashya as His warrior to save souls. Against all odds he traveled Africa begging people to turn their hearts to Jesus and repent for their sins. He was granted the gift of tongues as the holy spirit aided him in preaching in multiple languages, he survived assassination attempts as well as two years in the perilous Congo and endured extreme suffering before meeting his fate with a firing squad during the Rwandan holocaust.

When reading of the savage rapes and murders taking place in Africa during this time, it is terrifying to think what Satan is capable of when allowed into our hearts. One might wonder then what was so special about Segatashya, that Jesus selected him to essentially battle the devil. Was it the purity of his soul or the humility of his roots? I would argue it’s both.

One might think that a penniless and illiterate pagan could never teach them anything about religion. On the contrary, not only did Jesus teach Segatashya prayers and bible stories those of us with advanced degrees would not be able to recite by heart, He used Segatashya’s inquisitive innocence to give answers to our most pressing questions about life and death, heaven and hell.

Lately, I have found that reading stories of the most faithful helps me learn to imitate their passion. Essentially, it’s like praying on steroids. So, if you’re in need of a turbo boost to jump start your heart, grab a copy of this book and read how Jesus answers this boy’s questions. If you doubt the sincerity of this young boy, I promise after you set your sight on his sweet smile and innocent eyes, you will find him to be one of the greatest miracles of modern history.

The Serenity of the Cemetery

By Julie Lotarski

On May 15, 2023

In Easter 2023

A few plots down from our headstone rests a small plaque that reads, “If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.” Every time I read it, I’m jealous I didn’t buy it first because it perfectly describes how I feel about my angel daughters. Then I wonder how tacky I would look if I copied my eternal neighbor’s decorum and purchased the same one.

Growing up the only perceptions of a cemetery I had originated from the séance scenes in Now and Then and superstitions about holding your breath. It wasn’t until my husband and I were put in the unique position of selecting our burial plots in our thirties, that I ever spent much time in one. After our daughter London died, we decided to purchase our burial plots so that she could be laid to rest along with us. It took me YEARS to finalize approval for the headstone, during which time I would aimlessly wander around our cemetery reading other headstones, looking at graphic designs, and getting ideas.

When it comes to real estate all you hear is, location, location, location, and the same goes for the property of your final resting place. What’s your proximity to the nearest tree, statue or building? Who are your neighbors? Which families take care of their “yards” and whose are neglected?

As to be expected in a cemetery most of the “residents” are elderly couples you will find with engravings such as, “devoted wife” or “loving father.” However, my heart would periodically break when I noticed an unusually short time span listed and immediately wonder what happened. Of course, the writer in me wants to know everyone’s backstory.

What surprises me is how much I have grown to enjoy my time at the cemetery. To me my daughters are saints and touching that piece of granite is like touching the holiest of relics. I like to think I will receive special graces for visiting and that my prayers will be heard more intently.

I find it interesting to observe the visitors. Some people come and go quickly as they drop off a memento or a bouquet. Others bring chairs and camp out for a while as if they are bringing the party to the deceased. Of course, there are the busy times, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day always see the most activity. I wonder how often people go, who gets the most visitors, and which headstones have been all but abandoned.

Sometimes I think about staying a while, packing a picnic or reading a book, but then I worry what people will think. Is that weird? Taboo? I know people who are terrified of cemeteries. I also know children who think going to the cemetery is the most natural thing in the world. So, I guess the cemetery is an “anything goes” type place and if it’s any consolation dead people most likely don’t judge.

I used to fret about how to walk through the aisles. Was there a social etiquette to follow? The last thing I wanted was to disrespect the departed, but now I think as long as you come in love that’s not possible.

In turn I have come to realize that the cemetery is not a scary place to be feared, but a divine atmosphere to be appreciated. With the sanctity of our loved ones, perhaps it’s the closest thing we have to heaven on earth.

So, if there is a certain someone you have been contemplating paying your respects to, go for it. Pull up a chair, take your coat off, stay a while, I guarantee you will be happy you did.

The Two Popes: Movie Discussion Guide

By Julie Lotarski

On April 27, 2023

In Saints

Storyline: Based on true events, The Two Popes, provides a window into the election of the conclave as well as insights into the souls of two holy sovereigns. Vastly different, yet both of unwavering faith, we watch and imagine the details of the controversial change in power from conservative Pope Benedict XVI shifted to the liberal .

Objective: This movie will no doubt draw you closer to God and give you chills as you watch! Prepare yourself for this spiritual experience by contemplating the following questions/ topics as you watch!

Click here to download guide.

If you missed my previous post reviewing this movie click here.

The Two Popes: Why 1.3 Billion Catholics MUST watch this movie!

By Julie Lotarski

On April 25, 2023

In Book Talks, Movie Talks

If you are like me, you probably have a hard time humanizing the profoundly holy such as popes, saints, and even Jesus Christ. You might picture the current pope as an aloof head of state associated with much pomp and circumstance but have not really thought much about this man of the cloth. In the 2019 Drama/Comedy, The Two Popes, we are given a window into the election of the conclave as well as insights into the souls of two holy sovereigns. Although Anthony Hopkins (Pope Benedict XVI) and Jonathan Pryce (Pope Francis) portray religious leaders with vastly different viewpoints, their mutual love for God and the Roman Catholic church is unmistakable.

Pope Benedict XVI is described as a rottweiler, protecting the House of God, resisting reform of the church at all costs, as he insists his job is to defend 2,000 years of tradition. Pope Francis is seen as a proponent of reform and believes that even God is constantly changing. Ultimately, in the end, we understand that these vastly different individuals are in fact fighting for the same team and that is what I believe the 1.3 billion Catholics in the world today need to remember.

I have a friend. She is smart, up to date with current events and educated in her church history. By no means does she agree with everything the church does yet remains devoutly Catholic. Her dedication inspires me. She is not complacent, she has not “given up” nor has she traded her beliefs. She simply has a steadfast faith and is willing to invest her time and prayers in an institution which serves as the largest non-government provider of education and medical services in the world. We can all learn from her just as we can learn a valuable lesson portrayed in The Two Popes.

As the faithful continue to dwindle today as if our religion is something that can easily be abandoned for disagreements with the church, it is essential to remember we are in fact all on the same team. We don’t always have to agree with each other, and the church does not have to perfectly align with our perceptual framework to maintain our Catholic community.

Throughout history the Catholic church has served as a safe haven for the sick and the poor, for refugees, orphans, and lepers. The Catholic church can and does help millions of people worldwide. Though each pontiff may have his own methods, The Two Popes will renew your faith in the divine path that leads to this role. All you need to know to decide if this movie is worth watching can be answered with the number of chills I felt during viewing it. Honestly, I lost count.

*I encourage you all to watch this movie this weekend on Netflix (or read the book!). Check back on my next post to download the discussion guide!

The Power of (Other People’s) Prayers

By Julie Lotarski

On April 22, 2023

In Easter 2023

Even during the times, I struggled to pray, I would never turn down prayers from others. Some religious denominations will criticize Catholics for praying to the Virgin Mary or the saints and call it idolatry, but as Catholics we simply understand the power of other people’s prayers.

As I held my nine-week-old daughter in the hospital while she took her last breath, I swear to you I could FEEL people’s prayers. For in that tragic moment, I felt such an overwhelming sense comfort and peace, I knew it had to be coming from out of this world.

I’ll admit, in recent years I have struggled to pray, not because I didn’t believe but because I didn’t understand. I would cringe whenever someone asked me to pray, silently rating the priority of their prayers. A child with cancer? For that I could pray. An 88-year-old having open-heart surgery? I think we all know he’s on borrowed time.

I’m not so much a fan of the “gimme” prayers. For example, the “help me land this job” or “cure me from this ailment” style of petition. Frankly I just don’t think it works that way. So, I have conceded to pray for the more conceptual. Such as more love, less evil in the world and guide people to do Your will.

Are all prayers created equal? I would argue not.

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.” James 5:16

The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.
James 5:16

Think about it, if you’re entering a war zone, you want a Jack Reacher at your side, am I right? Similarly, if I’m desperate for God’s attention, I’m calling on the forces at will that most have His ear, aka the holiest people I know on this earth and the saints I most adore in heaven.

In my mind the hierarchy of prayers goes something like this:

Children’s Prayers
Prayers for Others
Prayers for Ourselves

To think, what a beautiful world could it be if we all stopped thinking of our own wants and needs and solely focused on praying for each other? If there is a constant war of good versus evil in the universe, could our prayers serve as the ammunition needed to finally defeat Satan?

I challenge you now to go say a decade or even just one “Hail Mary” for someone in particular. Although I’m sure you will not stop at one, for just like Pringles, “Once you pop (pray), you can’t stop.”

In fact, I believe in the power of praying for others so much, I’ll offer you this. Comment “Done” after this post if you have subscribed to my email list, and I will personally pray an entire decade for YOU! Afterall, free food and free prayers are two things you never want to turn down!

10 Catalysts to my Writing

By Julie Lotarski

On April 20, 2023

In Saints

As a child I loved to pretend. In fact, I played with my beanie babies, barbies, and American girl dolls long after it was socially acceptable…
My teachers often complained of my “daydreaming” at parent-teacher conferences.
My website is titled “MEL” as an acronym for my angel daughters Mary Ella and London, since I believe they guide me in my writing.
I began blogging after I realized the therapeutic effects while writing my daughter’s eulogy.
Although my website is based on my Catholic faith, I have struggled to accept it in recent years, and have even pondered if I should convert to another religion.
I LOVE writing but I HATE figuring out the technical side with WordPress, SEO, email marketing, etc.
When I get writer’s block, I pray.
I attribute my skills as a writer to my high school creative writing teacher (shout out to Mrs. Mikuska) who most students dreaded because she was so critical, but without her I don’t believe I would be half the writer I am today.
The “high” I get when I complete a blogpost I am proud of, is unlike anything else!
In my dream world I make a decent living as a freelance writer where I pick up a coffee as I drive to my makeshift office at the library to “work.”

To learn more please visit my About Me page!

Movie Talk: Mary Magdalene (2018)

By Julie Lotarski

On April 16, 2023

In Movie Talks, Saints

Let’s dive into the controversial 2018 film starring Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix , Mary Magdalene.

Fictional biblical dramas are often highly criticized for any detail which slightly varies from the gospel narratives. The faithful can be quick to become defensive. For me personally, while watching the 2018 film Mary Magdalene, I quickly became enthralled in the “what ifs?” Which I do not believe is a bad thing.

We learn the basic timeline of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection from the New Testament, but many details are left a mystery. We know a group of 12 men joined Jesus as His apostles, but we do not know much about them other than perhaps their names, former occupation and origins. In the movie Mary Magdalene, we see the one possible theory of character development for the apostles Peter and Judas. Although the movie was titled Mary Magdalene I couldn’t stop thinking about Judas as I watched it. Again, it is important to note that the movie is a fictionalized drama, yet it is thought-provoking to ponder the motivations of the infamous betrayer of Jesus.

Judas’s character is immediately introduced as sweet and likeable, even if naïve. While the other men of the group are standoffish toward Mary Magdalene, he is the one who befriends her. In his first conversations with her we learn that his wife and daughter died as a result of King Herod’s harsh tax laws. Though as he speaks to Mary Magdalene about this tragedy, he is shockingly upbeat. Why? Because when Jesus speaks of the new “Kingdom” he takes it literally and truly believes his wife and daughter will be brought back to life here on earth and they will all live happily ever after.

For being one of the twelve and for as forgiving as Jesus is, it is somewhat surprising that all we think of when it comes to Judas is his betrayal. All we know for certain is that Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, later regretted his decision, and hanged himself. The movie depicts an interesting theory of “why.” While history has (and perhaps for warranted reasons) villainized Judas, Mary Magdalene humanizes Judas. He is not a man motivated by money, yet he truly believes is serving as a catalyst, expediting the promises of Jesus that his suffering has long caused him to misunderstand. Frankly, the viewer cannot help but feel sorry for the man.

Through the movie Mary Magdalene is elevated as the one woman in a group of men who truly understands the messages Jesus speaks. Peter for example, seems to believe Jesus’ followers will overthrow the Roman empire and serve more or less as soldiers. It appears some people find offense to the negative portrayal of Peter in this film but come on, if Mary Magdalene can be inaccurately depicted as a prostitute for 1,400 years, Peter can handle his slightly less than perfect representation in one movie.

If one watches the movie ready to nit-pick every biblical inaccuracy, they will sadly miss the objective. In large what we know for certain about Mary Magdalene, is that she was the minority sex following Jesus, she was present at His death and burial, and she was the first person He appeared to after His resurrection. Therefore, what we can deduce about Mary Magdalene is that she was brave, loyal, and very special to Jesus. Can you even imagine as a woman in the first century, leaving the safety of your family to follow an unknown rabbi and a group of men? Mary Magdalene had the strength and conviction to follow her instinct to grow her relationship with God. How does the world repay her? By deducing her to a prostitute, mistress, or temptress of Jesus.

To me the film affirms that message our world needs to be reminded of the most: Jesus did view women as equals and women were indeed critical to the early Christian church. Similar to any book turned movie, no film about the bible is every going to get it completely right. You can take it at face value and use it as a tool that instigates your imagination to study the bible, or you can cry blasphemy as you sit in fear for what elevating an early female leader of the Christian church means to us today. Watch it for yourself and let your heart decide. To watch on Amazon Prime click here.

Our Lady of Kibeho

By Julie Lotarski

On April 14, 2023

In Saints

There’s a sign hanging in my parents’ house that reads, “OMG my mother was right about EVERYTHING!” Nick Kroll also has a very relatable comedy sketch about the short fuses we all have with the women who raised us. Our poor mothers seem to get the brunt of everything, and we never want their advice, but if you’re a mom, don’t feel too bad, the glorified mother of the world seems to be ignored in the same way.

As I read Immaculée Ilibagiza detail the story of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s eight year stretch of apparitions to three young students in the remote village of Kibeho, Africa, all I could think was, “Why did we not listen?!”

A total of eight young people experienced visions of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ in Kibeho, Africa, but the book primarily focuses on the first three of whom the Vatican has officially recognized. Their names are Alphonsine, Anathalie and Marie-Claire.

One of the things I find very interesting in Marian apparitions, is learning about the individuals of whom Mary chooses to receive this phenomenon. Some seem to prove “worthy,” others perhaps to serve a purpose. Whatever the reason, it is in no way random, but appears to all be part of a carefully constructed plan.

What I also find interesting is that the Marion apparitions of Kibeho were not brief, one-time occurrences. The visions lasted in Kibeho from 1981-1989 during which time hundreds of thousands of pilgrims traveled to Kibeho to witness the visionaries. During this time the Virgin Mary was clear with her message: pray the rosary, come back to God and rid your hearts of hate. Her warning was also as straightforward as can be, fail to rid your hearts of hatred and destruction will ensue. She even sent messages to be relayed to government officials urging them to end discriminatory ethnic laws.

Unfortunately, in the Spring of 1994 it was too little too late. A million lives were lost within three months, as a result of the genocide.

However, this book is not about a mother’s ‘I told you so’s.” This book is about a mother’s grace, comfort and unconditional love. I don’t really know if it is possible to fully appreciate your mother until you become a parent and since the Virgin Mary is a mother a billion times over, we do not have the capacity to even begin to fathom her love for us.

In each book I read from Immaculée Ilibagiza I can truly feel her pure love for the Virgin Mary and in return Mary’s favor for her as well. Immaculée is truly traveling a charmed journey led by a pure heart in faith. To think, if we could mirror a similar love, what incredible things might lay in our paths as well. One might stammer, “I could fill a book with everything my mother was right about!” Well, Immaculée Ilibagiza has, in fact she has filled several books, while inspiring millions of readers.

So, like Immaculée, let’s all agree that our mothers (heavenly and earthly) are in fact right from time to time, although we most likely will never grant them the satisfaction of telling them so. File it between ‘take your make-up off before bed’ and ‘always pee before you leave the house.’ From one generation to the next, centuries over, a mother’s wisdom should never go unnoted.