Because I’m Happy
Recently, World Down Syndrome Day was celebrated to bring awareness, and as an attempt at equality for those who have Down Syndrome (DS), and for those who live and work with people with DS. I missed posting this information that day, but better late than never.
Why am I deciding to write on this topic, something seemingly distant from authentic masculinity? I’m not the father, brother, cousin, or neighbor of someone with DS. Why do I care? Because, as with most social discourse, men play a vital role in doing what is right and for protecting innocent life. In a culture that talks highly of equality, “tolerance”, and “not judging”, it’s amazingly sad to me that somehow it is acceptable to discriminate because someone looks and acts differently than you or I.
For those who may not know, Down Syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement; humans with 47 chromosomes (as opposed to the “normal” 46) have Down Syndrome. Regardless of the medical side of things, we know something very important – people are people, and every human person deserves the right to life. (Watch this awesome video giving you a tiny glimpse into the joy of life lived vigorously. Watch it closely – it is pertinent to the discussion.)
Many (seemingly countless) pregnancies are terminated because the baby is thought or believed to have DS. My own niece was one of these babies “thought to have Down’s” – and the doctors were wrong. They were simply guessing, but advised the parents to terminate. Thank God that my sister-in-law wouldn’t consider abortion. 
So here’s where the authentic masculinity comes in. Males – be TrueMen, and stand up for life. Defend the most vulnerable among us, and put an end to abortion-on-demand, especially for ridiculous reasons like “the quality of life of this child will not be suitable for every day living” or “they won’t be normal” or “it will be difficult to raise this child.” If you happen to be SO BLESSED to be a father of a child with Down Syndrome, embrace the gift that God has given you. Look at the parents of the babies in the video… they have true joy at the life and love that is their child.
It is amazing to me, how pro-life (from natural conception to natural death) our small middle-of-nowhere town is. We have several families with children with DS, and if you asked any of them, they will tell you how radically changed they are, for the better, because of their child. In a time in our culture where people with DS are considered diseased, sick, worthless, and/or a burden on society, we see families here embracing their gift. A friend of ours recently told my wife, “When we first found out that our daughter had DS, I wondered what God was doing and why He chose me for this path. Now, I realize that she’s the blessing that I needed.”
Some of you already know that I have a long-standing offer, but I will re-offer now, and certainly many more times during my lifetime. I promise that this offer is not about me – but rather, about the babies. The offer: if you, or someone you run into, is considering abortion, but are willing to discuss not murdering your child, even for one simple phone call discussion, I pledge to adopt your child, love them as their biological father, and pay for all of your pregnancy expenses. This offer includes babies with Down Syndrome. Spread the word – your baby deserves a loving family – let us help you. I will do this for countless babies, if only to save their lives.
TrueMan up!
Vocational Discernment
Something that I’ve been discussing lately at the Air Force Academy among some of the faithful Catholic cadets is the topic of vocational discernment. For those who may not know, a vocation is a calling. (From the Latin, vocare.) The world would like to suggest that our calling is to something like an occupation; something we are drawn to and enjoy. Vocations, however, are much deeper than this. Vocations are about the call from God that will bring us fulfillment and happiness in life, to prepare us for life eternal with God in Heaven. The discernment part is how someone goes about listening to the call and applying that call in their life.
Many of the young men I have been discussing vocations with lately seem to know that they are called to the priesthood – however, they are all in different places with their decision making process. One young man is denying his call. Another is preparing to leave to enter seminary in a few months. Another wants badly to leave and enter a religious order, yet, doesn’t have the support from important family members. They are all journeying towards Christ. In this journey, they will find their way if they keep their eyes on Christ.
If you are currently discerning your vocation – married, religious or consecrated single life -, I recommend you take the following steps.
- Have an active, daily Sacramental and prayerful life.
- Seek a qualified spiritual director and meet with him regularly.
- Read good quality, orthodox, Catholic spiritual books.
- Talk to lots of people – priests, religious, seminarians, married men, married fathers and single men. Gather that information and prudently process it. (Ask lots of questions.)
- Spend at least 2 minutes per day gazing at a crucifix contemplating Christ’s example of love.
A word to family and friends of men discerning their vocation. I urge you to support them, whether you agree or not with their decisions. If a young man chooses the priesthood, via a call from God, don’t think that it’s an abrogation of life, or life as you know it. The priesthood is an incredible calling and must be respected and supported. Many believe that the priesthood is suppressing reality and suppressing sexuality and suppressing the desire to have a family. This is simply not true. Please, refrain from being a stumbling block in a man’s discernment. Support him, love him, answer his questions, attempt to guide him. In the end, however, it’s the man’s decision, not yours.
Here’s a short clip called “Fishers of Men” from the Vocations Office in NYC. Click HERE if you can’t see the video below.
TrueMan up!
