Bald eagle about to fly, Kachemak Bay, Alaska, Source About to Launch https://www.flickr.com/photos/andymorffew/26075320352/, Andy Morffew of Itchen Abbas, Hampshire, UK, (CC Attribution 2.0 Generic)
The American bald eagle has been the symbol of the United States since the Second Continental Congress selected it in 1782 [1][2]. Bald eagles are not actually bald-headed. Their name derives from an older meaning of the word, i.e. “white-headed”.
There are 68-71 species of eagle overall, depending on who you ask [3]. These fall into 4 categories:
- sea eagles (which are excellent at fishing, and include the bald eagle);
- snake or serpent eagles (which favor snakes and other reptiles as prey);
- harpy eagles (which live in rain forests); and
- booted eagles/hawk eagles/buzzard eagles (which have feathers on their lower legs).
All are magnificent birds of prey. Harpy eagles especially are giants which can weigh as much as 20 pounds [4].
Unfortunately, though eagles are apex predators, they face multiple challenges from the modern world.
The bald eagle population has made a remarkable comeback since DDT was banned in the 1970s under the Endangered Species Act [5]. DDT, once widely used as a pesticide, had nearly caused bald eagle extinction through thinning of eggshells and reproductive failure [6].
But loss of habitat, lead poisoning, electrocution, and wind turbines continue to be threats [7][8]. Read more…
Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Salt Lake City, UT, Source/Author David Iliff a/k/a Diliff (License Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported)
In the investigative series Drugs, Inc.: The Fix, National Geographic explores drug use in several American large cities. The program focusing on Salt Lake City (titled “City of Saints and Sinners”), from which this post is derived, can be viewed on NatGeo TV, Sling TV, DirecTV, Amazon Prime, and elsewhere [1].
Mormonism
The Mormon religion plays a major role in Salt Lake City, which was founded in 1847 by Mormon pioneers. Some 48-49% of Salt Lake County’s population identify as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [2].
The LDS Church is a variant on Christianity, not viewed by most Christians as a legitimate denomination. There are significant differences which will not be detailed here [3]. LDS Church members, however, pride themselves on living sober, conservative, law-abiding lives. The use of illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and “hot drinks” (interpreted as coffee and tea) is strictly forbidden.
Grey Area
Prescription drugs like Xanax, Hydrocodone, Percocet, and the highly prized OxyContin fall into a grey area, and are mistakenly viewed as “safe”, since they are physician recommended. The attraction for users is that these provide chemical relaxation (until addiction develops).
When funds for costly opioids run out, there is a rapid transition by addicts to the less expensive alternatives of heroin and methamphetamine.
Secrecy and Rationalization
There is a heavy focus in the LDS Church on success, and maintaining an appearance of perfection. For that reason, drug abuse is never acknowledged and never discussed. For fear of public exposure, families will frequently hide drug paraphernalia before allowing EMTs to treat individuals who have overdosed.
Such secrecy protects drug users and drug dealers alike (creating a high profit/low risk environment for the latter). Read more…
Row Houses on Poplar Street, Philadelphia, PA, Author Davidt8 (PD)
The following is excerpted from the Fall Edition of Ministry Briefs 2025, the newsletter of Christian Legal Clinics of Philadelphia (CLCP) https://clcphila.org, a faith based organization for the poor whose predecessor I was privileged to co-found. The article is by Brendon Sylvester, the Christian Legal Clinics Administrator.
Please, consider donating to CLCP, if you are able. And, please, do pray for the poor.
“Often, when our clients come to us, their legal troubles are the smallest among an army of troubles. Pamela came to us with an estate issue: her sister wanted to cut her out of the administration of a parent’s estate…But she was also going through immense mental health difficulties related to being harassed and bullied at her job. It had gotten so intense that she had taken medical leave due to depression and post-traumatic stress.
The week of the clinic, she had a full breakdown. And though was was able to pull herself together just enough to make it to our clinic, she was visibly struggling. Our attorney, Keith…asked about why she was on medical leave. ‘I mentioned something,’ she said later, ‘and the Holy Spirit tole him I was in a deep, dark place.’ Keith, who’s a deeply faithful man, turned the legal advice session into a pastoral guidance session. ‘He told me, “you cannot return to the workplace. You’ll be triggered and you will relapse…'”
It was bold of him to give that advice. But it was exactly what Pam needed. ‘I knew I couldn’t go back,’ she said. ‘He saved my life.’
After that, she kept coming back to CLCP. She had multiple consultations, had her own estate documents drafted, and brought family and friends to us with their legal issues. Finally, in 2024, she started volunteering with us as a scheduler for one of our clinics. ‘I’m very intentional about where I volunteer,’ she said. ‘I volunteer where my values are.’ Pam saw God move through Keith to touch her life. Her response was to place herself so that God could move through her to touch the lives of other CLCP clients.”
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse and More
https://avoicereclaimed.com
“The Resurrection” by James Tissot (1886-1894), Brooklyn Museum (Accession No. 00.159.328), Source/Photographer Online Collection https://brooklynmuseum.org/collection (PD)
“But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him’” (Mark 16: 6).
Wishing you all a Happy Easter!
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse and More
https://avoicereclaimed.com
“Am I a stone, and not a sheep, That I can stand, O Christ, beneath Thy cross, To number drop by drop Thy blood’s slow loss, And yet not weep?
Not so those women loved Who with exceeding grief lamented Thee;
Not so fallen Peter, weeping bitterly; Not so the thief was moved;Not so the Sun and Moon Which hid their faces in a starless sky,
A horror of great darkness at broad noon – I, only I.Yet give not o’er, But seek Thy sheep, true Shepherd of the flock; Greater than Moses, turn and look once more And smite a rock.”
–Christina Rossetti, “Good Friday”
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse and More
https://avoicereclaimed.com
Fourth Station of the Cross, Christ Meets His Mother, Via Dolorosa, Jerusalem, Author Anton 17, (CC BY-SA 3.0 Unported)
The Stations of the Cross commemorate select events during Christ’s final hours [1][2]. The Stations originate from the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, a processional route tracing the path Christ followed on His way to Calvary.
Generally displayed around a church as individual paintings or carvings, the Stations of the Cross serve as the basis for a devotional often observed during Lent. Prayerfully considered, the Stations afford believers an opportunity to reflect in a profound way on Christ’s suffering and His sacrifice for them [3][4][5][6].
The denominations which observe the Stations of the Cross include the Roman Catholic Church, Anglican Church, Lutheran Church, and Methodist Church. Read more…
“The Apostle Saint Peter” by Peter Paul Rubens (1610-1612), Museo del Prado (Accession No. P001646), Source/Photographer Uploaded to en.wikipedia by Wlkernan (PD)
St. Peter, originally called Simon, was a native of Bethsaida, a Jewish village near the Sea of Galilee [1][2]. This would suggest that he came from humble beginnings. The Gospels, also, suggest that he had a fiery disposition.
Appropriately enough, Peter and his brother Andrew were fishermen. Instead, Christ invited them to become fishers of men (Matt. 4: 18-20).
Betrayal
Peter walked with Christ throughout the three years of His earthly ministry, hearing Him teach and witnessing countless miracles. Peter was present at the Last Supper. Yet, Peter betrayed Christ three times on the very night He was arrested (Matt. 26: 69-75; Mark 14: 66-72; John 18: 17-27).
Forgiveness
Following the Resurrection Christ forgave Peter for this betrayal (John 21: 15-17). It must though have remained on Peter’s mind.
Early church sources including Origen, Irenaeus, and Eusebius hold that Peter was crucified upside down around 64 AD [3]. It is believed that he asked to be crucified in this way, feeling unworthy to be put to death in the same manner as the Lord.
Humility
“…Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’” (1 Peter 5: 5).
Peter, a recognized leader of the Apostles and considered by the Roman Catholic Church the first pope, is the patron saint of fishermen, netmakers, and ship builders. But his epistles emphasize humility [4]. His personal journey from pride to humility is a profound lesson to Christians everywhere.
The washing of the feet is a ceremony that commemorates Christ’s washing of the Apostles’ feet before the Last Supper (something Peter initially resisted) (John 13: 12-18). It is observed in various Christian denominations on Maundy Thursday during Holy Week, as a reminder to believers of the importance of humility.
Altarpiece
All of which makes it entirely fitting that an altarpiece featuring the image of a homeless man as St. Peter is now on display at the Vatican [5]. Read more…
Christ waited until the age of 30 before beginning His earthly ministry. Until then, the Creator of the world worked as a carpenter, some say a stonemason.
Why this long preparation for a ministry which lasted only 3 years?
“The reason might very well have been that He waited until the human nature He had assumed grew in age to full perfection, that He might offer the perfect sacrifice to His Heavenly Father. The farmer waits until the wheat is ripe before cutting it and subjecting it to the mill. So He would wait until His human nature had reached its most perfect proportions and its peak of loveliness before surrendering it to the hammer of the crucifiers and the sickle of those who cut down the Living Bread of Heaven. The newly born lamb is not offered in sacrifice, nor is the first blush of the rose cut to pay tribute to a friend. Each thing has its hour of perfection. Since He is the Lamb that set the hour for the sacrifice, and since He is the Rose that can choose the moment of His cutting, He will wait patiently, humbly and obediently, while He grows in age and grace and wisdom before God and man. Then He will say: ‘This is your Hour.’ Thus the choicest wheat and the reddest wine will be the worthiest elements of Sacrifice — the best this world can give for its consecration and its peace [1].”
–Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen
—
[1] The Life of Christ by Fulton J. Sheen, published by Maco Magazine Corporation, Copyright © 1954 Bishop Fulton J. Sheen.
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse and More
https://avoicereclaimed.com
“The Prodigal Son Among the Swine” by Albrecht Durer (1494-1498), Rijksmuseum (Accession No. RP-P-OB-1185), Amsterdam, Source Rijksmuseum, (PD)
In his print “The Prodigal Son Among the Swine” the artist Albrecht Durer chose to show the headstrong son at his lowest ebb, kneeling in prayer in a pigsty. This was the beloved son of a wealthy father, who squandered his inheritance on loose living (Luke 15: 11-32).
“The one who prays in the midst of his sin already sees beyond his sins, even if he believes he can see nothing else. Dignity, which is reborn in the redeemed sinner, is here in its embryonic stage.
That’s the moment Durer chose to depict. Not the celebration of the son’s return. Not the father’s embrace. But the instant when someone broken by his own choices turns toward home. Prayer amid the wreckage. The first stirring of hope in the heart of the lost. The prodigal hasn’t cleaned himself up yet. He’s still in the pigepen. But he’s already being transformed.”
–Leonard J. DeLorenzo PhD, McGrath Institute for Church Life at Notre Dame
We are all, in a sense, among the swine; all struggling with sin, of one kind or another. Recognizing that is an essential step toward repentance.
“And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him” (Luke 15: 20).
—
[1] The Dialog, 1/9/26, pp 4-5, “Viewpoints – Personal connection can be lost in an age of diminished human closeness” by Leonard J. DeLorenzo.
READERS CAN FIND MY VIEWS ON ABUSE AND ABUSE-RELATED ISSUES AT A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse and More
https://avoicereclaimed.com
Honor killing victim Romina Ashrafi, copyrighted image used in the Wikipedia article “Murder of Romina Ashrafi” at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Romina_Ashrafi, Original Publication and Immediate Source https://x.com/YasamanFlower/status/1271983832862994433/photo/1 (Non-Free Use Rationale as identification of specific individual, now deceased, for whom there is no known representation under a free license)
In Europe, there is a growing acceptance of Sharia law, the legal system of Islam.
- In Austria, a Viennese court has ruled that Sharia Law is legally valid [1A].
- In Germany, Sharia law is used to rule on domestic conflicts between Muslims [1B].
- In England, dozens of Sharia Councils have existed for years. A Muslim Arbitration Tribunal there, recognized by Britain’s Arbitration Act of 1996, allows civil disputes to be resolved based on Sharia [1C].
- According to the European Court of Human Rights, criticism of Islam is not protected as free speech. The court fined a Viennese woman for injuring the religious feelings of others when she stated her opinion that the Prophet Muhammad was a pedophile for his marriage to Aisha (a marriage arranged when the girl was 6 years of age, and consummated when she was 9 years of age) [1D].
Sharia in the United States
Sharia law in the United States is subject to the US Constitution. Sharia may serve as a personal guide for Muslims, but is not legally enforceable, and does not supersede federal or state, criminal or civil law [2].
A. Federal Initiative
A Sharia-Free America Caucus has recently been formed in the US House of Representatives to prevent Sharia law from gaining a foothold here [3].
The goals of this caucus include expressly prohibiting the enforcement of Sharia law judgments; denying tax exemptions to individuals or institutions handing down Sharia law judgments; barring those who adhere to Sharia law from entry into the United States, and deporting any resident aliens who adhere to Sharia law.
B. State Initiatives
As of this writing, at least 14 states have enacted foreign law bans targeting Sharia [4].
C. Polygamy
The fact that polygamy is illegal in the United States has not kept some Muslim men here from taking multiple wives [8]. No one knows for certain how many Muslims in the United States live in polygamous families [16A]. However, estimates range from 50,000 – 100,000 [16B]. Black Muslims, in particular, are turning to polygamy [17].
D. Honor Killings
So called “honor killings”, also, occur in the United States. These primarily involve women and girls murdered for allegedly having brought shame on their families. Read more…
A Lawyer's Prayers 