#FightFinished
The Washington Nationals were 19-31 in May. Many people, me included, counted them out. In fact, I didn't go to a single game all season, even though the Day Job is just two or three blocks away from Nats Park. Oh, me of little faith. Now, here they are, World Series champions, and in the past couple weeks I've been making new friends like subway station manager Byron, who gave me these two signs in the hours before the Nats sealed the deal. (Doo, for the unintiated, is Sean Doolittle, a Nats key relief pitcher.)

I've been contemplating the Nationals' season-end and post-season cry: "FINISH THE FIGHT!" And isn't that what we're called to do as Christians, run the race and fight the good fight regardless of whether anyone thinks we have a prayer of prevailing? God's so good that way; He'll bet on us every time, regardless of how long the odds are against us.

May November bring you the strength and faith you need to endure in your this-world series... and prepare for the next world.
Friends in Faith: Judy Keane
"Jesus, I trust in You." These are the words the Lord gave Faustina as part of His Divine Mercy revelation; they're so simple, and yet so challenging.

My friend Judy Keane has been praying at least part of the Divine Mercy Chaplet for some time, every day in the 3 p.m. hour. Judy's had a distinguished career in communications and public relations, and is starting down a new path with her own consultancy. Part of forging that new path includes renewed reliance on the Lord, and that 3 p.m. devotion.

I'm trying to learn from Judy, and pausing to say "Jesus, I trust in You," even if I can't pray the full Chaplet. Judy's example reminds me to honor and trust the Lord in ways small and large as the world seeks to unnerve us. If we trust in Him, we are unbreakable and unshakeable.
On the Nightstand: One Minute Wisdom
My friend Mike gave me this book a few months ago, and I put it aside for November, knowing that a. I am always in need of wisdom and b. one minute might be about my limit for daily reading this month beyond the lectionary readings and Bible study lessons.

Mike counts this work by Anthony de Mello, an Indian Jesuit priest, as one of the most profound books he's ever read... and Mike's written and read a lot of books. One Minute Wisdom promises more than 200 short lessons on "living life fully yet simply." I'm looking forward to giving that a try.

I'm often asked for spiritual book recommendations, so my website now has a section of titles that resonate with me. See what you think in the Shop section.
"Whenever you can, speak of love and with love to someone. It’s
good to the ears of those who hear and to the soul of those
who speak." --Dulce Lopes Pontes
Dulce (1914-1992) was canonized last month, which answered the prayers of a whole lot of people, including my friend Sister Jane, like Dulce Missionary Sister of the Immaculate Conception. Sister Jane actually met Dulce, whom some call the Mother Teresa of Brazil. Like St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Dulce spent decades tirelessly working for the poor. She was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize not once but twice! It's pretty neat to know someone with firsthand knowledge of this holy woman.

Dulce is among the women I'm researching for my next book, Twenty-one Women Saints for the 21st Century, due out next spring.
Women of Worth--Writing and Talking About Them
Speaking of 21 for 21, as I have nicknamed it, I'll be spending my Thanksgiving break, weekends, and nights communing with these women, all of whom actually walked the earth in the 20th century. I can't wait to hear what they want me to write about them.

In addition, I'll be talking about my latest book, Woman of Worth: Prayers and Reflections for Women Inspired by the Book of Proverbs, twice this month:
  • Wednesday, November 6, at St. Mary of Sorrows in Fairfax, VA
  • Thursday, November 7, at Pauline Books and Media in Alexandria, VA

And, I'll be talking about saints, canonized and otherwise, with children and others at my parish, St. Agnes in Arlington, VA, November 3.

Happy All Saints Day, by the way!

In Christ, Melanie