Over the weekend I went to the Catholic High School Youth Convention. Had a marvelous time. I think perhaps this was the best yet in terms of content shared. It is always amazing and breathtaking to see 2000+ youth praying together, whether it is during mass, in song with lots of jumping and other movement or in quiet reflection. Going into the weekend I was still uncertain of how I was going to vote. I was/am a proud card carrying Republican, but Sarah Palin...Nothing more needs to be said. However, for those of you who really know me when it comes to the social aspects of all of this I believe that we are all equal in God's eyes and as a society we have an obligation to treat people as such regardless if we disagree with them.

So I thought Barack, he's young, seems to want "change" and he's charismatic. Maybe that's what we need. He inspired young people and old people to vote for the first time in their lives. That I find incredible.

But then on Sunday of this convention there was a young nun who is maybe in her 20's. She started giving statistics about abortion. Since 1973 (The year I was born) over 50 million abortions have been performed. More shocking to me was that it equates to 1/3 of this generation. 1/3! I appreciate that she also said that women who have had to make this life changing, heart breaking decision need our love and compassion NOT our judgement.

So onto election day. Grace comes home and says that she voted for Barack because I liked him (which is true). Election night, I have my map ready, counting the states and their votes, watching for I-1000, Prop 4 & 8 in CA... How is it that we live in a society that will legalize killing people (you'd better hope you have better than HMO insurance) but will not give the right to two adults who want to legalize their union because they are committed to each other? How is it that schools may not even give an aspirin or a cough drop with out parent consent, but will allow that same girl to have an abortion without even so much as a waiting period or talking to a responsible adult in her life. Even if her parents are the cause of this pregnancy, shouldn't someone besides Planned Parenthood be counselling this young girl on all of the choices she has and how every choice has good and bad consequences? But a committed gay couple cannot be married, and yet we have terminated 1/3 of this generation legally. Which is more life-giving? Which causes more harm to our families and society. I cannot make sense of it.

I have, though, taken the advice of that young nun and will be praying the rosary daily. I will be praying for the Obama family and their safety and for good and wise council to surround him. I will be praying for the young girls who in desperation have to look outside their home for guidance, love and support. I will be praying for my gay brothers and sisters who only want equality in a CIVIL union. I will be praying the insurance companies do not see life as valued by dollars when approving or denying treatment, but that each life has worth and dignity regardless of their ability to pay. I invite you to join me in what ever form of prayer/meditation you believe in for our country and the dignity of people. Even though the election is over, do not stop participating. If you believe strongly in something then do something about it. When we know better we do better...