Looking for dating and relationship advice? I have an answer: try being present. I reached for my pocket to check my phone for a text. Everyone around me was still there, but for that moment they ceased to exist. This is a common occurrence for many, but now imagine someone doing that on a date. Before we dive into the complex, multilayered, and undeniably attention-grabbing conversation about dating in the twenty-first century; I have a confession to make. I don’t profess to be some date doctor who can answer every question about your personal love life, but I do want you to know that authentic love is possible. In his work, Les Miserables, Victor Hugo said, “There is one spectacle grander than the [...]

One of the earliest memories I have is being about four years old in the drugstore with my dad. I remember ogling the rows of candy featured at the check-out counter before my eyes settled on a roll of Spree, and I asked my dad if we could get one. That time—for whatever reason – his answer was no, but little Lindsey was hell-bent on getting the candy she wanted. Naturally, her next move was to tuck it up the leg of her green, corduroy pants and hobble out of the store after him. If you’re wondering how the story ends, my dad noticed that I was walking to the car like a pigeon-toed penguin, discovered the roll of Spree, and returned it. [...]

If you’re a Parks and Recreations fan, you may recall the episode of Donna and Joe’s wedding when Ron Swanson says, “I love weddings. Good food, the celebration of romantic love, and most of all Churches. Say what you will about organized religion those bastards knew how to construct an edifice.” Swanson’s statement has veracity. In our culture, people love weddings, people love food (no question there) and we do genuinely wantto have weddings held in a Church, but secular culture has opinions about organized religion and the totality of Catholicism’s teachings for things like Natural Family Planning. Churches look great in our photos and rein as a marvelous venue choice, yet, there is a deeper truth as to why Catholics get married in [...]

For many years, I rejected chastity while thinking I was truly free. However, that kept me from being able to experience love and joy in the way God designed, which I now experience today as a man who strives to live chastely. The Pursuit of Truth With same-sex attractions and transgender inclinations being part of my story, I knew I had to grow in my understanding of chastity because some Christians were saying that I should find a boyfriend and settle down because I was a “gay Christian,” while others were saying that all people are invited to pursue the fullness of virtue (with chastity being only one of many virtues). These opposing messages made me wonder to myself, “How could both be [...]

For many years, I rejected chastity while thinking I was truly free. However, that kept me from being able to experience love and joy in the way God designed, which I now experience today as a man who strives to live chastely. The Pursuit of Truth With same-sex attractions and transgender inclinations being part of my story, I knew I had to grow in my understanding of chastity because some Christians were saying that I should find a boyfriend and settle down because I was a “gay Christian,” while others were saying that all people are invited to pursue the fullness of virtue (with chastity being only one of many virtues). These opposing messages made me wonder to myself, “How could both be [...]