AuthorChristina Chase

Although crippled by disease, I'm fully alive in love. I write about the terrible beauty and sacred wonder of life, while living with physical disability and severe dependency. A revert to the Catholic faith through atheism, I'm not afraid to ask life's big questions. I explore what it means to be fully human through my weekly blog and have written a book: It's Good to Be Here, published by Sophia Institute Press.

Posted April 10, 20202 Comments holy days

Way of the Cross

I want to read something to you … a reminder that, even in the worst times, it’s good to be here. Concluding my Lenten series, this is an intimate meditation … Continue Reading Way of the Cross

Posted April 3, 20208 Comments in the world

Stripped

“I am poor and needy.”[i] Since I was a baby, and throughout my life, I have been slowly and relentlessly stripped of strength and abilities by progressive motorneuron disease. Crawling, … Continue Reading Stripped

Posted March 27, 20207 Comments life and death

Heartache

“Son, why have you done this to us?”[i] Okay. I’m just going to say it. I don’t want to contract covid–19 and die. I don’t want any of my loved … Continue Reading Heartache

fear and panic when you feel helpless and abandoned

Posted March 20, 202013 Comments biographical

Abandonment

“Remain here and keep watch with me.”[i] I’m quite helpless. And I’m afraid. This Lent, as I continue to examine my struggles and weaknesses in the light of Christ, I … Continue Reading Abandonment

Posted March 13, 20201 Comment life and death

Pain

“It was our pain that he bore, our sufferings he endured.”[i] I love being alive, body and soul. Sometimes, though, I think that my diseased, crippled body looks like it’s … Continue Reading Pain

Posted March 6, 20206 Comments biographical

Agony

“Not my will.” How many times have I desperately longed for my life of progressive disability to be different? For countless hours upon hours I have agonized, with teenaged hormones … Continue Reading Agony

Posted February 27, 2020 biographical

Ashes

I’ve never felt betrayal, but I have known loss and change. The world in which we live is terribly beautiful: here is where we experience blossoms and sunlight, as well … Continue Reading Ashes

Posted February 20, 20201 Comment holy days

Approaching Lent

How do you deal with suffering? This is a question that I have been asked more often than usual lately, and there really is no quick answer. Because I’m a … Continue Reading Approaching Lent

Posted February 18, 20204 Comments life and death

Lenten Reflections

My deepest fears, my worst pain, the agony of being human — all explored with intimate meditations upon the Passion of Christ that will be posted here weekly through Lent. … Continue Reading Lenten Reflections

Posted February 13, 2020 in the world

Are you loved?

What is love? Our words can confuse the answer. I say: I love cheesecake; I love my family and friends; I love writing; I love watching football; I love God. … Continue Reading Are you loved?

Posted February 6, 2020 Faith Facilitators

Beautiful and Unchangeable

A moment of beauty and truth. Still taking my online enrichment course on evolution and human dignity while also busy with the marketing of my book (gulp), this week’s reflection … Continue Reading Beautiful and Unchangeable

DNA double helix, idea, the light of faith and reason

Posted January 30, 2020 doctrine

God and Evolution?

Are Christianity and the theory of evolution in contradiction to one another? Right now, I’m taking an online enrichment course* that explores this question, along with the bigger question of … Continue Reading God and Evolution?

Posted January 23, 20206 Comments life and death

March for Life, March for You

You were once a zygote. The moment that you were conceived, spermatozoon fertilizing ovum, the genetic foundation that identifies you as you was established. You were living life while smaller … Continue Reading March for Life, March for You

Posted January 17, 20204 Comments biographical

Beyond the Comfort Zone

It feels like I’m starting a new chapter in my life story. And it’s all kind of overwhelming. Yesterday, I was interviewed about my book, It’s Good to Be Here, … Continue Reading Beyond the Comfort Zone

Posted January 9, 20207 Comments biographical

So Tender and Mild

I’m about to share something very personal. (And I’m a bit scared. Though I hear, “Be not afraid.”) Last Sunday, at the Mass celebrating The Epiphany of Our Lord, while … Continue Reading So Tender and Mild

Posted January 3, 20202 Comments in the world

Happy New Year

How many New Year’s resolutions have you made and failed to keep? For me, let’s see … this is 2020 and I was born in … okay, too many to … Continue Reading Happy New Year