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 December 11, 20152 Comments doctrine

The New Eve

Wrong conception… Last Tuesday, I was struck again by how the Catholic Church can often seem to perpetuate misunderstandings within Catholicism. Like the Immaculate Conception… How many people think that … Continue Reading The New Eve

Posted December 4, 2015 holy days

Humble Preparations

I see this image as a visual reminder for us to make our humble preparations for Christmas. Too often are we caught up in the big, the bright, and the … Continue Reading Humble Preparations

Posted November 26, 20156 Comments biographical

Giving Thanks

It is right and just to give thanks to God. Why? Because all good things come from God. Life. Love. Joy. Peace. But, what about the other things…? In order … Continue Reading Giving Thanks

Posted November 20, 20152 Comments biographical

Hearts in Their Hands

My father’s life was literally in his hands. My beloved dad’s heart was exposed, vulnerable, his life’s blood pulsing between the fingers of Dr. Westbrook. And with his education, his … Continue Reading Hearts in Their Hands

Posted November 13, 20154 Comments biographical

God Is Good

My father had open heart surgery this past Monday because of blocked coronary arteries. He had a septuple bypass – I didn’t even know one could have that many! We … Continue Reading God Is Good

Posted November 6, 20156 Comments biographical

Pauses

Tomorrow, my father is undergoing cardiac catheterization. He’s almost 69 and this procedure is fairly routine, but… This is one of those moments that gives us pause as human beings. … Continue Reading Pauses

Posted October 30, 20157 Comments in the world

The First Day of Your Life: Zygote

This is a picture of you. This is what you looked like after the first day of your life. In all the billions of galaxies in the universe, there is only … Continue Reading The First Day of Your Life: Zygote

Posted October 23, 20151 Comment poetry

Autumn Leaves

(This little verse, which I originally wrote quite a few years ago, has a perspective on autumn foliage that is different from last week’s poem…) Autumn leaves grasp the colors … Continue Reading Autumn Leaves

Posted October 16, 20156 Comments poetry

Sugar Maple in Autumn

The glory has just begun. The light of the inner sun radiates within every leaf, shining pale green at the heart and, growing bolder, the golden fire glowing more intensely … Continue Reading Sugar Maple in Autumn

Posted October 9, 2015 in the world

Respect Life – What Does That Mean?

You may or may not know this, but – October is Respect Life Month. This is certainly not as “mainstream” as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which has even caused football … Continue Reading Respect Life – What Does That Mean?

Posted September 25, 2015 doctrine

Not Just Anyone Can Truly Serve the Poor

This is addressed to the true believing Christians out there who make daily and tremendous sacrifices to bring Christ to others. It is especially to those among these ministers (lay … Continue Reading Not Just Anyone Can Truly Serve the Poor

Posted September 18, 20152 Comments biographical

Hope, Part 2: Eternal Perspective

Continued from Hope, Part 1: The Four-Letter Word… I have never wanted to fall for wishful thinking – I have only ever wanted the truth. Before I became a true-believing Christian, … Continue Reading Hope, Part 2: Eternal Perspective

Posted September 10, 20154 Comments biographical

Hope, Part 1: The Four-Letter Word

Hope for a Cure Another Labor Day has come and gone and with it, for me, vague feelings of nostalgia, anxious excitement, dread, and a kind of contempt for hopeful … Continue Reading Hope, Part 1: The Four-Letter Word

Posted September 4, 20154 Comments liturgy

The Humility of God and Holy Communion

Do you pray silently before receiving Communion or afterward? What do you pray? After receiving Christ in the Eucharist, my prayer is intimately personal. Not always grand or uplifting, that’s … Continue Reading The Humility of God and Holy Communion

Posted August 27, 20157 Comments doctrine

What Is Holy Communion? How I’d like to Break It down to My Little Ones

Here is what I wish I was bold enough to say aloud about Holy Communion. My nephews, ages 12 and nearly 10, seem to be uncomfortable around talk of religion … Continue Reading What Is Holy Communion? How I’d like to Break It down to My Little Ones

Posted August 21, 20151 Comment poetry

Inside Out

I would like to have grown from the inside out. To know myself, with my eyes closed, before I explore the external world of color, shape, and sound. To learn, … Continue Reading Inside Out