The World is Crying Out for God's Mercy: Lets Bring it to Them!

My daughter Chrissy and her friend Mary pray in front of Our Lady.

“The real crisis that our world is going through now is not essentially economic or political, but a ‘crisis of God,’” says Cardinal Sarah,  the prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

The thought came to me as I read in a commentary about ISIS that most of the participants are young Muslims who are not living their faith. They repent of their licentiousness by converting to and embracing an extreme version of the faith they lived without. As a young teacher in an African American school whose students had been through Riker's Island, I was schooled by my students in the racist teachings of Malcolm X, who taught an extreme version of Islam.
Young people are tired of following their sinful passions into downward spirals of hopelessness. They are searching for God and their secular institutions and broken families have little to give them in terms of solutions. So they follow the race-baiters and the terrorists. They descend further into hell but with a difference, they passionately believe their sacrifice of their lives will reap eternal rewards for them.

IT is tragic that our youth are so desperate to fill that God-shaped hole in their hearts that they would lose their souls in an effort to save them. Do not despair, God has seen this horrible waste of lives and souls! The many warnings of Our Lady in apparitions for the past 100 years, warn that the word will suffer chastisements as a consequence of our rejection of God and His laws for the pleasures of the world. She begged us to pray, offer penances and fast for sinners. She led us to hope that her Immaculate Heart would triumph if we persevered in prayer. That is why Pope Francis' Jubilee of Mercy is so profvdentially well-timed. Just as it seems that the world will devolve into utter chaos we are offered a lifeline to save it. Its time to act.

More than once when Islam threatened to take over Europe by force, Catholics prayed the Rosary and  Mary protected them. Now we have opened the floodgates ourselves by our sins and callous indifference to God just as Israel did, time after time in the Old Testament. And God still saved them when they drew close to Him again. In fact, He sent us His Only Son to give us eternal life.
 Let's listen to His command, and join forces and pray for the conversion of our enemies. Here is a plan which can work.

Pray the Rosary to Defeat ISIS

How do you defeat a global terrorist organization like ISIS, whose members are largely hidden throughout the world, and are willing to die in suicide bombings for their diabolical goals of worldwide mass murder and destruction?
The ultimate answer is through prayer. The battle against ISIS is, at its roots, a spiritual battle against the Devil and the forces of darkness.
We believe Mary, the Mother of Jesus and the Spiritual Mother of all peoples, has been given the power by God to crush the head of Satan (cf. Gen 3:15) and to successfully lead the spiritual battle against the great Dragon (cf. Rev. 12). Historically, Our Lady has repeatedly interceded for victories against foreign invasion seeking to destroy Christianity and Judeo-Christian civilization (e.g., Lepanto, 1571; Vienna, 1683).
Join the spiritual battle to stop ISIS. Please pray the Rosary every day, and include in your Rosary the intention “for the defeat of ISIS and for the conversion of its members.”
Recently, Bishop Oliver Dashe Doeme of  Nigeria was praying before the Blessed Sacrament and asking Our Lord how to combat the horrific terrorist attacks of ISIS affiliate, Boko Haram upon the people of his diocese.   Suddenly, Jesus appeared to the bishop with a sword in his hand.  When Jesus handed to sword to the bishop, it turned into a Rosary. Jesus repeated three times: “Boko Haram gone.” This confirms that it is heaven’s directive that we battle and defeat ISIS through the power of the Rosary.
In this worldwide expression of prayer and unity, please add your name as a sign of your commitment to pray the Rosary daily to defeat ISIS. Let us entrust the spiritual defeat of ISIS to the most powerful intercession of Mary, the Spiritual Mother of all peoples and the Mediatrix of all graces.

Once, at a Marian conference, I witnessed a devout Muslim man and his family convert to Catholicism in an afternoon thanks to the intercession of Our Lady of Fatima. Read the amazing story here.

Then, pray, fast,
and offer penance with hope in your heart. Let the Jubilee of Mercy be the turning point for the world.  Its in our hands.

A father chooses life for his baby son

 When
I read the story about baby Leo Forrest, a wave of unhappy memories
washed over me. Thirteen years ago, I was in his father Samuel’s shoes.
My husband and I welcomed our third daughter, in the sterile setting of
an emergency C-section. He informed me in Spanish,”They think that
Christina is a mongoloid” (an outdated term for Down syndrome).

Read more in my story on Spero News. 

A father chooses life for his baby son

Why is Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers is So Frightening to Feminists?

Rep McMorris Rodgers meets with mothers of children with Down syndrome.

The Republican response to President Obama's State of the Union Address was made by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA). In it, she shared her personal narrative about how her family and her career affect her personal beliefs and her agenda as a legislator.

Three days after we gave birth to our son, Cole, we got news no parent expects.Cole was diagnosed with Down syndrome.The doctors told us he could have endless complications, heart defects, even early Alzheimer’s.They told us all the problems.But when we looked at our son, we saw only possibilities.We saw a gift from God.Today we see a 6-year old boy who dances to Bruce Springsteen; who reads above grade level; and who is the best big brother in the world.We see all the things he can do, not those he can’t.Cole, and his sisters, Grace and Brynn, have only made me more determined to see the potential in every human life – that whether we are born with an extra twenty-first chromosome or without a dollar to our name – we are not defined by our limits, but by our potential.

 It was criticized by some pro-lifers as being too sweet. Even NARAL admitted her approach was soft spoken, but criticized her Party's pro-life position. NARAL President Ilyse Hogue said,

While Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers might have tried to use softer rhetoric tonight, the GOP's actions earlier in the day show their true agenda.
The anti-choice bill (prohibiting taxpayer funding of abortion) they passed today embodies the spirit of the their party's anti-women and family agenda. By making the conscious decision to ignore the majority of Americans who are pro-choice , Republicans bosses in Congress are positioning themselves further out of step with our values and priorities. In fact, by choosing to double down their efforts to wage a War on Women, at the risk of ignoring critical issues of today, these Republicans are only fooling themselves to think the country will follow.

According to Hogue, McMorris Rodgers, a woman from a farm family graduates from college, is elected to Congress, marries and has three children while in office, all the while rising to the top of the GOP Leadership, is a victim because her "Party Bosses" say she can't have a taxpayer funded abortion. Seems as though liberals are straining themselves in order to make the case that women are victimized by their biology. The mere fact that they can have children, is practically labelled a disability requiring government assistance in the form of free abortions.  The right to live a sexually promiscuous lifestyle free of the encumbrance of children is, in the minds of today's feminists, a human right. This is not the viewpoint of the majority of women, however. A recent Gallup poll shows that for the second time since 2009, most Americans self identify as pro-life, and women are more likely than men to be pro-life. 

George Mason University Law Professor Helen Alvare fails to see an interest among women for taxpayer funded abortion.

Investigations of what drives women’s voting also fail to turn up any special female support for abortion or abortion funding. Women vote on the economy, jobs, and general social-welfare spending.

So the Left's insistence that women need government funded abortion to have satisfying careers and happy relationships, is not based on grassroots opinion, but on a false doctrine of abortion rights, devised by feminist elites.  They who claim to support 'choice' but really support abortion see successful powerful women like Rep McMorris Rodgers, who dissent from the War on Women agenda, as threats.  And they inform her in no uncertain terms. As feminist comedian Laura Levites tweeted, “I want to rip out the uterus of that pro life C--t Cathy McMorris Rodgers and eat it, so I can see the surprised look on her frigid face", and "I don't have to be nice to any woman that is pro-life I will fight to defend the rights and ownership of my V--- till the death." 
NARAL has made no attempt to distance itself from Levites attacks, rather they are inciting such hatred with their War on Women rhetoric. It appears that the true War on Women is from the feminists who are carrying abortion as the standard of concern for women while ignoring women's true concerns. Don't hold your breath waiting for an apology from Laura Levites for her vile attacks, the liberal leaning mainstream media consider Conservative women fair game.

Two Years Ago We Learned a Lesson about Down Syndrome

Two years ago, in October 2011, Dr Brian Skotko published the results of his survey of families of people with Down syndrome. It proved that the overwhelming experience of raising a child with Down syndrome is one of happiness, pride, love and transformation. Read Dr Peter Saunder's comments on the survey in the British Blog Christian Medical Comment. and on Life News.

Among older siblings, 88% felt that they were better people because of their siblings with DS, and more than 90% planned to remain involved in their sibling’s lives as they became adults. The vast majority of brothers and sisters described their relationship with their sibling with DS as positive and enhancing.
In the second study parents of children with Down’s syndrome (DS) were asked how they felt about their lives. Of the 2,044 respondents, 99% reported that they loved their son or daughter; 97% were proud of them; 79% felt their outlook on life was more positive because of them; 5% felt embarrassed by them; and 4% regretted having them.
The overwhelming majority of parents surveyed reported that they were happy with their decision to have their child with DS and indicated that their sons and daughters were great sources of love and pride.
But the third study was most interesting of all as it explored the self-perceptions of children with Down’s syndrome.
At the same time as Dr Skotko's survey was published, the new prenatal tests to detect Down syndrome were rolled out, the first being MaterniT21, which use a sample of the mother's blood and, in the 10-12th week of pregnancy can give a probability of Down syndrome approaching 99% according to the manufacturer. These are meant only to screen high risk women to send them on to have amio, however, its widely believed that many women may abort their children with Down syndrome based upon this and similar tests.
Of 284 people with Down’s syndrome (DS), ages 12 and older who were surveyed, nearly 99% indicated that they were happy with their lives, 97% liked who they were, and 96% liked how they looked.
In his first study , 822 brothers and sisters were asked about their feelings and perceptions toward their sibling with Down’s syndrome (DS).
More than 96% of brothers/sisters who responded to the survey indicated that they had affection toward their sibling with DS; and 94% of older siblings expressed feelings of pride. Less than 10% felt embarrassed, and less than 5% expressed a desire to trade their sibling in for another brother or sister without DS.

Nearly 99% people with DS expressed love for their families, and 97% liked their brothers and sisters. A small percentage expressed sadness about their life.

Yet, at the same time, new prenatal screening tests for Down syndrome, the first being MaterniT21 were made available to the public. These tests can with high accuracy, diagnose several genetic conditions ,among them Down syndrome.  So we got good news just in time for a potential spike in abortions as more mothers avail themselves of these early tests which require only a sample of the mother's blood.

This was a cruel juxtapositon of events, especially knowing that the public would be much better informed about the prenatal tests than Dr Skotko's survey.
But I didn't take it quietly, I blogged about Dr Skokto's information, and then, I published my own testimony, "A Special Mother is Born", the very same week.

We have the information we need to make good decision, life affirming choices and avoid the ones which will destroy us and our families. But will we listen?

Scalfari Did Not Record Interview with Pope Francis, I Would!

As of this week, I have been writing for seven years. I began on this blog and quickly expanded to writing articles online and in print, and editing a book of 34 stories from parents of special needs children. I never took a journalism course, because I was an English major and avid reader. But I admit there are a few finer points of journalism I might not understand, however I understand the ethics of journalism.

Number one rule of journalism, if you are going to quote someone, QUOTE THEM ACCURATELY!

I have been honored to interview movie stars, producers and politicians. My reputation as a journalist restsupon my integrity. If I were to interview an incredibly important international figure, like, say the Pope.
I would record the interview (on multiple devices) and take notes.

Got that?

But according this report, 88 year old Italian journalist Scalfari did neither.

Respected French Vatican writer Jean-Marie Guénois confirmed with Scalfari that he didn’t tape the interview, nor did he take notes, so the text was an after-the-fact reconstruction.

I am dumbfounded and outraged as I think of all the Catholic writers who are parsing every single word in that interview without taking this into consideration. I would hate to answer to God about why I misquoted the Holy Father and misled millions of Catholics. I think Scalfari owes us and the Pope an apology. 

AND if you ever read this, Your Holiness, and want to grant me an interview, I promise to record the interview and take notes. 

HT Simcha Fisher

Read more about the interview in Catholic World Report. 

John Elefante - "This Time" (OFFICIAL VIDEO @JohnElefante)

Help Austin Ruse save kids with Down syndrome

YOU CAN SMELL THE DEVIL BREATH WHEN YOU ARE AROUND CHILDREN WITH DOWNS... Read on to find out why... The devil wants them dead. Who? Children with Down Syndrome. Why would the devil want them dead? Because they are messengers sent from God to teach us about love. First, they are joyful people. Sure they have bad days like all of us. But for the most part, they are happy and joyful people and so loving it would knock your socks off. They love unconditionally. The devil really hates that. He hates that the most. Second, they teach us how to love. Its a hard thing to think about raising and caring for a person with Down Syndrome. It is a lifetime of work and frankly it scares those faced with such a task. But, what parents and siblings of such children tell you, it is an amazing experience. It brings you out of yourself. They teach you the joys of sacrifice. And the devil hates that. He hates it when people learn to sacrifice for others. The devil hates it when place ourselves second or third or fourth. SO THE DEVIL WANTS THEM DEAD This is why up to 90% of unborn children diagnosed with Down Syndrome are killed by the abortionists knife. The devil wants that. He likes that. So, what are we going to do to help them? We are going to become their friends and supporters. We will make lifelong friends with them and help them and their families through life. We are going to be an example to the world but even more than that, we are going to be an example to that mother who gets the diagnosis today and who is even now contemplating abortion that little messenger of God. The devil likes that. There is an organization that the devil hates and I am helping them. It is called Best Buddies International. Best Buddies raises up friends for those with Down Syndrome. Best Buddies is active in high schools, colleges and communities all across this land and to points overseas. Best Buddies is one of the most amazing organizations that I know of. I AM RIDING 62 MILES THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA That is why on October 19, my friends and I are climbing our out-of-shape bodies onto bicycles and riding 62 miles through the mountains of Norther Virginia, to raise money for Best Buddies and to give the devil a black eye. There is a very good chance I will be the number one fundraiser this year. Right now I am in second place. There is a very good chance that our team (C-FAM/Lejeune) will place third and possibly second ahead of more than a dozen corporate teams. We cannot do this without your help. Please go to http://www.elabs3.com/c.html?ufl=1&rtr=on&s=ebss,1mzcf,4t6x,iq8x,etzb,2j6l,cdul and donate to this worthy cause. If you file taxes in the US, your donation is 100% tax deductible. Can you help us with a donation of $500? How about $100? $50? Really any amount will do. I really need your prayers, too, not only that I will reach my personal goal of $25,000 but that I will complete this monster ride. I went on a training ride this weekend. We road 32 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation and I have to admit, it was really really tough. I am willing to make this minor sacrifice in order to give the devil and black-eye and to help a child with Down Syndrome and her family! Please go to http://www.elabs3.com/c.html?ufl=1&rtr=on&s=ebss,1mzcf,4t6x,iq8x,etzb,2j6l,cdul and give as much as you can. Many many thanks. Yours sincerely, Austin Ruse President/C-FAM Publisher/Friday Fax PS If I am the highest fundraiser, when they give me the mic at the awards ceremony, I will dedicate my ride to all those precious children with Downs who have been aborted. We can never forget them. We can never give up trying to save them.

Pope Francis speaks on homosexuality in Jesuit Magazine.

Raymond Arroyo posted this on Facebook

Pope Francis on the Church's "small-minded rules" and his outreach to gays:
“The church sometimes has locked itself up in small things, in small-minded rules. The most important thing is the first proclamation: Jesus Christ has saved you. And the ministers of the church must be ministers of mercy above all. The confessor, for example, is always in danger of being either too much of a rigorist or too lax. Neither is merciful, because neither of them really takes responsibility for the person. The rigorist washes his hands so that he leaves it to the commandment. The loose minister washes his hands by simply saying, ‘This is not a sin’ or something like that. In pastoral ministry we must accompany people, and we must heal their wounds...
"In Buenos Aires I used to receive letters from homosexual persons who are ‘socially wounded’ because they tell me that they feel like the church has always condemned them. But the church does not want to do this.During the return flight from Rio de Janeiro I said that if a homosexual person is of good will and is in search of God, I am no one to judge. By saying this, I said what the catechism says. Religion has the right to express its opinion in the service of the people, but God in creation has set us free: it is not possible to interfere spiritually in the life of a person.

A person once asked me, in a provocative manner, if I approved of homosexuality. I replied with another question: ‘Tell me: when God looks at a gay person, does he endorse the existence of this person with love, or reject and condemn this person?’ We must always consider the person."

From the new extended interview granted to Jesuit Magazines, released today.

Here is my take.
Too often the position of the Church, that homosexual actions is sinful, alienates the person struggling with same sex attraction, and he or she does not seek healing and confession, feeling rejected. What have we gained if he or she doesn't return to the Church? Is that what Christ died for, to alienate the sinner who then seeks refuge in his sin?

My friend, married for several years, the father of several children and an active member in lay ecclesial movements, experienced a severe crisis in his family, a double murder of those closest to him. His reaction was to return to the sin he thought he had overcome by himself; homosexual relations. Fr Harvey of Courage offered to personally counsel him and his wife. For some reason it didn't happen, and an opportunity to save a family was lost. This man was a leader in the Church, a great husband and father who carried a deep wound not one of us who cared for him knew about. Fr Harvey's offer to counsel him did not include, I am sure, finger wagging in his face, nor would it include justification of his sin, as I suspect some clergy had done for him. I feel that it would have led to healing and a repentant sinner who could witness to others. 

But now Fr Harvey is with the Lord, the family lives in the same house, on different floors and is in constant acrimony. No one attends Mass anymore, and they seek consolation in the world. . I pray for them and ask Fr Harvey's intercession for healing.

A Night of Love in New York City as Fr George Rutler Remembers 9/11

Mme Lejuene addressed the gathering. 

I had just finished radiation for a melanoma in my eye, but I was determined not to miss an opportunity to meet with my friends at the Lejeune USA reception at the French Embassy in New York City. Tired from the treatments, I travelled from Boston with my daughter's help. We arrived in the warm summer rain, stopping for a slice of authentic New York pizza on our way to the French Embassy on Central Park East. We walked past elegant designer shops featuring cocktail dresses and bridal gowns, umbrellas aloft, until we were welcomed into the majestic building across from the Park.
At first, my daughter and I were awestruck by the Embassy's elegance: soaring, frescoed ceilings, marble foyers, and dramatic two story windows framed by velvet draperies. Waiters proffered champagne flutes and savory hors d'oeuvres. World-renowned scientists chatted with businessmen and clergy while well-dressed children whose almond eyes bore the signature of an extra chromosome, darted between adults.

But what instantly made me feel at home was the love which which permeated the gathering.

Dr William Mobley and LeticiaVelasquez.

Dr William Mobley mentioned it when he discussed his award winning research to overcome the cognitive delays inherent with Down syndrome. In her years at school, my 11 year old daughter Christina lost her ability to speak fluently, and has only learned to read nine words due to these delays, so I expected to hear a detailed scientific discussion about his research. But this night, I heard him talk about the love our children have shared with us, and how we learned from them how to give love. I saw Lejeune USA Pressident Mark Bradford and French Foundation director Thierry de la Villejegu who fiercely embraced me and thanked me for my writing.  I understood, we were united in this intense emotion because we loved our children and wanted them to have the best in their lives, and to make certain that more babies are born to live out the lives God intends them to lives as we give expectant mothers hope for their children's future.

Love was indeed the theme that evening. Those of us who have worked to support the research and improve the public understanding of Down syndrome, separately met, shook hands and became friends. I was honored to thank, once again, the widow of my hero, Dr Jerome Lejeune,

Mme Lejeune and Leticia.

Madame Berthe Lejeune, for her sacrifice as the wife behind the great man during his lifetime, and as the President of Fondation Lejeune after his death. I met columnist and fathers of daughters with Down syndrome, Matthew Hennessy, and Kurt Kondrich, and was able to thank Stephanie Hall Meredith for her work with The Human Development Institute.
 I had very little time to meet everyone there who has done great work advocating for those with Down syndrome, but the man I met as we left the Embassy surprised me by his presence.

Fr George Rutler, so impressive in his EWTN series "Christ in the City" was quietly waiting for his coat when I boldly asked him the question which had been on my mind every anniversary of 9/11. "Father, I heard that you gave general absolution to the first responders entering the Twin Towers on 9/11. Is that true?" He looked at me a bit startled at the question, seemly out of nowhere,  then his eyes took a distant look as he began to relive the tragic events which he witnessed firsthand as a priest in New York City who instantly rushed to the scene.

 I quickly regretted reviving those painful memories, as a tear welled up in his eye, but he didn't seem to mind recalling that day, painful as it was. He affirmed that he had indeed given wartime absolution to those entering the Towers, because, as he said, we were at war, suddenly and unexpectedly in our own land. But Fr Rutler refused to dwell on his own vital, soul-saving role in the events of that tragic day. He told me the moving story of the heroism of Fr Mychal Judge, who was killed while hearing the confessions of first responders entering the Towers to their deaths. He recalled how Fr Judge's body was laid at the foot of the altar of old St Patrick's Cathedral downtown, his spilled blood still flowing down the marble steps. A true alter Christus, offering himself to the last drop of blood for Christ's body, the Church. These two priests, like the crowd in the Embassy were about love. Love which doesn't count the cost as it " bears all things, hopes all things. believes all things." (ICor:13:7)

Gabriela and Leticia Velasquez, Mme Lejeune, Dr Elizabeth Rex.

We walked to the subway that evening, quietly reflective in the drumming of the rain on our umbrellas, wishing we knew of an open church to ponder the depth of this evening. We had been in the presence of true heroes, people whose first thought was of giving their time, their treasure, and their very lives for the good of others. My daughter who is becoming a nurse and I were fortunate to have been embraced by such company and rededicated our
efforts in the service of those beautiful people whom God had given us to bless our families.

Please support Team C-FAM/Lejeune as they help Children with Down Syndrome find Mentors

from Austin Ruse of C-FAM

Imagine you are all alone. There are lots of people around you but still you are all alone. No one comes to be your friend. At school you eat alone. After school your only friend is your mom or dad. You see other kids play but none of them come to play with you.

What is wrong with you? Nothing except you have Down Syndrome.

This is the sorry state of affairs for hundreds of thousands of children and adults who have Down Syndrome or other intellectual disabilities. People may think you are strange.They may simply not know how to talk to you. And so they stay away.

Your life can be sad and lonely.

As pro-lifers we know this can be a deadly condition. We know that 80% or more of children with Down Syndrome are aborted.

Why?

Because of ignorance. Because mothers know their child may face such a life of loneliness and they simply cannot take it. Or they wonder if they can live up to the needs of such a child.

Happily there is a wonderful organization founded to help people with Down Syndrome find and have friends, friends for a lifetime. This organization therefore helps mothers with babies with Downs in the bellies make the choice for life!

The group is called Best Buddies, an international organization that forms clubs in schools and otherwise trains students and adults how to become friends, lifetime friends, with those with Down Syndrome.

C-FAM and the Friday Fax fully endorse Best Buddies International.

In fact, in October I am climbing on my bicycle and riding 100 kilometers in order to raise money for Best Buddies.

I did this first two years ago in order to lose weight! Ok, it did not really work. But I did become the second highest fundraiser, thanks to your help.

Last year I started a cycling team. We call it C-FAM/Lejeune. We are partnering with the Jerome Lejeune Foundation, which is the largest funder of Down Syndrome research in the world and explicitly pro-life!

Last year C-FAM/Lejeune was the second highest fundraising team. We won the cup for the raising the most of any "independent" team. We beat out major corporations!

We are riding again. Ten of us! And we need your help.

As I promised two years ago and last year, if I win the fundraising cup, in my acceptance speech in front of hundreds of influential people, I will mention the pro-life cause and the plight of children who are aborted in the womb simply for having Down Syndrome! I promise!

We have already taken the pro-life message to this organization. Last year I spent a long time talking to Olympic runner Carl Lewis. He is on the board of directors of Best Buddies. He had never heard that 80% of babies with Down syndrome are aborted. He was appalled!

So, I need to raise $30,000 and I need to do it fast. I am competing with some very rich guys who work for big corporations. I can win with your help and if I win, unborn babies win!

So, please go to http://mydc.bestbuddieschallenge.org/austinruse and give as much as you can.

Can you afford $100? Can you afford $1000? Any amount will help the children with Down Syndrome.

Go to http://mydc.bestbuddieschallenge.org/austinruse right now. Do not hesitate. Go now.

Please pray for our success. And give as much as you can to help this great cause. By the way, if you file your taxes in the United States, your contributions are tax deductible.

Yours sincerely,

Austin Ruse
President/C-FAM
Publisher/Friday Fax

PS Do me a favor and send this to your whole address book, to all your family and friends!

Tuff Love Stops a School Shooter

Antoinette Tuff looked at the face of death at the Atlanta school where she is a secretary. The young man was full of hate and without hope. He was also armed with an AK-47 and other weapons. He wanted to die that day and bring as many innocent children with him as possible. It was another Sandy Hook in the making. But this time there was no tragedy. Instead there was peace through a rare type of heroism which the world doesn't understand. Antoinette Tuff stopped the power of hate with a force even more powerful. The power of Christ's unconditional love. With it, she stopped a crazed shooter without pointing a gun. The world is in awe at the unbelievable strength of this modest woman.
What amazed the public is her calm under tremendous pressure, she knew the situation was extremely volatile, and could turn at any moment. Antoinette had fear, as anyone would, but she also had love, and as Scripture says, "Perfect love overcomes fear."
She had an advantage, however. Antoinette Tuff knows where her strength comes from.
"I give it all to God, I'm not the hero, I was terrified."
When the interviewer on the news said, "But you kept it together" She replied, "I don't know how I did" then thought about it and added, "Through His grace and mercy I did.I just explained to him that I loved him. I didn't know his name, I didn't know much about him, but I loved him. And it was scary, because I knew at that moment, he was ready to take my life with his, and if I didn't say the right thing, then we all would be dead."

Antoinette overcame hatred with love, showing compassion to a hurting stranger, letting him know that she too

 has known sorrow. After thirty three years of marriage, she lost her husband, and she, like the shooter felt that no one loved her. She took a chance and shared her pain with the agonizing young man who admitted he was off his medication. She was buying time to give the police a chance to gain control of the situation and secure area, bringing the children to safety.But she was also speaking to a lost sheep, a young man for whom Christ died.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.Romans 5:8

She knew God's love was stronger than death, and can overcome hatred. She knew that we are commanded to love our enemies.

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:43-48 (NIV)

Antoinette Tuff showed the world a dazzling glimpse of that perfection in the most horrifying of circumstances.
Read more here.