Crafting the Ultimate Divine Tagline

In a thoughtful, yet not-too-serious moment, I found myself pondering an unconventional question: If God were to hire a marketing agent to design His sacred tagline, what might it look like? Sure, God’s brand is timeless, after all, He's been around forever. Yet, even the Creator wishes to make sure His message resonates with today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving world.

Surely, the astute Creator would understand the core principles of effective taglines: memorable, customer-centric, emotionally engaging, and evoking a positive feeling. So, what tagline would Almighty’s innovative marketing agent, ChatGPT, create? Here are suggestions for Divine consideration:

• "God: The Original Influencer"

• "Join the Divine Club – Everyone’s Welcome"

• "Faith: The Ultimate Power-Up"

• "God: Turning Chaos into Creation Since the Beginning"

• "God: Where Miracles Happen"

And then, of course, there is the simple elegance of Sacred One's existing tagline: "I AM." Concise, meaningful, and timeless, there is really nothing more memorable than that!

 -Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

Image: Wojtek Witkowski @wojtek/Unsplash

It’s as Simple as Saying Hello

As we approach the end of the holiday season, we are reminded of how simple gestures—like a smile or a kind greeting—can have a profound effect on someone’s day. Within many folks, there is a feeling of separateness and a sense of invisibility,  as an after- effect of COVID distancing as well as society’s growing affinity for constant digital connection. There is a remedy for this feeling of isolation.

As we move into 2025, it is a wonderful opportunity to carry forward the spirit of goodwill by being more intentional in acknowledging the people we encounter. Whether it is a simple “good morning,” “have a nice day,” or just a smile. These small acts of kindness can make a world of difference. As Jeffrey Pillow, storyteller, points out, gestures can set the tone for someone's day, reinforcing the idea that, despite the challenges we face, we are all part of something larger, and not alone in the world.

Adopting this practice of noticing and acknowledging others may not only improve someone else’s mood, but also contribute to our own sense of connection and well-being. It is an easy and effective way to brighten someone’s day and be a lifegiving reminder of all the good that still exists around us. The habit of greeting can reinforce togetherness and be an effective antidote to reverse the effects of separateness. Make greeting one another a New Year’s resolution!

-Sister Nancy Wales, csj

Make the Season Kind

CBC is embracing a heartwarming campaign to spread the Christmas spirit. Their public service announcements feature a series of recognizable public figures sharing the message of “make the season kind.” To augment this message each celebrity stands holding a cardboard box filled to the brim with groceries. These PSAs encourage us all to make the season kind, highlighting the importance of giving.

Reflecting on these powerful messages, I found myself pondering a “what if.” What if people calculated the amount they spend on Christmas shopping and redirected a portion of it to their local food bank? Historically, tithing has meant contributing a tenth of one's income to a faith community. What if we considered applying this same practice to food security by calculating 10% of our Christmas spending and donating to a food bank. In light of your calculated amount, making a donation, in whole or in part, would be a meaningful, modern twist or addition to a long-standing practice.

I donated 10% of the amount I calculated that I spent on gifts this holiday season to my local food bank. I offer a friendly challenge to those of you who are fortunate enough to enjoy food security -  make your own donation.

Let us make this season one of giving in a way that truly nourishes our communities. ‘Tis the Season. 💗

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

Image: JESHOOTS.COM @jeshoots/ Unsplash

Rebuilding the World

The Danish construction toy company, Lego, promotes the “Rebuild the world” campaign to create a better, kinder, more fun place. Current times are often best described as unsettled, uncertain and often unkind. Now is the time to respond to the clarion call for people of goodwill to help fashion a better, kinder and a more fun place, in which to live. How might we envision this place in which all would be welcomed and safe? As you imagine this better world, focus on what you see around you. Next, consider what needs to change to take this fancied place to a wholesome world that all can experience as reality.

In my Advent reflections, I recognize that the role I can play to make a difference is in my everyday interactions, small acts of kindness, and the manner in which I use my words and actions to build trust and understanding. I can listen more carefully, speak with empathy, and take steps to ensure that others feel heard. I can advocate for fairness and justice, using my voice to support those who need it. Most importantly, I can create and nurture spaces where others feel safe to express themselves without fear of judgment.

As we move through Advent and into the new year, I commit to engaging in actions — big and small — that help to build this better world. It’s in every moment that we choose to act with courage and kindness, and every time we look beyond ourselves to see the needs of others.

As Thomas Douglas, a Canadian politician, who championed universal health care against all odds urged fellow Canadians, "Courage, my friends, ‘tis not too late to build a better world." Let us take his confidence to heart, and through our words and actions, add one more Lego block in the creation of safer, kinder towns and cities.

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

Image: Xavi Cabrera @xavi_cabrera/ Unsplash

Spreading Goodwill - Giving Tuesday

True giving from the heart is an expression of love.

~ Cara Stein

Spreading Goodwill

Each year, businesses capitalize on the media frenzy surrounding Black Friday and Cyber Monday, hoping to lure in early Christmas shoppers. These high points of consumerism, however, are the opposite of what Giving Tuesday represents. Giving Tuesday, held on the first Tuesday after American Thanksgiving, is an international day of giving that kicks off the Christmas and holiday season. It has grown in popularity and received positive reception, with large corporations like Google and Microsoft acting as supporters and promoters.

On Giving Tuesday, individuals are invited to respond to the calls for support from a wide spectrum of charitable organizations, contributing funds that enable these groups to continue providing vital, supportive services.

This December 3rd, consider yourself invited to participate in the spirit of the season by contributing to one of our local charities, thereby gifting neighbors and spreading goodwill in our community.

-Sister Nancy Wales, CSJ

Image: Unsplash/Lina Trochez @lmtrochezz