Christian Community – Christy Wilkens

Why hospital stays are good practice at radical abandonment

There are sacred places in the world where communities come together for the express purpose of caring for — and lifting up — those who cannot care for themselves. Hospitals, especially children’s hospitals, are definitely among them. Staying in a hospital is a valuable exercise in radical abandonment to the will of God.

6 Great Sensory-Friendly First Communion Dresses

Simple. Relaxed. Affordable. Mass appropriate. I rounded up some sensory-friendly First Communion options that won’t break the bank for your daughter’s special day — a couple even have my own kids’ seal of sensory approval.

The Disabled: Modern Missionaries Inside the Church

People with disabilities and their families have an important role to play in the future of the Church. Not as noisome gadflies, but as heralds of a better tomorrow.

What Our Lady of Lourdes taught me about the power of weakness

The vulnerability of the sick and disabled is a great strength. Their receptivity to earthly love makes them powerful conduits for the heavenly kind.

The death of innocence and the death of innocents

There’s no denying the fact that valuing and respecting all life, including the lives of the disabled, is never the easy or politically expedient thing to do. In fact, it’s usually the most difficult.

What’s in a name? How our kids got their Catholic saint names and why it matters

Where did the Wilkens kids get those weirdo names, and why? All your questions answered here…

#7QT: 7 great saints to know for neurological problems

Gotta medical problem that is neurological in nature? These are your go-to friends in heaven.

Different gifts, same spirit

We evolve as individual beings — not from incompleteness to a finished product, but from one wholeness to another.

#7QT: 7 thoughts about writing a book

To celebrate a finished first draft, I share some answers to common questions I’ve received about writing a book, and a few tips and tricks from the writing journey of a total noob.

Living our brokenness under the blessing lifts us all

Brokenness lived under the blessing is transformed into a gift, not a burden. Every year in Lourdes, I get to relearn this.