MSI Press Blog

  Today, August 15, marks the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary — the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life. For Catholics, it’s one of the most radiant mysteries of faith: a sign that human life, lived in grace, is destined for transformation, not decay. But it’s not only a Catholic celebration. Eastern Orthodox Christians observe the same event as the Dormition of the Theotokos , meaning “the falling asleep of the Mother of God.” Anglicans and some Lutherans also commemorate Mary’s heavenly glorification. Across traditions, the feast expresses the same truth — that love and holiness transcend mortality. Why It Matters Mary’s Assumption is not about escape; it’s about fulfillment. Her life of quiet courage and unwavering faith becomes a symbol of hope for all who walk through uncertainty. It reminds us that the body is sacred, that suffering is not the end, and that divine love ultimately lif...

  For girls, the mother–daughter bond often defines how they understand womanhood, safety, and self‑expression. In shared‑custody families, that bond can be stretched across two homes, two sets of expectations, and two emotional climates. Yet girls can still grow deeply connected to their mothers when the relationship remains steady, respectful, and emotionally attuned. Below are the variables that most influence how girls build and sustain that connection. 1. Emotional Presence Girls need mothers who are emotionally available , not just physically present. Key elements: Listening without multitasking or judgment Responding with empathy rather than correction Validating feelings about both homes and both parents Modeling calm emotional regulation Presence teaches girls that closeness is safe and mutual. 2. Modeling Womanhood A mother’s self‑expression becomes a living template. Variables: How she speaks about her body, work, and relationships How she handles stress and boundaries H...

Aging isn’t a decline. It’s a deepening — of wisdom, of discernment, of the self that’s been forming all along. Yet many women enter midlife with mixed feelings: pride in endurance, fear of invisibility, and confusion about what’s changing inside their bodies and minds. The truth is, aging is not something to fight; it’s something to understand and partner with. 1. The Body Changes — and Adapts Hormones shift, metabolism slows, and muscle mass naturally decreases. But the body remains remarkably responsive to care: Strength training preserves bone density and balance. Protein and hydration support muscle repair and skin elasticity. Sleep and stress management protect cognitive health. The body doesn’t stop working; it simply asks for different kinds of attention. 2. The Mind Gains Power Cognitive research shows that emotional intelligence and pattern recognition often increase with age. Women become better at seeing nuance, reading situations, and integrating experience into wisdom...

    Chris Richards' book, Nothing So Broken , reached #142 in Vietnam War biographies. Book description:  In the shadow of loss, a path to healing begins. Chris Richards grew up in a small New England mill town, where life was tough and loyalty ran deep. At just 19, his world was shaken when a close friend was left permanently disabled by a devastating accident. At the same time, Chris’s father began to show troubling symptoms linked to his service in the Vietnam War—unseen wounds that would slowly unravel the man he once knew. The weight of watching two people he loved unravel under the strain of trauma and physical decline left deep scars—ones Chris carried silently into adulthood. For years, he buried his grief and fear, never imagining that one day, facing his own crisis, he would turn to their stories for strength. This powerful and moving memoir explores the enduring impact of trauma, the quiet power of resilience, and how even the most broken lives can become sour...