By Kevin Burke, LSW “There’s nothing in the world more powerful than a good story. Nothing can stop it. Nothing can defeat it…”  – Tyrion Lannister [Major Spoiler Alert for Series Game of Thrones!] Like the raging, grieving fire-breathing Drogon, Game of Throne’s (GOT) devotees are spewing some serious flames of anger at the writers and directors after the series finale.  A million of those disgruntled fans so disliked the final episodes that they signed a petition to demand a…

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by Kevin Burke, LSW You’re no doubt familiar with the African proverb, “it takes a village to raise a child.” Read carefully the following abortion testimony.  I highlighted, in bold italics, those individuals who were influential in the decision to abort the developing child in Dora’s womb.  As you will see, abortion is rarely a woman’s “private personal decision.” Having heard countless abortion stories like Dora’s over the years, let me assure you, it often takes a village to abort…

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July 22nd is the Feast Day of St Mary Magdalene. Contrary to the common misconception, Mary (from the town of Magdala,) was not the other Mary of scripture identified as a prostitute.  Mary Magdalene was a woman of some financial means, as she was in a position to contribute money to support the ministry of Jesus and the Apostles. In Luke 8:1-3 we read that at the start of Jesus’s ministry: “The twelve were with Him, and also some women…

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I just completed a Rachel’s Vineyard Weekend for healing after abortion loss, where I served as team counselor.  The retreat process features special scripture meditations, the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist, and exercises that lead women and men to a deep emotional and spiritual healing. I was struck how each participant drew closer to Jesus as the meditations and exercises helped them express their pain, shame, anger and fear. In the growing safety and solidarity of the group, and empowered…

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By Kevin Burke, LSW Theresa Bonopartis is the Director of Lumina, offering hope and healing after abortion. A special area of her outreach features the “Entering Canaan” sibling retreat weekends which focus on the struggle of siblings who learn of a parent’s previous abortion, and the realization they have lost a brother or sister. I asked Theresa, based on her years of ministry with sibling survivors, to share some thoughts on the movie Unplanned: Theresa:  The impact of abortion on sibling survivors is very complex and…

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By Kevin Burke, LSW and Theresa Burke, Ph.D. March 25th is The Solemnity of the Annunciation, the celebration of the coming of the Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary to announce her special vocation to be the mother of Jesus Christ. The feast reminds us of the mysterious and intimate relationship of Mary with her developing son from the moment of his conception. A National Pro-Life Coalition  is urging all citizens to observe March 25 as the Day of the…

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By Kevin Burke, LSW The movie Unplanned tells the story of Abby Johnson. Johnson is a former Planned Parenthood director at a facility where over 22,000 preborn children were aborted. Johnson was a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood and believed strongly in the ideology of “reproductive rights.” She personally experienced a first-trimester abortion and later a chemical abortion. All this changed when Johnson was present during a surgical abortion at her Planned Parenthood and witnessed the reality of the procedure. This…

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By Kevin Burke, LSW I would like to suggest a Lenten experience that will bless you abundantly, and change your life. This will require humility, courage, and some sacrifice and pain. But let me assure you, the blessings to you, your loved ones, and your relationship to God and the Church will continue to flow well after Lent ends – and into eternity. Consider taking a deeper look into how abortion has touched your life. This invitation is not only for the…

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by Kevin Burke, LSW Oprah Winfrey’s African American mega-church drama Greenleaf premiered in 2017.  [Please note: though the series is rated as appropriate for viewers age 14 on up, it is not appropriate viewing for children and teens, and for adult viewers be aware some scenes are morally offensive.] The Greenleaf Church is run by a large household of relatives.  Bishop James Greenfield and his wife Lady Mae act as King and Queen of family and flock as they hold court in opulence from their lake front…

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By Kevin Burke, LSW The zombies roam with heads glued to their screens / Avoiding eye contact so they’re never seen / Their brains are fried at the end of the road / This cyber-crack that we all smoke / The world is shrinking and our souls are too / We’re all victims of the cyber addict blues -“Cyber Addict Blues” CNN reports that fifty percent of teens and twenty-seven percent of parents feel they are addicted to their mobile…

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