Don't Knock It Before You Try It

In light of some recent events in the world of "popular" culture I stumbled upon this article that a friend had shared on Facebook. It was written in response to the 2012 Grammy perfomance by Nicki Minaj. I want to share it as I agree with many of the points. But on this Valentines Day, 2012, I would simply like to invite Miss Minaj to try and find love in Jesus Christ and His Catholic Church before she makes a spectacle of the truth and beauty that it is. I'm pulling for you Nicki! St. Clare, Pray for us!

"Dear Nicki Minaj,
I want to begin by letting you know that I don’t know much about you. I don’t listen to your music. I don’t know your background, and I even had to look up how to spell your name. I think you performed at the Super Bowl this year, but last night, watching the Grammy’s, was probably my first real introduction to you. And if it’s important to make a good first impression, with me, you failed. To say that I was offended by your performance is an understatement, and I really don’t want to go back and re-live it again, so I’m not going to get into any specifics. What I do want you to know is something all of us Catholics believe. You can insult our Church. You can mock the hierarchy. You can make fun of our beliefs and traditions. But, there are two things I can promise. First, we will not back down. We will stand together, and if you mock our faith, expect to hear from us, no matter who you are. Second, Jesus loves you. That’s how great our Lord is. He loves you. And as hard as it is for me to say this, I love you too. Now that in no way condones your actions. As I said, I was deeply offended as a Catholic who strives everyday to live out his faith. However, as an imperfect human being, I fail. We all do. I offend God everyday, and since your performance last night, I’ve probably offended God several times. That’s why I go to Confession, a sacrament that has transformed my life and made me a better person. It’s one of the things you mocked last night, and that made me sad. You see I love you because I want you to know the unconditional love that I’ve come to know in my 31 years, a love that Jesus Christ freely offers. It’s through the Catholic Church that I’ve come to know this love. This doesn’t make me better than anyone else, and to be honest, I have a long way to go. But one thing I believe as a Catholic is that everyone deserves to know Christ’s unconditional love. And perhaps you do. Perhaps you have a relationship with our Lord and pray everyday. I really don’t know. But, I would like to invite you to visit a Catholic Church. You can come to mine if you’d like. I’m sure my parish would like to welcome you and explain to you the beauty of the faith and how it’s transformed our lives. We could tell you all about the Eucharist and rest of the Sacraments, and what they’ve meant to our hearts and souls. There’s so much beauty to share, and maybe that would help you to understand us better. Above all, I want you to know that I am praying for you. I pray that you may come to know God’s grace, joy, and love working in your life everyday, three things that I pray I may come to know more deeply as well. May God bless you always.
In Jesus’ Peace,
A Catholic"

http://lifeteen.com/not-cool-nicki-minaj/