Category: Current Events

I have attended a few Cancer Survivor Events over the last 40 years. Let’s face it. Cancer seems to touch almost every family in some way. The pain and suffering are truly heartbreaking to see.

My latest journey into the cancer battle has sparked something in me. I want to see World Day of the Sick become more prevalent in the Church across the United States. Pope John Paul II instituted this day 35 years ago. It seems like it has gained very little traction here in the United States. It is my intent to change that. How am I going to do that? I am not sure yet, but ideas are percolating.

Mark it on your 2027 calendar now. It is on February 11, each year on the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes. What can you do in your family, your parish, your local Catholic hospital, nursing home, or hospice center? How can we minister more effectively to families who are suffering? Have you considered becoming a Stephen Minister?

I have eight months to brainstorm. I will be doing something to raise awareness of this important day to spur prayer and action all year long. It is my desire that we lift one another up in spite of the toxic tone so very prevalent in modern day culture. If we as Church do not set the standard for caring for the sick, who will?

To all of you who have survived cancer, or any other life-threatening illness, I know it wasn’t easy. You have the wounds–physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually–but you continue on with grit. May you see God’s blessing in the midst of the struggles!

The website address of www.deaconvernon.com has been my primary domain for many years. Unfortunately, social media outlets squelched my reach during the pandemic, and the algorithms have never seemed to show me any grace since then. Thus, it is time for a fresh start.

My webmaster is actively attempting to transfer ten years of blog posts from www.deaconvernon.com to www.articulatinghope.com. It is a time-consuming process, but I am grateful we will be able to preserve those posts in the archive section of the new website.

You can find my public page on Facebook under Articulating Hope. That is also a switch. My primary page has been Deacon Vernon, but the overseers at that particular organization saw fit to completely lock me out of my account for a while during the pandemic. My audience never returned, because most of them weren’t seeing my posts.

My recent cancer diagnosis has reminded me of the shortness of time on this earth and the length of eternity. Thus, I want to strive to make good use of the time I have been given to share in the preaching, teaching, and healing ministry of Christ. It is my intent to use these pages to bring you, the reader, blessings and encouragement to live a life focused on the Lord. Yes, my goal is to be ARTICULATING HOPE!