Articles written by Claudia Windal - Page 5

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About me - Claudia Windal

I am a multi-professional woman: Episcopal priest, registered nurse (hospice), licensed mortician. As a Lakota native, I have opened a funeral home for our people who struggle with finances in most funeral homes and must sacrifice traditions and merchandise

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Religion & Spirituality > Christianity (Other) Why don't young people come to church: 7 of 42
When I was a child in the 1950's, I would have done anything to move beyond the altar rail at Mass in order to more fully participate. I actually prayed occasionally, that one of the altar boys would be sick and that I would be asked to assist at Mass! Of course, there were no GIRL acolytes then and consequently, I was releg... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Christianity (Other) What was the mission of Christ Jesus: 3 of 18
The mission of Jesus Christ was to reform ultra-orthodox Judaism. The religious tradition of the time focused on the following of a strict code of conduct for both prayers in the synagogue and in private. It was a religious expression grounded in law and in which few exceptions were permitted. Families raised up rabbis and t... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Christian Beliefs & Culture Comparing Christians from Jesus' day with today: 1 of 6
There were NO Christians in Jesus' day! Jesus was himself a Jew. His teachings were reforms of strict legalistic Jewish traditions. We note in scripture that Jesus continued to speak in the synagogue (temple)and was often called rabbi. The Judaism of Jesus' day was one grounded in law. Although brought up by Jewish parents, ... More..
Health & Fitness > Medical Ethics Should nurses have the authority to decide whether a patient should be resuscitated?: 1 of 6
As a former critical care RN, I have on occasion wondered if the person for whom a CODE BLUE has been called, truly should be resuscitated. I don't however, believe that nurses should have the authority to decide whether someone should be resuscitated. The Advance Directive/Living Will was designed to make the wishes and bel... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Presidential Elections 2008 Sarah Palin: Gifted communicator or eternal gaffer?: 10 of 59
To consider Sarah Palin a gifted communicator is an insult to speakers as young as third grade! Ms. Palin''s demeaner distracts from her words. She is neither poised nor is she acurate in her presentation of "facts." Although Ms. Palin seemed to believe that she presented herself as a self assured and politically competent i... More..
Relationships & Family > Grief & Loss Is suicide ever justified?: 7 of 41
Imagine receiving the news that you have Lou Gehrig's disease. You are told that the disease is progressive and will eventually render you wheelchair bound, prone to choking, often incontinent of urine and stool, unable to hug those whom you love, and reduce your speech to a difficult to understand whisper. The disease howev... More..
Relationships & Family > Grief & Loss Life support: Should the wishes of the family take precedence over the patient's right to relieve his own suffering?: 20 of 112
If one is concerned about the decisions she/he has made regarding end of life, these need to recorded in an Advance Care document (also known as a Living Will). This document asks various questions regarding end of life and include areas of food and fluids, antibiotics, renal dialysis, resuscitation (CPR/Respirations), respi... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Churches & Organizations Christian evangelists: Helpful or hurtful: 4 of 22
There certainly in no pat answer to this question. Personally, I believe that many Christian evangelists are hurtful or at the very least, have the potential to be hurtful. The evangelists that we find on television tend to be very strong people. They present themselves as self confident, knowledgable of Scripture, and fille... More..
Creative Writing > Essays Essays: Mourning: 2 of 11
Yesterday, my first email of the day was notifying me that a dear 92 year old friend was actively dying. My mind flashed back to about six months ago, when Sr. Dorothy wrote to say that she had been diagnosed with cancer. Although she went on to explain the course of treatment upon which she and her doctor agreed, my mind we... More..
Relationships & Family > Gay & Lesbian Issues The world versus gay people: 11 of 60
Some days it certainly feels as if the world verses those of us who are gay and lesbian (transgender and bisexual). I didn't realize I was a lesbian until I was in my early 30's. Had I known earlier, I doubt I would have said anything because I only heard anger, fear, and/or prejudice when anyone spoke about homosexual orien... More..