Our Lord in the gospel tells his disciples “Fear no one” and “anyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.” I would like to call this article, “Walking on eggshells”. Or, “Attention all Drama Queens (or Kings) try to have more patience with those who don’t understand you.” When we hear Our Lord speaking about courage, I immediately considered encouraging my readers to stand firm in our faith, especially when so many movements and voices are attacking the essence of our moral and doctrinal beliefs. We are coming to the end of the month of June, which traditional Catholics will recall is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. However, if you watch a little tv or read some news reports or just walk around in the “public square” today, June, as the month of the Sacred Heart has been overshadowed by a much different spirit. If you are not sure of what that is, just ask a teenager or young adult, I will bet my bottom dollar that they will consider June as the month dedicated, not to the Sacred Heart of Jesus but to something else. That something else has a lot to do with colorful flags. Ok, that was my first application of Our Lord’s words regarding our need to have courage.

As important as that kind of courage is, however, when it comes to not being afraid, I wish to draw your attention to a more domestic lesson. Most of us have experiences with the phrase “walking on eggshells.” Obviously, you can’t walk on eggshells without breaking them. Obviously, this refers to being with and or talking to people we are afraid of hurting or getting them angry. Some of my favorite movies deal with the theme of standing up to the bully. The Karate Kid, Support Your Local Sheriff or watch any documentary about Dr. Simone Gold as she stood up to pressure during the pandemic. (she was put in jail for not giving the vax) Everywhere there is a bully, who threatens or causes fear in others, we will find an angry man or woman. Wherever two or more people live in community, differences arise. The strategy of the bully or the “drama queen/king” utilizes the fear card effectively. We can see how often the “race card” is used today, and it seems like the “fear card” is drawn from the same deck. I don’t like to say this, but I know it to be true; the bullies and drama queens/kings reside all around us. Why? Because fear works. Fear tops the charts when it comes to motivating others. Consider the way some other religious groups are never ridiculed or insulted, but Catholics are. Why? Because Catholics, compared to others exhibit patience. No one fears offending Catholic principles.

So, if you have a drama queen/king in your life, do not be afraid. Remember the lesson taught in school, (it’s not in the bible, but it should be). “That dog’s bark is worse than his bite”. And speaking of animals, it reminds me of another related lesson. Don’t get between a mama bear and her cub. Many mothers today (as well as dads) are quick to resort to screaming and bullying tactics of their own, even if they are fighting against bullying.

So here is my advice to those who have to deal with a drama queen/king or those who resort to fear tactics that cause those around them to walk on eggshells. BE BETTER PHILOSOPHERS. Consider the obligation to share your ideas with greater clarity. Be more specific. Don’t resort to name calling. These 3 simple rules will go a long way to build a better family. A good Catholic family.