Hey, Father

by Douglas, Gordon

• ISBN13: 9781569552377
• ISBN10: 1569552371
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-09-01
• Publisher: Charis Books

Summary

After More Than Thirty Years on the job, Fr. Gordon Douglas still finds that each day brings plenty of surprises to keep him on his toes. The only thing he knows for sure is that every day someone is sure to call out, "Hey, Father!" And often when he hears those words, a poignant story follows. Here's a collection of such stories -- sometimes heart-warming, sometimes provocative -- about young people who are struggling to make sense of their lives. Their triumphs, defeats, and challenges have left a lasting impression on those around them. In these pages you'll meet ... the senior heavyweight wrestling team captain who never missed a practice, competed in seventy-four matches ... and had cerebral palsy. Rebecca, a recent grad and single mother who made the hard but courageous choice to deliver her baby and give him up for adoption. Ryland, whose suicide attempt -- jumping off the highest bridge over Puget Sound -- left him wheelchair-bound and brain-damaged. Katy's classmates, who couldn't forgive the man who had brutally murdered her and her mother.

Author Biography

Fr. Gordon Douglas is a diocesan priest and has served for more than thirty years as a chaplain and religion teacher at Bishop Blanchet High School in Seattle. He has written articles appearing in Catholic Digest and several other publications, drawing from his extensive experience in campus and parish ministry. Fr. Douglas lives in Seattle with a border collie and a golden retriever named Abraham and Isaac

Table of Contents

Introduction	7	(8)
Section 1: ``Hey, Father! What Does God Want From Me?''
It All Starts With Attitude	15	(4)
A Giant for God	19	(4)
A Tale of Two Priests	23	(4)
The Checkbook and the Soul	27	(2)
Carpe Diem	29	(4)
Today Builds Tomorrow	33	(6)
Section 2: ``Hey, Father! What Does God Look Like?''
Unlikely Angels	39	(4)
Casting a Shadow	43	(4)
Giving God a Human Face	47	(4)
Choosing Life	51	(4)
God Loves Stories	55	(6)
Section 3: ``Hey, Father! Does God ever Give Up on Us?''
Our Mistakes Are Not Fatal	61	(6)
God Doesn't Own a Trash Barrel	67	(4)
The Patience of God	71	(4)
The Cross: God's Pledge	75	(6)
Section 4: ``Hey, Father! Does God Really Expect Me to Forgive?''
There Is Peace Without Forgiveness	81	(6)
Struggling to Forgive	87	(4)
Meaning What You Say	91	(4)
Once Is Not Enough	95	(4)
Forgive and Live Longer	99	(6)
Section 5: ``Hey, Father! Where Is God When Bad Things Happen?''
Rebuilding After the Fire	105	(4)
Not a Micromanager!	109	(6)
God Is Only One Floor Away	115	(4)
And God Will Be There	119	(4)
Glimpses of God in Intensive Care	123	(6)
Section 6: ``Hey, Father! What's Most Important in Life?''
Earthquakes Have Messages	129	(4)
The Search for Meaning	133	(6)
It's All About the Heart	139	(4)
The Left Foot of Jesus	143	(4)
Leave Something Beautiful Behind	147	(6)
Section 7: ``Hey, Father! How Can I Stop Hurting?''
When It Hurts Too Much to Live	153	(6)
Keeping the Flame Alive	159	(6)
Conclusion	165	(4)
Note	169