Before I begin this post, I would like to say to my once earthly father, "Happy Birthday Daddy, Pray for Us." I have said many times in my life that I am a stickler for the truth and once I have found that truth, I will hold on, no matter how rough things may get for me. Oh, I don't arrive at these truths on my own, I use the gifts that have been given to not only me but to others.

49 John 16

13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will teach you all truth. For he shall not speak of himself; but what things soever he shall hear, he shall speak; and the things that are to come, he you. shall show.

With my daughter's permission, I have posted her response to Mississippi being first among the religious.

" I'd like to preface this post with this acknowledgment: I am aware that what I am about to say is unimportant, illogical, and pointless in the grand scheme of things....

That said... I am from Mississippi. Yes - from that state that is last in everything from education to pet license registration.. (including Latin masses). First only in such things as teen pregnancies and obesity -- oh and honored with the unique privilege of being the only state east of the Mississippi river to have been used for a nuclear test site. (Thanks!)

I was thrilled (but not surprised!!) to see my state first in this particular poll.

Speaking to the protestant/Catholic divide... Yes - Mississippi is predominantly protestant. However, here on the mostly Catholic (sadly, more culturally now than spiritually) Gulf Coast we have been all but completely abandoned. Our diocese is currently without a bishop. Our parishes and schools have been closed, merged, and protestantized.

With a lot of prayer and support - we could see little dismissed-as-protestant states such as ours bring about a profound renewal of the Catholic faith... My Catholic ancestors founded every city on the Mississippi Gulf coastline beginning just over 300 years ago. We could make 'em proud guys.

Pray for us -- please. Don't just dismiss us because we're not impressive enough percentage-wise."

Also there is another great writing at her site. I personally dedicate these writings to George, Peter, Yvonne, Emily, William, shown in the picture, but also to Chase, Jordan, Matthew, Blake, Nicholas, Grace, Samuel, Daniel ... my grandchildren. Eius Gratia (by His grace)