If Jesus had social media, what would it look like?  What would He have for a profile picture? Would He use filters? What would He say, share, post and like? How much time would He spend on it? These are questions I asked myself when my 13 month old woke me up at 12:30 a.m.  

It has amazed me that we have such fast access to photos and online information.  Our cell phones have replaced alarm clocks, computers, planners, maps and address books.  If Jesus had a cell phone and social media, would He be on it all of the time?  Cell phones have replaced so many things in our lives, but has it replaced our face-to-face conversations?  

The things that trend on Twitter get attention.  What would Jesus have as His Twitter handle?  Perhaps it would be, "@theone" or "@thetruth."  Would Jesus spend countless hours tweeting His message, or would he go door-to-door to spread His message? #believe #fourmarks #oneholycatholicapostolic #evangelization #roman #catholic #theway #thetruth #thelife

Personally, I think He may have used both methods.  There is nothing wrong with social media and the use of technology to spread the Gospel message, so long as it is done in moderation and it doesn't replace the human contact.  

Last week, I was honored to be a guest at the Priests for Life headquarters where I saw their TV studio and used their broadcasting studio for a live broadcast with Janet Morana, the Executive Director, over Ave Maria Radio.  Priests for Life streams a daily feed from the Grotto in Lourdes, France with an audio Rosary.  They also have near-daily videos from Fr. Frank Pavone, the founder and National Director.  Not only does Priests for Life tap into major technology advantages, but they come together for meals, fellowship and prayer on a frequent basis.  This organization certainly maintains the balance of technology and human contact. I have to believe that Jesus would have done the same.

So, what do you think would happen if Jesus had social media?  Perhaps he already does.  He uses you, doesn't He?  Do you use your social media accounts to proclaim the Good News?

The extra, magical chromosome was intricately wound through my son’s body more
than a trillion times. It was not put there by accident. It was not forgotten. The extra
chromosome is intentional. Andrew is one year old and has Down syndrome. Over the past 12
months, I have witnessed his strength, resilience and beautiful smile. He brings joy to me, my
husband, and his older siblings. He is the child that I dreamed of. I am in love with my son and
his extra chromosome.

The month of October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. This is the time of year in
which one will notice more information about Down syndrome through the media and other
organizations. This is the month that we celebrate people with Down syndrome! Why do I refer
to this extra chromosome as magical?

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, “magic” is defined as “an extraordinary
power or influence seemingly from a supernatural source.” The full or partial extra
chromosome provides “extraordinary power” in those living with Down syndrome. John
Franklin Stephens is a man living with Down syndrome whose speech to the United Nations
went viral. In it, he tells his audience that the extra chromosome is a “blueprint for medical
research in areas that include soft tissue cancer, heart disease, immune system disorders, and
Alzheimer’s Disease.” But the extra chromosome is so much more.

Those living with Down syndrome experience the same emotions as their counterparts;
they can be happy, sad, frustrated and scared. However, they are known for radiating joy.
People who have Down syndrome can be married, live independently, attend school with their
counterparts, be employed in meaningful jobs, and can contribute to their communities.
Recently, we have seen the first Gerber baby with Down syndrome, the first D.C. lobbyist with
Down syndrome and there have been many models.

According to the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS,) there are three types of
Down syndrome: trisomy accounts for 95% of cases, translocation accounts for 4% and
mosaicism accounts for 1%. Approximately one in every 700 babies in the United States is born
with Down syndrome- about 6,000 each year. Many people have told me that my son is lucky
to have me as his mother. I feel quite the opposite; I’m the lucky one. He has greatly enriched
the lives of his family members and our friends.

Over the past year, we have had health challenges with Andrew. He had surgery for
Hirschsprung’s disease when he was 15 days old and was hospitalized when he was six months old for complications with the flu. For the past year, I have driven him, almost daily, to many doctors’ appointments. He has a speech therapist and a physical therapist in our home every week. Managing his appointments, healthcare and development has been exhausting. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. His toothless smile and his big blue eyes fill my heart with love and renewal to face the obstacles and to rejoice in his triumphs. His personality is full of love, silliness, energy and compassion. Looking back over the past year, I am thankful for how far we have come.

At the time that John Franklin Stephens was preparing his speech for the United
Nations, I was learning that I would receive a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. I was
overwhelmed and confused. So, I turned to Google. I googled “Down syndrome” and stumbled
upon Mr. Stephens speech to the U.N. From that point on, the confusion left, and I was
inspired. I continue to be inspired every day. October may be Down Syndrome Awareness
Month, but in my world, we are aware of Down syndrome every day. Fortunately, there is a
plethora of resources available for adults and children living with Down syndrome.

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation is a non-profit organization that is “dedicated to
significantly improving the lives of people with Down syndrome through research, medical care,
education and advocacy.” It supports the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome which is
dedicated solely to researching Down syndrome. Dr. Fran Hickey is with the Sie Center for
Down Syndrome, located in Denver, CO. He is one of the leading pediatricians for children with
Down syndrome and sees patients from around the world. Another dynamic resource is the
National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS.) The NDSS works to bring public awareness to society about Down syndrome. There are many local support groups, or Down Syndrome Associations, across the country. These associations provide playgroups, life skills classes, education, and resources.
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Everybody walks along their own path of life. Those living with Down syndrome bring
their magical chromosome with them on their journeys. They are able to be contribute much
to their communities. Their magical smiles and compassion can, and will, change the world.