Finding the Light in a Heavy World It is incredibly easy to feel overwhelmed these days. Between the tragedies we see on the evening news and the endless scroll of negativity on our social media feeds, it can sometimes feel as though we are drowning in a sea of despair. Add our own personal griefs, burdens, and daily dramas to the mix, and the weight of the world can seem unbearable. But as believers, we are not called to live in defeat. We are called to remember that even in

Tariffs have become one of the most direct forces driving up the cost of food — and now rising fuel costs are adding a second front to the same battle. U.S. consumers in January 2026 were already paying 12% more for coffee, tea, and cocoa, 8% more for fish and seafood, 7% more for fruit, and 5% more for meat compared to pre-tariff trends, with steel can prices jumping 16% and hitting canned staples like beans, vegetables, and soups. On top of that, diesel prices have surged n

Pope Leo XIV has called for peace. He has quoted scripture. He has urged world leaders to choose dialogue over bloodshed and warned that God turns away from those whose "hands are full of blood." For this, President Trump has called him weak, accused him of wanting Iran to have nuclear weapons, and told him to get his act together. The pope's alleged offense, in other words, is preaching the Gospel. A Pope Who Means It Robert Francis Prevost — now Pope Leo XIV, the first Amer

Virginia families are paying more for everyday goods, and a growing body of analysis suggests federal tariff policy is a major driver — with costs expected to continue rising. A February report from the nonpartisan Tax Foundation found that tariffs implemented during the Trump administration increased household expenses by an average of $1,000 in 2025. If those tariffs remain in place, the burden is projected to climb to roughly $1,300 per household in 2026. The group describ