First Post - An Explanation

"In early times, people were often sworn to silence with a bribe of roses.  Thus, roses became symbolic of confidences.  A rose hung in a room or over a table meant that all information spoken was to be kept secret.  Even today, a plaster decoration in the center of a ceiling is called a rose.  The expression sub rosa, literally "under the rose," means in greatest confidence."
~ Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs

Germany, 1942 - "It is a lesson in dissent. It is a tale of courage, of principle, of honor. ...They believed that it was the duty of a citizen, even in times of war, to stand up against an evil regime, especially when it is sending hundreds of thousands of its citizens to their deaths. "
~ The White Rose: A Lesson in Dissent

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I suppose I should begin this blog by introducing myself. 

My name is Sarah.  I am a teenage American.  I am a Roman Catholic.  I am pro-life.  I am a feminist.  If I do not agree with you, I may begin to ask questions.  Probably, you will then consider me an insufferable person, crippled with misguided passion.  Know that I am not attacking you, I am pursuing the Truth, and I ask that you challenge me in the same calm, respectful, but nevertheless probing way.  If I am ever proven wrong, I will gladly admit it and correct myself.  If by some chance I don't correct myself, please call me out on it so I will.  If you want to get my attention, offer me food, clothes, or a question about life.  If you want to lose my attention, talk to me about sports, electronics, or video games.  This is my second blog.  My first is basically my diary, which I have chosen to post for any literate individual with internet access to read.  I intend this one to be entirely different, it is not meant to be a diary.  But I suppose we'll see how that plan goes.

This blog's title is "Under the White Rose". 

Not "under the rose" - nothing here is meant to be secret.

Not "The White Rose" - this flower is taking on a third (interactive) dimension.

In my life, I have realized I am a part of a culture that reveres the corporal aspect of human existance, even while forfeiting the virtue that gives it purpose.  We've tried and failed to steal the terrifying beauty of the White Rose, even while we've rejected the White Rose itself.  I see that something is out of balance, and I would like to live in an effort to restore that balance. 

This blog begins where we recognize that the White Rose is above us. 

This blog is Under the White Rose. 

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Mission Statement: 

"Under the White Rose" is an online resource meant to encourage and inspire people of good will of all ages, walks, religions, and circumstances to actively live the conviction that every human person is beautiful, sacred, and deserving of respect as such.  "Under the Rose" will provide information, essays, questions, and opportunities to assist the willing and able person strengthen themselves and their communities. 

This blog is under the patronage of Mary, The Mystical Rose.