Dorothy Day

A young Dorothy Day embraced the counter culture, bohemian lifestyle of New York City in the 1920's. She was an open agnostic. Her clothes were all from second-hand shops. She valued her independence. And she felt that she needed no one.

Then in 1926, she gave birth to her daughter, Tamar. It caused a significant change inside Day - as someone now needed her. This led to a spiritual awakening and, eventually, starting what became The Catholic Worker movement. In a sense, this new found spirituality did not suppress her devotion to others. It ignited it.

An open anarchist and constant war protestor, Day continued to question authority and often made the church "uncomfortable." And yet, she took seriously Christ's command to be responsible for our neighbor; the individual on the street who was forgotten by society, the one lying on the park bench that we pass each day. She became a beacon to the poorest of the poor, setting up numerous establishments to help feed, clothe, and comfort the poor - the very basis of Christianity.

Devoted. Loving. Selfless. Compassionate. Peace-driven. And yes, wonderfully radical and liberal. Dorothy Day was all these.

Much like Jesus.