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The Bridge Called ‘How’

The Bridge Called ‘How’

By guest blogger and catechist Deanna Danielle

Warning: This bridge may bring out the best in us—or knock us to the ground!

Since How? is a question concerning the way something is done, I believe it’s a word worth looking into. How is the bridge to getting questions answered. It can challenge us to identify new problems, research further, or connect in a new way. What lies on the other end of this bridge called how is determined by the way we view it. From new opportunities to fear, from knowledge to despair, this common, three-letter word is a powerful asset to our next steps. Simple yet influential, it can change the course of life for one or for all.

“What makes you come alive? Go and do it!” These words came to me as I thought about a friend and her concerns for her son. “How can I help him?” she asked. That evening during prayer, her words echoed once again. This time, the word how further triggered my curiosity. Contemplating its meaning, I looked up its definition and connection. I learned that this most-often-used word is action-packed. It has not only changed the way people live, but also has assisted in changing the course of history!

Here are two examples:

George Washington Carver—an agricultural scientist and inventor who developed hundreds of helpful products using peanuts, sweet potatoes, and soybeanshad a great interest in knowing how. His pursuit of answers to this question led him to record his findings in agricultural bulletins such as How to Grow the Peanut and 105 Ways of Preparing It for Human Consumption” along with many other how-to journal entries. From a heart for helping others to the National Inventors Hall of Fame®, with faith and prayer, George Washington Carver integrated how into his life. That ripple effect has inspired and educated the lives of many.

Mary was a first-century Jewish woman of Nazareth in Galilee. She was the wife of Joseph and the virgin mother of Jesus. Her attentiveness to how lead her to becoming the Mother of God. “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you,” spoke the angel Gabriel to Mary, followed by how she would bring forth a son, who would “be great . . . and called Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:28, 32). Mary responded, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” (Luke 1:34). In God’s plan, Mary had an important role to play in the Incarnation of the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. Mary’s how leads to God’s invitation to be the mother of his Son (see Luke 1:26–38). Mary played an important and unique role in God’s redemptive plan. The greatest rescue story of all time started with love, truth, and Mary’s determination to know how, thus changing the course of history and assisting in saving the world—including you and me!

How? “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that whoever believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life!” (John 3:16).

What are your goals, dreams, and aspirations? Come alive and go to fulfill them! Remember to start with the awesome privilege and gift of carrying everything to God in prayer.

A few fun facts about the word how:

  1. It’s worth nine points in the game of Scrabble®.
  2. It’s the Native American greeting.
  3. It’s a question word that can serve as adjective, noun, conjunction, or adverb.
  4. It’s a unique member of the club of Who? What? Where? Why? When? Whom? How?
  5. It’s good at making friends: knowhow, however, somehow, nohow, anyhow, howsoever, howdy . . .

 In addition to being responsible for what our students know, teachers and catechists have the great responsibility of planting seeds to help them grow.

Father, in the name of Jesus, by the power and grace of the Holy Spirit, be with us, direct our paths, fill us with the riches of your grace, transform our minds with healthy balance that is good for our bodies and souls. Guide us with your gracious love, so we may press forward to being all you created us to be. In Jesus’ holy name, we pray. Amen

Read more of Deanna’s blog postings here.

Image credit: Philippe NOISETTE/CIRIC

15 Responses to “The Bridge Called ‘How’”


  • Joe / Reply

    Very nice! Great read.


  • Dominique / Reply

    I love how this author connects real world examples with her stories. It’s beautiful to see the world of scripture, the world of the past, and the world we live in all come together. Great post!


  • Vin / Reply

    Another great piece by a great writer. It is nice to better understand a word we use every day.


  • Cherylynn / Reply

    What a wonderful read! I never really thought about the word “why” until you put it into that perspective. Such a powerful word, that hold so much meaning. Thanks for sharing! Xo


  • RK / Reply

    Simple yet profound, as always. Great read!


  • Kristen / Reply

    “How,” such a simple word that is packed with a tremendous amount of meaning. Everything that was said couldn’t be more true! When asked “how am I going to get through this?” (Whatever ‘this’ may be?) we know what we can go to the one true God for all the answers because he promises to never leave or forsake us. Thank you again, for another great read!


  • Donna Gallucci / Reply

    “How” is it that I have not contemplated the depth and power of this 3 letter word until now?! Deanna, your gift of weaving God’s truths and practical knowledge in your story telling is captivating!


  • Ann Freeman / Reply

    So beautiful and inspiring!


  • Lina Marchetti / Reply

    Deanna, you’re writings do make me understand life a bit better. So proud of your accomplishments!


  • Kayla Rivera / Reply

    Very well said. With God anything is possible, and as long he knows you follow him, you will forever be favored.


  • annette carello / Reply

    You’re amazing that you can make one word mean so much!


  • Nancy Ramondo / Reply

    The power of HOW! Love it! How can we be better persons and contribute to the bride of Christ and our country?


  • Louise / Reply

    Great analogy of such a simple word. What an inspiration to all of us to look further into common everyday words.


  • Meagan / Reply

    Wow—great read! I needed this encouragement today.


  • EC / Reply

    Deanna, you are amazing!! Please keep writing and sharing:-)


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