"I heard that Atticus is racist now," said my well-meaning friend when Harper Lee's new novel came up as a topic of discussion.

I, like many others, have approached the work with hesitation. Lee was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for her first novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird," a work that practically transcends the realm of mortality.

How could anything else compare?

Indeed, who does not admire the gentle courage of wise Atticus, or laugh at the feisty independence of young Scout? These characters are heroes of literature, ingrained in our very core, inspiring us to think a little differently and be a little better.

In this latest installment Lee takes us back to the world of Maycomb, Alabama, 20 years later. Much has changed for the Finch family: Jean Louise is now a grown woman living in New York; Jem has passed away from the same heart condition that took the children's mother; and Maycomb is right in the tension of the civil rights movement.

The novel begins with Jean Louis traveling to her hometown to visit her aging father. One day she stumbles across a pamphlet on her father's table, titled "The Black Plague." Concerned, she takes a trip into town where she observes a gathering of white men - of which her father is a part - speaking in racially charged terms of the growing threat the Negroes pose. Jean Louis is horrified and spends the rest of the novel trying to cope with her emotions.

Although her father tries to explain that his main reason for being there was more to advocate for freedom from government imposition, Jean Louis does not listen. She packs her bags ready to leave Maycomb - and her family - behind for good.

Haven't we all been there? The Thanksgiving dinner when Dad starts discussing politics and you realize you hold a different opinion; the time when your brother should have stood up for his beliefs instead of sitting quietly in the background; the rude comment your sister made about a family friend.

What do you do when your heroes no longer seem heroic?

In the novel, Jean Louis is fortunate to have an uncle who helps her see that she had become so morally independent on her father that in order to progress she had to become her own person. Eventually she forgives her father and allows him to descend from his high altar and assume the role of man.

How can we do the same?

Disillusionment, rejection, grief; these are difficult emotions to handle, especially when they are caused by a beloved family member. Following Scout's pattern can help us move forward:

1. Take time to cope

In the novel, Scout takes time to understand her emotions; we can do the same. It is never healthy to "put on a face" or try to feel something you don't. Give yourself time to heal.

2. Find someone safe to talk to

Scout has her uncle to help her make sense of the situation. Finding someone we trust to listen to us as we vocalize our feelings and offer advice is extremely helpful.

3. Put your feelings onto paper

In the heat of the moment when tempers are high, thinking rationally takes a back seat. Writing helps you take time to calm down and release your feelings in a positive way.

4. Talk to whomever it is you are upset with

Sometimes issues blow over by themselves, but usually communication is essential in repairing relationship rifts. Scout wanted to leave Maycomb before she even spoke with her father and had a chance to understand his point of view. It may be intimidating approaching the person, but it will save you the heartache of misunderstandings.

5. Be willing to forgive

Family members are human. So are you. We get hurt, and sometimes we hurt others. Forgiveness of others and self is vital to moving forward and finding happiness.

As Christmas approaches and thoughts of family draw near, take a few pages from Scout's book and remember to keep your heart on what is most important.

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It's Mother's Day. All the children of the congregation have prepared a musical selection to sing for their moms. My dad is up helping an autistic 10-year-old hold still long enough for the singing to end. Although they are standing in the back row of the choir, everyone can see the struggle as the young boy wiggles and squirms, trying to make a break for it up to the pulpit. The effort becomes more audible as the boy starts to whine and shout. My dad tightens his grasp on the boy's arm, and then finally, in a fit of exasperation, covers the boy's mouth. In the climatic finale of a show the congregation would never forget, the boy bites my dad's hand, rushes to the front of the stand, and dramatically cries, "That man had me half dead!"

We've all been there. Maybe not exactly holding our breath at the display of a 10-year-old autistic boy on Mother's Day, but how many times has it been our own child acting up, leaving us with no other alternative than to shake our head and avoid eye contact with the rest of the world?

I do not have children yet, but I have had firsthand experience with nieces, nephews, and children I babysat. I've also heard the stories of parents and friends that - now - they can laugh at. Take my father-in-law; when he was younger, he and his wife were leaders in a young adult congregation. My father-in-law sat up on the stand while his wife tried to control their fidgeting 3-year-old. Suddenly, the young boy dashed out of the arms of his mother and ran up to the stand, apparently to sit with his father. Instead, he made a beeline to the microphone and shouted with a booming voice, "I hate the devil!"

Now those stories have become family treasures, but in the moment it's not always as easy to laugh it off. Once, during a church meeting, an older man with thinning hair was speaking about handling difficulties. He made a joke about how if the Philips family could handle Colton, their active 4-year-old son, they could handle anything. All of the sudden Colton stood up on the bench where his family was seated, pointed to the man, and shouted, "You'd better watch it, bald man!" Talk about handling difficulties!

Obviously not every outbreak happens at church. There are plenty of stories of toddler tantrums in the supermarket, taking your 3-year-old to a fun-filled day at the movies that ends in tears for both of you, or looking helplessly up at the fast food worker who your child has just called fat.

What's the point in telling these stories? So that the next time you are bouncing your baby trying to quiet him or her and an older, well-intentioned gentlemen tells you to rock, not bounce the baby, you can just smile. And when your nephew starts running up and down the aisles at church, you can chase after him with confidence, remembering another three-year-old who ran up to the stand and shouted, "I hate the devil!"

And when it seems like all anyone has to offer is criticism, just remember that you are not alone. We've all lived through the same experiences. Most of us understand what you are going through. One day your son or daughter will grow up, have children of their own, and be grateful for you and the fact they are still alive today. No, I don't have advice. Just a big "thank you" for all the moms, dads, uncles, aunts, and friends who have and know heathen children. Keep going - you are doing a great job.

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What do toddlers, teenagers and 20-year-olds have in common? A love of Ramen Noodles. Whether you are a college student on an extremely meager budget or a young mother trying to feed extremely picky eaters, Ramen Noodles always seem to do the trick - and the possibilities for cooking them are endless! Here are eight ways to rethink Maruchan Ramen Noodles that will hit the spot without breaking the bank.

1. Ramen Chow Mein (time: 20 min.; serves: 4)

A new personal favorite of mine, this recipe was born on a day with limited ingredients and even less time. My husband and I had fun thinking up this simple, delicious and filling meal. Feel free to add whatever other ingredients you like; this is what we did:

2 (3 oz.) pkgs. Ramen Noodles (chicken flavor)

½ can of corn

½ onion, chopped

1 egg, beaten

Soy sauce

Peanut oil

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Put in both blocks of Ramen Noodles with 1 packet of chicken seasoning, stir, and cook for 3 minutes. Save out ¼ c. of the seasoned water and drain the rest. Set the noodles aside. In a frying pan heat the peanut oil. Sauté the onion and corn for 1 minute and then add the ¼ c. seasoned water and a few dashes of soy sauce. Bring to a boil. Add the beaten egg, stirring the mixture in a clockwise direction. Add the noodles, mix and serve.

2. Gourmet Ramen Noodles

Make Ramen Noodles like normal, but try adding some cooked carrots, sautéed mushrooms, green peas, or green onions for a slightly healthier version.

3. Extra Protein Ramen Noodles

Make the noodles like normal, but if you having chicken flavored noodles, add in some cooked chicken. If you are having shrimp flavored noodles, sauté some shrimp to add in. You get the idea.

4. Chinese Chicken Soup (time: 35 min.; serves: 8)

A popular dish inspired by one from Allrecipes.com; this soup has a kick.

1 (3 oz.) pkg. Ramen Noodles (chicken flavor)

½ tsp. turmeric

½ tsp. ginger

2 tbsp. chili paste

1 c. chopped celery

½ c. soy sauce

2 tsp. sugar

Green onions

Sesame oil

Cook the noodles by following the directions on the package. In a frying pan, sauté the celery, turmeric, ginger, and chili paste in a little sesame oil. When the noodles are cooked, add the sautéed mixture along with the soy sauce and sugar, and stir. Top with green onions and serve.

5. Ramen Noodle Frittata (time: 20 min.; serves 4)

Another Allrecipes.com inspiration, this hearty meal is quick and filling.

2 (3 oz.) pkgs. Ramen Noodles (chicken flavor)

6 eggs

2 tsp. butter

½ c. Cheddar cheese, shredded

Cook the noodles as directed on the package. When the noodles are tender, drain and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, cheese and seasoning packets from the noodles. Mix in the noodles. Melt the butter in a large skillet, add the noodle mixture, and cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Flip and cook on the other side 1 to 2 minutes.

6. Coconut Curry Ramen (time: 10 min.; serves: 4)

Inspired by a recipe from the website WomansDay.com, this flavorful creation is for the more exotic palates.

2 (3 oz.) pkgs. Ramen Noodles (any flavor)

½ c. light coconut milk

¼ c. creamy peanut butter

2 tbsp. lime juice

1 pound cooked shrimp

Cook the noodles in boiling water for 3 minutes, drain, and return to pot (throw away the seasoning packets or save for another use.) In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, peanut butter, lime juice and shrimp. Add the mixture to the noodles and cook until warm.

7. Ramen Pizza (time: 25 min.; serves: 8)

Also modified from WomansDay.com, this succulent recipe has all the flavor of homemade pizza in half the time.

4 (3 oz.) pkgs. Ramen Noodles (any)

1 c. spaghetti sauce

½ tsp. oregano

20 slices pepperoni

10 sliced cherry tomatoes

4 oz. mozzarella cheese

Olive oil

Drizzle the bottom of a skillet with olive oil. Cook the noodles in a pot of boiling water for 3 minutes, drain, and place in a skillet (throw away the seasoning packets or save for another use.) In a large bowl, combine the spaghetti sauce and oregano. Pour the sauce over the noodles and arrange the pepperoni and cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover with mozzarella cheese. Broil in the oven for 2 minutes or until the cheese starts to brown.

8. Asian Chicken Salad (time: 25 min.; serves 6)

A family favorite, this recipe has even the pickiest of eaters asking for seconds.

Dressing:

1 c. olive oil

1 c. sugar

1 c. red wine vinegar

2 Oriental Ramen Noodles seasoning packets

Chicken:

Marinate 4-6 chicken breasts with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Montreal Steak Seasoning overnight. Grill until done and cut into small pieces.

Salad:

Combine 1 bag red leaf lettuce, 1 bag Cole slaw mix, and 1 head of chopped green lettuce in a big bowl.

Toppings:

Green onions

Mandarin oranges

Ramen Noodles, dry and broken up

Rice noodles

Sunflower seeds

Strawberries, diced

Combine all ingredients into a salad, and enjoy!

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These are some of my favorite times with Mom, and it has nothing to do with what music is playing in the background or what game we play. It has everything to do with being with her because she makes life happy. Even when you grow up and move out, get married and become a mom yourself, you never stop needing mom. Here are ten reasons why:

1. She listens to you without judging and understands how you feel

This is perhaps my mom's best quality. She always seems to know when I need to talk, vent and get it out. And her advice never begins with, "I told you so" or "You should have known better."

2. She is your best shopping buddy

Let's face it: No matter how wonderful your husband is, it's more fun trying on jeans with Mom.

3. She intuitively knows when you need help

Even though we claim we can take care of ourselves, Mom always seems to know when we need that extra $20 each month to cover the phone bill.

4. She brings you NyQuil, chicken noodle soup and Sprite when you are sick

But perhaps the best medicine of all is her hug.

5. She takes you out of school to spend the day at the museum, going to lunch or making cookies.

My mom believes that being educated is more than sitting at a desk for eight hours. Although an avid supporter of our successful schooling (my dad is a teacher), she knows it doesn't hurt to spend a day together every once in a while.

6. She always lets you pick the movie

She says she'll pick "next time," but "next time" never seems to come.

7. She goes out of her way to make you feel special

Think of the countless birthday parties, school plays and graduation celebrations your mom has organized and supported through the years. Whether it's staying up late to make party decorations or leading the cheering section, you always know who your number one fan is.

8. She spends her money coming to visit you

Even when you live halfway across the country, she's there.

9. She is the first on your list to call with news

Whether you have exciting news like a new job or a pregnancy, or disappointments like a miscarriage or a bad day, sharing with Mom just makes life better.

10. She loves you and is always there for you

When I moved away, what I missed most wasn't the homemade meals or the folded laundry. It was being with Mom and feeling her constant love and support. Friends may be fleeting, but family is constant.

Some may be reading this right now and feel discouraged. There are women who may not have a close relationship with their mother, or others who do not know who their mother is. Many women are single moms working two jobs, trying to keep their family going.

No matter the situation, what makes all moms special is that they embody characteristics like peace, support and unconditional love associated with womanhood. By honoring mothers, we are honoring women. Whether it's moms, sisters, aunts, mothers-in-law, stepmothers or close friends, everyone has someone to appreciate.

Let's take this month to celebrate womanhood and the women who make our lives worth celebrating. Thank you, Mom. I will always need you no matter how old I get.

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In the Bible we read, "That ye shall say, it is the sacrifice of the Lord's passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt." Later, we learn that the Israelites continue honor the event on the 14th day of the month. Today the feast is a time to commemorate the past and look to the future - the renewal of life each spring. Perhaps the most well-known feature of the weeklong observation is the "Seder," a family meal held on the first night.

The first step of the feast is a sanctification and blessing of the wine, followed by a washing of the hands. Next, a vegetable is dipped in salt water and eaten to represent the humble beginnings of the Jewish people. The fourth step includes breaking the unleavened bread, or "matzah", a symbol of the fleeing Israelites not having time to let their bread rise. Following the "breaking", the story is told from Exodus and the "bitter herbs"-usually horseradish-are sampled as a reminder of the bitterness of slavery. The meal is served, blessings are offered, and the door is opened to symbolically usher in the prophet Elijah of whom it was foretold would welcome the Messiah.

While I am not Jewish, I have been fortunate to participate in several "Seders". My first was when I was fifteen. I couldn't get over the fact that for the duration of Passover the Jewish population didn't eat bread, only "Matzah" (something I tried to do myself without much success.) On the second occasion, I remember finding the symbolism fascinating-the salty vegetables and bitter herbs. This last time I began to think about how I could apply what I was learning into my own life.

Whether Christian, Jewish, Buddhist or of any other denomination, religion, or practice, there are lessons to take away from every faith. For me, Passover represents the idea that while we may not need to worry anymore about physically being passed over, we very much need to take care spiritually. Perhaps there is no destroying angel outside our door, but there are other things that seek to do harm to our families and us. Certain types of entertainment, hurtful criticism and gossip, or acts of selfishness can tear a family apart. There are several ways to protect our families from modern "destroying angels", such as wholesome recreational activities, sitting down and eating dinner together, or simply giving hugs goodnight. The home should be a place where one can feel safe and protected.

What are ways you can protect your family and be "spiritually" passed over?

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