So many times we find ourselves struggling to grasp for hope. Surrounded by a harsh and heartbreaking world and our own challenges both within and without, we reach for the roots of our faith, taking just enough to move us forward.
‘Against all odds’ we journey ahead. as described in Bishop Charleston’s reflection below, we face the tragic silence before us with hopes to share our song of faith. It’s melody is found in our acts of compassion and works of justice. May these faithful ‘songs’ bring light in places of great darkness with a sense of gratitude and an open heart.
You were born to believe. Even if there have been times when you tried to let go of faith, accepting doubts or disappointments as reason to suspend your dreams, you never were able to release that last spark of light within you. It is you. You were born to believe. Against the odds, despite the culture, through the hard work of hope, you have not only kept the faith but given it away. You sing the silence to song. You trust the love around you. You make justice grow. You were born to do this. It is your birthright. It is your calling. It is the part of time entrusted to your care. (Bishop Steven Charleston)
Carrie's Bench 
Good morning Carrie — you always write with amazing grace on the most difficult topics. Just before I read your “Against all Odds,” I had googled the name of the holy girl Emilie Parker who was killed with her young friends and adults on Friday at Sandy Hook Elementary School. I found a blogsite new to me — Mother of God:
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“This poem was written during WW2, on the wall of a cellar, by a Jew in the Cologne concentration camp.”
“I believe in the sun
even when it is not shining
And I believe in love,
even when there’s no one there.
And I believe in God,
even when he is silent.
I believe through any trial,
there is always a way
But sometimes in this suffering
and hopeless despair
My heart cries for shelter,
to know someone’s there
But a voice rises within me, saying hold on
my child, I’ll give you strength,
I’ll give you hope. Just stay a little while.
I believe in the sun
even when it is not shining
And I believe in love
even when there’s no one there
But I believe in God
even when he is silent
I believe through any trial
there is always a way.
May there someday be sunshine
May there someday be happiness
May there someday be love
May there someday be peace….”
– Unknown
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Thank you for your kind words and this beautiful poem. Peace…
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