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Marcia's avatar

Many years ago as I grieved the worst loss I have ever known, someone sent me this prayer handwritten on a card: Father, give me the strength to wait for hope — to look through the window when there are no stars. Even when my joy is gone, give me the strength to stand in the darkest night and say, “Father, the sun still shines.” I will have reached the point of greatest strength once I have learned to wait for hope.

I love the prayer because it acknowledges that unspeakable helplessness of overwhelming loss. It doesn’t promise that good will arise from suffering. Nobody who is that low can even imagine an “after this is over” time. It doesn’t make the suffering my fault for being faithless or weak. It seems to say that hope has its own timing, and it can be expected but not summoned.

Anyway, your sermon, the idea of extremis being the threshold of hope made me think of this.

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Charis Willyerd's avatar

Nadia,

Your words are like a lightening bolt to my heart. My soul. In a time that I so desperately need it.

I’ve shied away from Christianity for 40 years. I consider myself Buddhist, but ever so often a little light shines in me from your words. Please keep going, as hard as it is right now. Know that you are giving hopeless people hope in a hopeless time.

Hear me when I tell you that you matter. You are making a difference. I am grateful for your offerings.

Peace, love, and light.

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