Hello Faith Pals,
I trust you are all doing the right thing, keeping away from bugs and trying not to pass them on. It is hard when we are so used to socializing, whether that be via a visit, or seeing someone as we are out shopping, and stopping for a chat. Did you find Sunday a little odd? I poured myself a cuppa, ready for Songs of Praise, instead it was all about the latest on the corona virus. Oh well-it was good for my prayer time, praying for the world.
Just a short email today. I don’t want you to feel overwhelmed by words (ministers are sometimes too wordy. Maybe in my next email I will tell you about a spiritual practice that helps me).
My quotes today deal with hope. Poet Emily Dickinson wrote:
‘Hope is the thing with feathers
that perches in the soul
and sings the tune without the words
and never stops at all.’
This morning, as I scattered grain for the collared doves that congregate outside, I remembered that poem. The birds just go around their daily business, doing what they do. Strutting around, one of the bossy ones chasing away the others (I tell him there is food for all but he never listens!) My cat has been visiting my desk, helping to type this email. My, how it is fun to press keys! My blind dog sleeps at my feet. God’s creation can give us comfort, even hope, through these dark days. Flowers may die, but seeds are also part of the plant; they settle in the warm, dark earth, until spring reveals some surprises.
We must hold on to God’s strength, and God’s promises.
St Augustine wrote: ‘Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are.’
Desmond Tutu wrote: ‘Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.’
We have so much Scripture we can hold on to as well. In Lamentations 3: 22-23: ‘The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Keep the candle of hope burning in your heart. Love this world, continue to pray for its inhabitants, all of them God’s children, family we just haven’t met.
Until next time,
Blessings and love
Barbara Allen
ps: thank you to those sharing emails/hymns/youtube clips etc. We are church family, even if we cannot meet face to face at the moment.
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