Monday, December 27, 2010

Dearest God,

In the worst situations in life, is there good news? Does hope exist? Can love penetrate the darkness? Is it possible for faith to sustain us?

Today as I read the newspaper, listened to the news, and heard a story about vacationers in Mexico, taking in all the tragedies from military deaths to beheadings in Mexico, from corruption in government to the unexpected death of a president in Argentina, and from accidents to who knows what else, I wondered how some people cope with great suffering. Although I am not a stranger to suffering myself, I have never faced some of the loss, pain and incomprehensible tragedies that some have endured.

Can faith become so covered up with needless pain and sorrow that it is impossible to allow it to sprout anew? I am certain I am not the only one asking the question.

Yet, in the same newspaper I remember reading about a man who was released from prison after serving 26 years for a rape he did not commit. He is assisting his own lawyer by reading letters from prisoners who claim they too are innocent. He wants to help free others who were tragically sent to prison for crimes they did not commit. Is this the good news sprouting up out of bad? Is this light in the darkness? Is this hope rising up out of despair? Is this love winning over evil?

Guide us
to the light,
to hope,
faith and love.
Point us
in your direction,
Merciful God.
Welcome us
into your
compassionate arms.
Teach us how
to plant gardens
of trust
in our souls
so we
will be ready
for any situation
or condition
that knocks us down,
we pray.

Love, Andrea