Deacon Anne Strong

My Family in Christ,

Years ago, when my daughter was in the hospital, I was given this note: a gift of a special Prayer.

As you go through this day, know that I am gently protecting you. I am as near to you as my own breath, as close to you as your heartbeat. I can see the fragile state of your emotions. I know how close to the surface your tender feelings are. I am aware that the wick of your spirit’s inner light is flickering in the winds of your dilemma. But you are my child, and I am on your side today. I will hold you in my love until you are strong again. Do not be troubled or afraid. Do not strive in your own strength but lean into my love. Be strengthened by my Spirit. Find comfort in my mercy.
--Your shield and defender, God

I find I am never as real as when I become vulnerable before my God. It did not take long in this life for me to realize that this temporal world ultimately cannot handle my questions, burdens, fears, and doubts. Only God can envelop me in a supernatural peace and give me the courage, wisdom, and the hope for another day.

I especially love the words of the French philosopher Pierre Teilhard de Chardin:
“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a human experience.”

Prayer is the language of our souls.

Deacon Anne Strong

Readings for today:
Hosea 14: 1-9
Acts 22:22-30; 23:1-11 Ps. 106 :1-8
Luke 6: 39-49