Each Day We Begin Again

On this day I am remembering Francis de Sales, the patron saint of
authors, journalists and writers. His story reminds me that even the
most saintly people have struggles just like the rest of us.

Francis de Sales took seriously the words of Christ, “Learn of me for I am
meek and humble of heart. (also part of my own ordination passage)

He tell us: “The person who possesses Christian meekness is affectionate and tender towards everyone: he is disposed to forgive and excuse the frailties of others; the goodness of his heart appears in a sweet affability that influences his words and actions, presents every object to his view in the most charitable and pleasing light.”

And yet, as he himself once said, it took him 20 years to overcome his quick temper. Still no one ever suspected he had such a problem, as his usual manner of acting was so overflowing with good nature and kindness.

. . . and so. . . each day. . . we begin again.
~ Anna Lin

Photo on Pinterest

and let it begin with me

Against every new outrage
And every new horror
May we put up
One more piece of love and goodness
Drawing deeper and deeper strength
From within our deepest selves.

~ Andrew Harvey, Inspired by Etty Hillesum

Photo at: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/543668986245528477/

A Child Song ~ Rising Up To Heal

She speaks ~
the Child Song
still dwelling within the heart of me.

She cries ~
to be loved
and cared for every hour.

She longs
for the words
that will validate her being.

She waits
for each moment
to be loved.

Her past holds the memories
of suffering and pain . . .

Abuses to body and to soul.

Remembrance of times that
were difficult to bear –

as she wept inside,
in silence, and alone.

Today, I listen to her voice so tenderly,
to hear just what she has to say.

Together we shall find a way to heal ~
to bring her shadow forth into the light.

She gathers strength
to rise up
greater now ~ ~

To change into a
wiser, loving being.

Honored to serve
the greater goodness of life
that calls unto her soul to be.

This shall be so ~
this transformation
of my child ~ ~

She gratefully acknowledges
her gift;

that she who once was
wounded as a child ~

now forms the woman of compassion
that I be.

~ Anna Lin

Photo at: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/244883298462204083/
The bowl represents the Japanese art form of Wabi-sabi, that
teaches us that the healing which comes from our brokenness and
imperfections makes us stronger and more beautiful to serve
the greater good.