What do you do- when the worst thing that could happen- happens? We cast our lots on likelihoods and chance, softening the sharp corners of anxiety with platitudes. Some of us learn, the hard way, that this doesn’t always hold. Many times we tell ourselves, tell our children, to not be afraid simply because that bad thing would never happen. But bravery at its core is doing the scary thing even when that bad thing could happen- has happened. Courage is continuing to live after severe loss- to step into this wretched reality, and to somehow still find joy. Courage is facing the grief and taking a step forward anyway.
On this All Souls’ Day We plead, we pray We call Your name As we step on leaves Whose time has passed They slowly rejoin the earth Allow our hearts to feel The sorrow of loss Yet the hope of Your light As eternity peeks into our shadow A small, burning ray Into a vast, deep cave I feel Your hand join mine You call us forward Each painful moment to feel & share Your love.