It’s with a heavy heart and mind that I stand in solidarity in the footsteps of a man who had the courage to walk away. Saint Francis beckons us all to get up and follow, and most importantly, listen with our faculties open. The son of one of the wealthiest merchants in all of Italy, when Saint Francis returned dejectedly from war, he heard Christ’s calling to leave behind all his material possessions in the face of eminent peril. In a symbol of complete immersion, he stripped naked in the town square and walked out of the walls of Assissi never to return to a life committed to anything other than helping the poor and weak. Not wanting his own legacy to die, Saint Francis’ notoriously angry father committed him to a 2 foot jail cell claiming he was clearly mad. As mothers are wont to do, Saint Francis’ came to his aid and released him to a life of serving others. I am confirmed-ly returning to the States without a job that has defined me for over a decade. If Saint Francis can walk away intentionally, surely I can follow when the hardest part of the decision has already been made for me. Assissi, the spot where I, with many others, have heavily weighed the opportunities before me.
Bastille Day celebrations are in the making, freshly delivered early Birthday flowers have arrived from My Matthew and Winston, and after 48 perilous hours, the internet has briefly returned. My 32 year of life begins with our host's initiated French-infused independence.
THE WILL OF GOD
ReplyDeleteThe will of God will never take you,
Where the grace of God cannot keep you.
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.
~ Author Unknown
Our hearts are always with you...You had given us a card when we started our new adventure in life and it stated to take the road less traveled...enjoy the journey...you are in our thoughts and prayers.....We Love you....Mom & Dad