The Mystery of Faith in Stormy Weather

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Tragedies, such as those suffered by the recent victims of tornadoes and overflowing river banks, can have some of us questioning all sorts of things. One question might be ‘Where is God in all of this?’

A friend and her parents’ homes were seriously damaged by the recent tornado that hit parts of Minneapolis. A few weeks ago I visited a friend in Alabama. The devastation from the tornadoes around the country is overwhelming to many and seems endless. We have also seen pictures of neighbors and complete strangers offering help, support, and prayers. In the midst of tragedies as well as in the mysteries of our daily lives, we can lean into our faith and find peace of mind.

Having experienced the horrors, chaos, and massive destruction of Hurricane Katrina through my family who still lives in New Orleans, my heart aches for the victims of recent devastations – in our country and around the world. Being in relationship with other faith-filled contemplative women and men, I am reminded on a daily basis that faith and hope transcend geographic region, religion, ethnicity, age, economic status, etc. In faith, we can all rest in God and the arms of another. It is a mystery. And, I am grateful for the reminders, in the here and now.

How do you maintain faith in God in the difficult spots of your life? How do you find hope in possibilities and new life?

Tanya Williams, OP
Minneapolis, Minnesota

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