Proof that miracles thrive in the presence of love
My heart is heavy with grief this morning as I watch the devastation in Japan unfold on television. I lived through the1994 earthquake in California. It registered 6.7 on the Richter scale, and I thought the world was ending. It was terrifying beyond belief. But to survive an 8.9, only to be wiped out by a Tsunami only 15 minutes later? I truly can not imagine the horror.
I had to break the news to my Japanese daughter-in-law last night. We watched the news together, sick to our stomachs, praying her friends and family would be safe through the night.
It’s times like these that rock my faith. Is there a patriarchal God up there who just had a temper tantrum, decided he didn’t like his creation and knocked it over like a cranky child with a stack of blocks? I can’t buy into that.
I don’t know if there is a God “up there”, or somewhere in the atmosphere, but if God is love, then yes, I see God. Because with every disaster that happens in the world, as people are suffering, a miracle begins to emerge. The God in you, the God in me, awakens. We become united as humans. All around the world we connect through our prayers, empathy and our actions. We connect through Love.
We give, even when we don’t have. We rush toward the disaster, rather than look away. We reach out to absolute strangers. In those desperate moments we realize, we are all one.
This morning President Obama announced our commitment to help Japan, saying "The friendship and alliance between our two nations is unshakeable, and only strengthens our resolve to stand with the people of Japan as they overcome this tragedy." Sixty years ago Japan was our enemy. Today, our friendship is unshakable. I think of that every time I hold my half-Japanese grandson in my arms, and remember that my grandfather was a bomber in World War Two. Miracles occur in the wake of devastation.
Is there a reason for everything? I don’t know. But there is a reason for us now to rise to the very best in us. To help, to pray, to hold one another in grief, in loss.
So please join me this morning, and say a prayer for our brothers and sisters in Japan.
This too shall pass, and all will be well, for miracles thrive in the presence of love.
1. your grandson is beyond delicious. that picture is divine. your words are divine too. Mother Teresa said "we can do no great things, only small things with great love." I believe that gestures like yours--living and sharing consciousness and love sets an example for those around you. if we all realize that our small actions for the greater good add up, together we become capable of doing great things.
ReplyDeleteAm with you, Hollye. Have been glued to my TV and FB, watching and waiting. I know people there (who are safe, thank god) and people with family there. It's so true that your heart just rushes up to love the people of this world. xo B
ReplyDeleteI really believe that in order to have amazing miracles, there needs to be horrifying miracles to balance them out. And then we all have a chance to learn something from them.
ReplyDeleteSound convincing? I don't know.
Prayers and Love, Hollye!!!!
Thank you Hollye for your always wise and ever caring words. There is God within each of us and it is up to us to lean on that strength.
ReplyDeleteWishing all of your family and all families the best right now in hope and faith.
Carol
Hollye well said as always. Hope your Japanese family are all okay.
ReplyDeleteHollye, beautifully written, as always. I'm proud of you for many reasons, and this is another. And I've always loved Mother Teresa's, "we can do no great things, only small things with great love." I don't believe in a punishing God, but I do believe in the great power of love and compassion and unity. There is so much we don't understand. If we knew it all, we would never learn what faith and wonder is all about. As you so very well know, disasters and trauma bring people together and open our hearts until we feel they are going to split wide open. Yours is HUGE and massive. My very warmest wishes and prayers to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this, Hollye. Your words are fine prayer, may they catch a sail full of wind in the direction of your intention.
ReplyDeleteYour grandson looks a lovely wee boy. Is this your first? I am brand new grandmama, 7 weeks new.
Hollye....I am friends with some of your friends on facebook and came to this blog via Cheryl's link. What you wrote is so beautifully stated and so beautifully heartfelt. I am happy I was given the opportunity to read it. If everyone in the world shared your beliefs, imagine the results. John Lennon had it down pat. I learn every day by reading, listening and taking positive action on what I have learned. Thank you for sharing.....peace <3
ReplyDeleteHollye just beautiful. Love.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said. You hit the sweet spot. Amen.
ReplyDeleteexquisite...your writing is so clean. you deliver the truth with no pretense, no spectacle, just truth.
ReplyDeleteOur hearts are aching for the sorrow of a nation and its people. Once again, a call to unite and treat one another with love, respect, compassion and kindness. Well Done Hollye