When I hear this quote from Padre Pio, also known as St. Pio, my initial reaction is “that’s easier said than done!”

Like many of you, Sr. Stephanie and I unexpectedly find ourselves caught in the impending path of Hurricane Florence. My break has been immersed with unplanned worries and stresses including serious family illness, and changes of schedule re my trip.

Both NC and SC are in the target area and thus, so are we. We are in the western corner of SC, right outside Greenville. What that means is we will either get slammed, especially with the wind and rain or we may receive a lesser dose. Efforts to try and fly out of here earlier, were futile. And obviously, as you know, trying to pinpoint predictions, is difficult at best, so we are staying put. Potential flooding and loss of power also add to the worries.  We are either going to get 5-10 inches, or 30 inches or perhaps none if it takes a sharp left or right. Oh…and thrown in for good measure, is that we are 22 miles from a nuclear power plant- a reality that one doesn’t think about until the news reminds you that there are 6 nuclear power plants in the path of this hurricane.

Finally, I was in a spot over the past couple of days where I saw the process of numerous ambulances evacuating folks from hospitals…looked like the army caravan that I used to watch on our road while growing up…..must be so traumatic for the seriously ill and elderly being moved.

Those of you who know me well, know that I’m frequently saying, “It is what it is”….or as Padre Pio (St. Pio) said, “Pray, hope and don’t worry”. Well, here’s the thing…..I’ve got the first two parts of that quote down pat, but I don’t do so well with the third part! The next several days will give me a chance to work on the third part, I think!

Yes, I realize that Jesus tells us frequently not to worry and that if God cares for the birds of the air, we, too, will be cared for by our God of love.  And yes, I know that the Prophet Isaiah uses an image of God as a mother who cares for the child she cradles in her arms…and even if she should forget, God will never forget us.

God will never forget the marginalized poor.
God will never forget the children who long for peace and love.
God will never forget the displaced refugees or our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua…..or any other country either.
God will never forget the the lost and forsaken.
And…..God will never forget you and me!

Yes, I wrestle with the need to let go and let God.  Yes, I struggle with fear, wanting issues to be resolved quickly and positively.  And yet, in the midst of all the worry, I believe in prayer, I trust in a God who loves me as much as others,  and I truly believe in the transforming power of hope!

So, like some of you, there is room for growth in my spiritual life……therefore, God, help me, help us, to live and be HOPE each day.

Sr. Debbie Blow