This phrase comes from a hymn I love, the first stanza of which begins: “Trust the Eternal when the shadows gather.” The final stanza counsels,
. . . and repent in meekness
Of that heart’s pride which frowns and will not yield,
Then to thy child-heart shall come strength in weakness,
And thine immortal life shall be revealed.
(William P. McKenzie, Christian Science Hymnal, No. 359)
I have referred many whose loved ones have passed on to this hymn, but it was not until my own beloved husband suddenly passed on that I was compelled to confront the anguish of false pride (in this case, the tendency to find a reason for his death, or to affix blame), and accept that our times are in God’s hands. Eventually the agonizing sense of grief and loss I had struggled with gave way to gratitude for all the good my husband expressed, and the conviction that good can never be lost, mocked, or denied.
