Questions & Answers
Do not dismiss the rose, or turn your back on the setting sun, or fear a word in favor of larks will brand you materialist. The beauties we see and hear seem matter-born and bound, but they hint at the glory that is there beyond the bud on the cherry tree, beyond the butterfly wing and the star, on the far far side of the dove.
Glory shines and a voice speaks: "Blessed among women. Fear not!" I bow my head.
It was a difficult time for Christianity: storms and quakes—a world convulsing from incipient hate. Arrogance, ignorance blind to what was done; a governor questioning what was won; disciples fearing all was lost; so few faithful at the foot of the cross.
How could this be with Love's ever-presence filling all space— could it leave one of its own outside beyond the reach of shepherding protection where it must ever abide? Could Love see anything but its own reflection? Guileless, obedient, a love of following, feels itself forever safe within this Love's affection. Elizabeth Glass Barlow.
So many lessons, So much homework, So many tests? But what a privilege, And what an opportunity! What inspiring textbooks, What patient teachers. What finer headmaster? What absorbing lectures, And what dedicated congenial students Enrolled in this splendid school! What a magnificent chapel, So quiet, serene, this house of God.
Father, I'm ready to enter my closet, closing the door on things unlike prayer. This closet is consciousness, God-blessed and pure, wholly untroubled by cluttersome care.
Today, above all else, I love loving You and Your creation. I love glorifying You and bearing witness to You and only You! I love feeling Your love surrounding and caring for me and all mankind.
Neither suffering, pain, nor tears Exist in eternity But the clear consciousness Of a heart all humility. This heart cannot suffer from year succeeding year, From trials of time or other souvenir Of obsessive past or future never here Or even a regret of weakness far or near, But in hope rejoicing This heart finds its all In infinite ever-present Thou, Eternal now.
Once when I felt so compassed about with false witnesses, so battered and bruised by false accusations, I fell to my knees. Then I remembered that was a good attitude for prayer.
Why climb? I asked. Why the trouble— the boots, the parka, the pack— Why climb? And they said, The discovery.