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Dear Readers…Christ is Risen!

Dear Readers,

 
We are between the 2 Easters celebrated last Sunday in the Western Churches and this coming Sunday in the Eastern Orthodox tradition.
 
As we celebrate the Resurrection this year, may our prayers reach out to see the Resurrected Christ in the simplicity of discovering what is so important in our everyday moments, seeking love and peace. The icon of the Descent into Hades illustrates that Christ can penetrate and heal the darkest of darkness.  He will meet us in absolute uncertainty and fear. With God there is joy, with God there is hope. He is Risen!
 
The world is struggling no doubt, we are relying on fellow men in ways we never dreamed of. There is a remark in a wonderful short story that was given to me by a dear friend, it is the book “The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse” by Charlie Mackesy. It is a best seller, Barnes and Noble’s Book of the Year. No wonder! … it is filled with heart defining love, friendship and kindness. The book is about how the wisdom of the horse nurtures the growth of a boy giving thanks to the fox and the mole being in the presense of their love. Near the end of the story the horse says, “We don’t know about tomorrow, all we need to know is that we love each other.” A previous page; the mole asks the boy, “is your glass half empty of half full?” The boy says, “I think I am grateful to have a glass.” And further on…the boy asks the horse if there is any other advice he should know, “Don’t measure how valuable you are by the way you are treated,” said the horse. “Always remember you matter, you’re important and you are loved, and you bring to this world things no one else can.”
 
I could go on and on, but I think this is enough to illustrate that the heart of this book is delightedly inspiring on a most intimate and ordinary level. It speaks of God’s love, His acceptance, and in reality, how one moves forward through the storms of life. LOVE-
 
Which brings me into the next part of my letter. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to regularly post information on my web site regarding teaching, studio projects, pilgrimages, contemplative articles, etc. for the last 2-3 years. I am truly sorry for that. I am still here! My energies have been consumed with teaching, commissions and travel that I have been able to maintain while many other avenues in life have called for my energies, whether it be healing energies, or most of all…being present in times of pain for loved ones. Perhaps like the mole or the fox, we have a purpose that is a calling, a calling which must serve in another capacity. My baby grandchild was diagnosed with leukemia almost 3 years ago. Today, he continues his chemo protocol for yet another 7 months and we rejoice in the fact that his big fight in such a little body is beating the storms of life! He is active, happy and ready to grow and explore this world as any child would at his current age, 4 years old.
 
So back to the book. The boy says, “We have such a long way to go.” “Yes, but look how far we’ve come, ” says the horse. “What do we do when our hearts hurt?” asked the boy. “We wrap them with friendship, shared tears and Time, till they make hopeful and happy again,” said the horse.
 
The purpose of this letter is also an entry into how living through the work of my students has provided  perseverance and purpose at times when I am too busy in personal trials but knowingly must move forward with my students. In the next post, I wish to share their work and their letters giving honor to their icons opening meekness, humility and love dwelling within our souls to endure suffering for Christ.  AMEN.

One Response to Dear Readers…Christ is Risen!

  1. Molly Cox April 14, 2020 at 1:24 pm #

    Blessed Easter season, Deb! Thank you for your words of inspiration – and my heart aches for your grandchild. My participation in your Russia trip was a highlight I remember fondly. May we all have better days ahead!
    Blessings, Molly

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