Even when he is silent

In the midst of the pandemic we await a better day... of hugs, sharing the peace in community, singing together, celebrating with family and friends.  While we wait, here's a poem of faith:

“I believe in the sun
even when it is not shining
And I believe in love,
even when there’s no one there.
And I believe in God,
even when he is silent.

I believe through any trial,
there is always a way
But sometimes in this suffering
and hopeless despair
My heart cries for shelter,
to know someone’s there
But a voice rises within me, saying hold on
my child, I’ll give you strength,
I’ll give you hope. Just stay a little while.

I believe in the sun
even when it is not shining
And I believe in love
even when there’s no one there
But I believe in God
even when he is silent
I believe through any trial
there is always a way.

May there someday be sunshine
May there someday be happiness
May there someday be love
May there someday be peace….”

– Uknown

The story that goes with this poem is that it was found carved on a cellar wall in Germany.  Some say in a hiding place for Jews trying to escape the Holocaust.  Others say it was in a concentration camp in Cologne.  If you read it as written by a Jewish person in the midst of the horrors of WWII, the simple words are even more profound.  I have not found verification for the origins of the poem, but they do speak from a place of faith.  And we all need faith.  Hope.  Sunshine, happiness, love and peace.

This poes has been set to music by the Norwegian composer Kim André Arnesen. You can hear a lovely rendition conducted by Anton Armstrong by clicking the link to YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYwYMngq4II