What you write speaks deeply to me. Your stark honesty, alongside a hard-won trust that hope is possible, the invitation to listen to the dream to "return by another way." Thank you, thank you, Laura.
This piece really struck a cord with me, Laura. It was beautiful and harrowing to read all at the same time. I love the way you write, and that you don't wash over the painful parts of your story but give them the space they deserve, hand in hand with the hope we also have. Thank you for sharing with all of us!
Thanks Laura. I appreciate your words. I write mostly about glimpses of hope in the journey we’ve had through the past year with my baby’s back to back open heart surgeries. Thanks for being another person who gets it.
Laura, in the Diocese of Milan, Italy, we follow the ancient Ambrosian Rite instead of the Roman, we mark the weeks until Lent as Epiphanytide, too! I think it changed for the Roman Rite post-1962 - from what I can see in the traditional calendar the weeks up to Septuagesina Sunday are marked as ‘x After Epiphany’.
I was just about to leave a comment about how the traditional Roman Rite, which uses the 1962 missal of the Latin Mass, observes Epiphanytide until Septuagesima Sunday. I only discovered the traditional calendar a few years ago, but I love how no Sunday is labeled "Ordinary"; every Sunday is given significance in light of a particular feast, and this month, we get to reside in the spirit of the Epiphany.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Laura! As long as it takes, it’s with certainty you will shine brightly through it all. “The soul likes to go slow” SJPII ❤️
This post is so profound. I am sorry that the cost of these awarenesses is your healing journey. Know that many are made better bc of it. I know I am. Deepest gratitude and thx for sharing in your beautiful eloquent way. p.s. you are also so funny. intersting combo.
Wow I’m speechless. I just discovered your newsletter and I’m deeply touched my your story especially when you were wondering what happens after the healing. We really don’t know how the sick who were healed coped and I’m sure that part of the story could be encouraging to you and many others. I pray God brings your clarity. Sending love and prayers.❤️ i look forward to learning more about your journey. God bless ❤️
Thank you so much, Sakina. I often wonder about the healing stories in Scripture - what happened in the after for those who were healed. Cancer has made this all the more real for me.
Laura, “trusting night can be as holy as brilliant light.” In the midst of such an upheaval of the known, holding onto the thin threads of hope at night helped me to get to the light of morning as I struggled after my cancer. Dark night after dark night that hope tethered. Your words took me back there and beyond to the brilliant holy light of survival. God bless you and Thanks.
I was born on Epiphany...as a child, I disliked my birthday, as it was too close to Christmas and everyone was too tired to celebrate, or to even remember that it was my "special day." It took me years to awaken to the beauty of the feast...your reflection sealed the deal for me. Your appreciation of Epiphany, and all that it holds for us, is so rich with insight and hope. Thank you for this...and keep your eyes on that silent star!
That was one of those lines that did not come from me and made me stop in my (metaphorical, writing) tracks. I think I needed those words more than anyone!
This is beautiful, Laura. This line especially made me tear up. “When you have seen more than you expected, you have to return by another way.”
It made me think of this poem by Jan Richardson that offered solace in a time where I felt most bewildered by being in my own life when everything had changed. You may be familiar with it, but I’ll share it here in case it can be any encouragement:
Annelise, this blessing is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing it with me. (I'm about to share it with a friend that might be lifted by the same words.) I love Jan Richardson's writing but had never read this one: you gave it to me at just the right time.
What you write speaks deeply to me. Your stark honesty, alongside a hard-won trust that hope is possible, the invitation to listen to the dream to "return by another way." Thank you, thank you, Laura.
Thank you so much, Becky. Grateful for your encouragement.
This piece really struck a cord with me, Laura. It was beautiful and harrowing to read all at the same time. I love the way you write, and that you don't wash over the painful parts of your story but give them the space they deserve, hand in hand with the hope we also have. Thank you for sharing with all of us!
Thank you so much, Madeleine. Lifted by your own words today!
This is so special, Laura. Everything you write is beautiful but this one shines bright, to use Epiphany language. Thinking of you often. ❤️
Thanks Laura. I appreciate your words. I write mostly about glimpses of hope in the journey we’ve had through the past year with my baby’s back to back open heart surgeries. Thanks for being another person who gets it.
Laura, in the Diocese of Milan, Italy, we follow the ancient Ambrosian Rite instead of the Roman, we mark the weeks until Lent as Epiphanytide, too! I think it changed for the Roman Rite post-1962 - from what I can see in the traditional calendar the weeks up to Septuagesina Sunday are marked as ‘x After Epiphany’.
I was just about to leave a comment about how the traditional Roman Rite, which uses the 1962 missal of the Latin Mass, observes Epiphanytide until Septuagesima Sunday. I only discovered the traditional calendar a few years ago, but I love how no Sunday is labeled "Ordinary"; every Sunday is given significance in light of a particular feast, and this month, we get to reside in the spirit of the Epiphany.
Damn this is good. Breathtaking how you can play with words and images.
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful Laura! As long as it takes, it’s with certainty you will shine brightly through it all. “The soul likes to go slow” SJPII ❤️
"The soul likes to go slow" - that gives me goosebumps. Thank you for this gift!
This post is so profound. I am sorry that the cost of these awarenesses is your healing journey. Know that many are made better bc of it. I know I am. Deepest gratitude and thx for sharing in your beautiful eloquent way. p.s. you are also so funny. intersting combo.
Thank you so much, Cheryl. Someday I hope I can weave this kind of writing in with the humor...who knows what that might become but I'd love to try.
Always adore your writing, Laura. 🤍
Peace, love and healing in 2024! ❤️
Wow I’m speechless. I just discovered your newsletter and I’m deeply touched my your story especially when you were wondering what happens after the healing. We really don’t know how the sick who were healed coped and I’m sure that part of the story could be encouraging to you and many others. I pray God brings your clarity. Sending love and prayers.❤️ i look forward to learning more about your journey. God bless ❤️
Thank you so much, Sakina. I often wonder about the healing stories in Scripture - what happened in the after for those who were healed. Cancer has made this all the more real for me.
Laura, “trusting night can be as holy as brilliant light.” In the midst of such an upheaval of the known, holding onto the thin threads of hope at night helped me to get to the light of morning as I struggled after my cancer. Dark night after dark night that hope tethered. Your words took me back there and beyond to the brilliant holy light of survival. God bless you and Thanks.
What gorgeous words you offer here, on hope at night and holy light. Grateful for this!
Laura,
I was born on Epiphany...as a child, I disliked my birthday, as it was too close to Christmas and everyone was too tired to celebrate, or to even remember that it was my "special day." It took me years to awaken to the beauty of the feast...your reflection sealed the deal for me. Your appreciation of Epiphany, and all that it holds for us, is so rich with insight and hope. Thank you for this...and keep your eyes on that silent star!
What a beautiful birthday full of light! I hope you are still basking in the glow of this sacred season.
"Silent as a star" got me. Phew.
That was one of those lines that did not come from me and made me stop in my (metaphorical, writing) tracks. I think I needed those words more than anyone!
"When you have seen more than you expected, you have to return by another way." - a truth to be guided by.
This is beautiful, Laura. This line especially made me tear up. “When you have seen more than you expected, you have to return by another way.”
It made me think of this poem by Jan Richardson that offered solace in a time where I felt most bewildered by being in my own life when everything had changed. You may be familiar with it, but I’ll share it here in case it can be any encouragement:
https://paintedprayerbook.com/2017/06/27/welcoming-blessing/
Annelise, this blessing is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing it with me. (I'm about to share it with a friend that might be lifted by the same words.) I love Jan Richardson's writing but had never read this one: you gave it to me at just the right time.
I’m so glad it came at the right time :)