You came like a thief in the night. You labored and harvested your salty tears and the creaking of aching bones. You flirted with hope and teased us with fighting chances. You snatched us under your dark garments and made us feel blind. You snickered at our struggle and brought forth pain. You reached inside our chests and plucked out our hearts, leaving a void. You fled into the darkness with your treasures attempting to cover the light you have taken.
However, where there is light there can be no darkness. Light triumphs over darkness. Instead, you failed in your thievery and brought forth the light. You exposed yourself, Thief, and now, you have let light shine.
Today, I am reminded of the pain brought on by death. Brenda passed peacefully into the heavens and left behind her light. Many of you may not have known her, but people from all over the world have flown in, or sent messages, to say their farewells to a Godly and inspiring mother, wife, and woman. The group has never met Brenda, and yet, we have met her through all those she has impacted. Today, we got to cry and pray with our Guatemalan brothers, and rejoice in the life she has lived.
Today, I am reminded of death. I remember those I have lost. Those that I miss. I feel the compassion for my brothers, as I remember what it feels like to watch thieves snatch away those lights. As I write, I imagine my readers taking on a similar feeling as they remember those who have passed on to a place we cannot see. However, my hope is that you find comfort in it.
Peace is at hand. If there is one thing a thief cannot take, it is the light it has exposed for the world to see. Through all those who have touched our lives, we have taken a piece of their light to share. Can you imagine all the light in the world, if we shared all the light we have been given by our loved ones? So shine. Shine their lights, and there is peace in that.
This past week we have been painting and laboring in kitchens and classrooms to prepare a way for the Palencia children. We have built relationships with the people of Guatemala. Despite the hardships, our brothers have been strong, and they continue with the work God wants and what Brenda has desired.
A conversation I never want to forget is told by Brother Alex just before Brenda passed. He said this, "I have peace because Tito have peace. I think as I paint that I would not be here if it weren't for Tito and Brenda. I speak in love as I paint for the children to see love. We must speak in love to share to the whole world." Despite his limited English, Alex was able to express his passion and genuine emotions. His big heart and sincerity left me in tears, and I wish there were more Alexes in the world. I need to be an Alex.
In our society, money and material possessions are seen as most prosperous and successful. Those who don't have it are pushed away, and we forget to show love where it is needed most. We find ourselves buying back into the superficial life abd judging how stupid that client was, or how ridiculous that person looks. But listen to this: Alex does not want his words to be understood as good works get you into heaven, or the benefit of putting your accomplishments on a resume. Life is not about the hot gossip at work, or the things left to cross off our to do list. Good works and life are about sharing love, whether you believe in God or not. It is about showing how attainable love is for everyone when you are givers and takers of it.
So speak in love. Speak in love for people like Brenda. Speak in love for those who loveyou. Shine the lights of those we have lost and remember what those lights represent. Share those lights with the world and shine them brightly.
Speak in love.
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