In the beginning of the pandemic, our country shut down, as well as stores, businesses, churches, and schools.  I began watching performances and church services on U-Tube.  During the summer, our church moved to outdoor services in a local park.  Now, COVID-19 cases are soaring again because too many people are not following health protocols.  My church moved the church services back to the church but holds them outdoors on the church’s lawn before it gets too cold.  I was tested for the disease but received a negative test result last Tuesday.  I’m isolating from all kinds of people, and today, I began watching U-Tube again.

I watched a live service from Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cathedral in Vancouver, British Columbia.  I have seen many European cathedrals and some here in America.  What strikes me the most about cathedrals, no matter where they are, is the striking similarities in actual building descriptions.  There are vaulted ceilings, beautiful stained-glass windows, compassionate sculptures, and exquisite paintings.  There is usually a magnificent pipe organ in the balcony and a distinctive cross hanging over the altar.  The one unique rosette window at the back of this cathedral had no colors in it; it was just plain glass with no ornate color scheme.  The artisan made me feel like God was saying to me, “I see you perfectly with all your flaws.  Go now and see the world through my eyes.  Take off your rose-colored glasses and see my loving heart.”

During the service a reader came up to the lectern to read Phillippians 4:7-8. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”  The passage offered me peace and a fresh look at what we should be praising God for in these troubled times.  Between the pandemic, our civil unrest, a struggling economy, a divisiveness the likes of which none of us has ever seen in America, and a shaky government with the president and many members of his party ill from the disease, I have been praying for God’s help.  It’s hard to see the light when there is so much darkness around us, but I believe God is calling us to look for the goodness in everything, even things we have little control over.  Through the past several months, it’s the peace and fear of the unknown that has eluded me from time to time.

A minister’s ability to make the Word understandable to me has always been what makes me love going to church.  When I can go, I feel the presence of my dad beside me because he had that ability as a minister.  Not being able to go to church through this pandemic has often left a hole in my heart, but the U-Tube message I watched after the service really warmed my soul as though my heavenly Father was speaking to me

personally.  I will paraphrase the minister’s message from the Byfield Parish Church.

A Letter from God

My child, you may not know me.

I know everything about you.

I know all your ways and your thoughts.

I even know the tiny hairs on your head.

You were made in my image.

I knew you even before your birth.

You are not a mistake.

I determined when you were born and where you live.

I have been misrepresented by some.

I am not distant; I am not angry.

You are the complete expression of my love.

It is my desire to give you all your needs.

I offer you more than your earthly father for I am the perfect Father.

I want you to have a future filled with hope.

I will care for you with all my heart and soul.

Seek me and you will find me.

I will encourage you to be the best person you can be.

I will wipe away every tear and take your pain away.

Take my Son, Jesus Christ, unto your heart.

He is the exact representation of me.

Through His death, your sins are forgiven.

Receive my love through my only Begotten Son.

My question to you is this; “Will you be my child?  I am waiting for you.”

Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have given me.  Thank you for Your peace that passeth all understanding.  Thank you for walking beside me when my fears seem to knock me down.  Your love abides within me and all around me.  And yes, Lord, You are my Father, and I am Your child.

Anna Hartt