Dear LIS Friends,

At last month’s Ignatian Morning, I had the opportunity to listen to LIS associates share their stories of surrender and detachment. While each were richly different, they embodied a resolute spirit of hope in the midst of challenging times. Compelling stories from Bob, Caroline and Regina reflected a personal struggle to surrender to God while overcome with feelings of loss, helplessness, and anxiety. Once they surrendered, contentment surfaced. It’s not that the hardship disappeared in an instant, but a spirit of calm took over in the midst of being blindsided by life’s events. It was consoling to hear their responses to the personal dark times they encountered. I can’t help but call to mind the comforting verse from Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for you are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage.” I know 2020 has been a year like no other. It has been filled with dark valleys and steep hills to climb. Many events in recent months have had residual effects of trying our patience and stretching our faith in God. Yet we must continue to find God in the midst of our dark times and be confident in the freedom that comes from surrender. My prayer is that as we seek to find God in all things, may our Lord’s peace be with each of us and our families. 

Blessings,
Lori Stanley