I have been praying and asking our Lord for some guidance as to his plan for me and what it is, exactly that he wishes for me to do with my life, given that I am disabled and somewhat isolated. For some time, I believed that I was meant to write a blog advocating for the poor, and I did so for the last few years. Gradually, however, I came to understand that the blog was not accomplishing what I had hoped and that it was sucking time away that could be better spent in prayer and meditation. I have erased the entries, except for this one.
When I left the Hindu convent many years ago, I imagined that I may become a Catholic nun or sister, continuing in the community life I enjoyed while a Hindu nun, but numerous obstacles were laid in my path, until no other life but what I am living now seems feasible.
Sometimes God shows you His plan for you by putting you in the position of having nothing else to do! This is particularly good for hard-headed people like me. God has arranged it so that I have the inclination, the time and the private space in which to live a contemplative life dedicated to Him.
When I was a nun in the convent, we lived on donations as well as the income from a book catalogue. Similarly, I live on a small disability income, donations, and the occasional sale of a painting or baby blanket. If you are interested in purchasing a painting or a baby blanket, they will be displayed on www.silvercottagecreations.blogspot.com. In addition, a donation button is included on this page.
If you would like me to include you in my prayers, please write me with your intentions and I will pray for you. In the meantime, God bless you all.
Silver Rose Parnell
Dear Silver,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry it seems you may not be blogging anymore. I came across this blog some time ago, should probably have told you how much I enjoy your posts, especially those concerning how the poor are treated. I have come across very few Christian forums or blogs that strongly advocate for the poor and disabled.
I live in Scotland, and for a long time time we in the UK have had a welfare system to be proud of. But our present government (whose leaders are from privileged, wealthy abackgrounds) has been intent for the past few years on attacking this system in order to solve the economic crisis. People with very disabling illnesses and conditions (physical and mental) have been told they are 'fit' to seek work and stripped of their benefits. Even those who are deemed unfit have had their benefits slashed. This has all contributed to a shift in the mindset of many individuals (yes, sadly, so-called Christians too), who lump together and label those who can't find jobs or cannot work as 'scroungers'.
Excuse my little foray into politics...it's just that your posts concerning the poor and disabled so amazingly well describe these attitudes! I've always been saddened that hardly anyone ever left comments, and alas, I'm guilty of that too, simply due to being very shy and private.
Though I am not Roman Catholic, I am a Christian (attend the Scottish Episcopal Church). I would be very grateful if you would kindly pray for me as I suffer from health problems which affect my work and livelihood. I will also pray for you. Whether or not you decide to continue this blog, please know that I think that through it you have advocated extremely well for the poor and disabled. I wish you all the best, and God bless!
God bless you and thank you for the beautiful and kind words. The situation you describe with the attitudes toward the disabled in your country exactly mirrors what I find here in America. The negative characterizations are widespread and thereby gain momentum and "credibility." As Pope Emeritus Benedict recently pointed out, however, nothing is true simply because many people believe it. Anyway, God knows the truth and Jesus loves the poor. I will certainly keep you in my prayers in a special way. Prayers are very powerful and probably accomplish more than my poor blog. In the meantime, we can hold onto the promises of Christ. We know how all of this ends, and it is very good news for us, indeed.
DeleteSilver Rose
Thank you for your lovely reply, Silver...I was a little nervous just after I'd sent the post, as I'm not used to commenting on blogs! Now I'm reassured that it got there safely and came across as I meant it to.
DeleteAgain, God bless and thank you for your prayers.
Ann (might be easier for you to have my name since you're kindly praying for me)