A Question of Faith

Deborah Beach Giordano
© January 4, 2011

Those with true,
strong faith
are never at a loss;
no matter what troubles assail them,
whatever problems arise;
disasters, death, disease,
losses of every kind –
they make it through;
with courage,
grace,
and dignity.

They grieve, of course,
as others do;
their hearts hurt,
they weep and worry,
and cry out to the Lord,
and often struggle
through their own
long, dark nights.

Despite it all,
the Light keeps shining;
a subtle illumination
guides and sustains them
so they never lose their way;
a soul-glow
that keeps them
from despair.

But what of all the others?
The mighty unwashed
Multitude
that groans
in unrelieved agony?
The silent
Majority
whose tears
flow in an
endless stream?

Why are some
blessed
with stout hope,
and strong faith,
while others –
the less fortunate,
surely –
live in doubt,
anxious longing,
or take comfort
in sneering unbelief?

Is it a question
of intention?
Do some see:
finding what they’ve been seeking,
while others choose
to turn away
and tightly shut their eyes?

Or is it inherent aptitude;
the spiritual equivalent
of an ear for music:
is a divine song
always playing
but only a privileged few
can recognize the tune?

Perhaps in God’s wisdom
it is all those things
and more.

Perhaps the ones
whose faith is weak
(or lacking)
are really
very strong;
denied access
to the smooth wide road
they must find another route
among the thorns
and briars,
and learn
to build shelters
against the storm.

And when this life
is ended
and all
are at rest in God
like children
wearied from their play
will they proudly recall
the scraped knees
and bruised elbows
they earned
along the way?