The peace in silence
Fran Lawson, our supporter engagement officer for the North of England, reflects on one of her favourite poems, Desiderata.
One of my favourite poems is Desiderata by Max Ehrmann, which I first read in my late teens. It really struck a chord with me then, as it does today, and I have often shared it with younger family members as they become adults.
The first line reads: “Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.”
At this time of year, many of us will be looking forward to holidays away – a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of our daily routines and enjoy some peace and quiet. This can be a time to reconnect with family and friends, as well as with ourselves. An opportunity to pause and reflect on our lives and the world around us.
In many of the countries where Mary’s Meals works, there is little chance for the children to escape the noise and chaos of daily life. They may be living through conflict or desperate food shortages, fleeing their homes for safety, or scavenging for food to survive.
There is no opportunity for these children to enjoy the peace in silence. Mary’s Meals is a beacon of hope for desperately hungry children in the world’s poorest, and often most difficult, locations. Children like 11-year-old Lina from Syria, who now lives in Lebanon and has faced unimaginable challenges in her young life.
Lina’s life changed in a flash when she had to flee from her home because of conflict. Her family home was in one of the most dangerous areas of Syria, leading to a constant fear for their lives.
She now receives Mary’s Meals at school in Lebanon where she and her family settled to rebuild their lives. Lina feels extremely lucky to attend school as she knows that some children are unable to.
She says: “I love my school. My favourite subjects are Armenian and English.
“Every child should have the right to go to school to study and learn new things to get a good job and make a bright future for themselves.”
Thank you for all you do in support of our mission – for helping us give this breathing space to children like Lina, and peace of mind to their parents and guardians who have experienced the unimaginable worry of not being able to feed their children.
May you all enjoy the rest of the summer and make the most of some quiet time if you can.
Fran Lawson
Supporter Engagement Officer
“And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.” – from Desiderata by Max Ehrmann
Pray with us:
- We give thanks, Lord, for this work of Mary’s Meals and for the opportunity to bring hope to so many of your children through the provision of daily meals in school.
- Lord, bless all the young people of our world, especially those who live in the most difficult situations, surrounded by chaos, conflict and extreme hunger. May they always know Your love.
- We pray for all our Mary’s Meals colleagues and volunteers over this summer holiday period. We ask that they all safely return from their travels, refreshed and re-invigorated to continue their work within this mission.
