I like looking for inspirational messages that people post on their Facebook pages. These messages or notable quotes often offer me a “time out” to ponder what is important or to reflect on a truth. I keep a folder on my computer of the ones I want to remember or hold in my heart forever. Sometimes, these quotes come at significant times when they are most needed. I also see them as messages from God to be unveiled as the need occurs.
Among my favorite quotes are those by Helen Keller and Mister Rogers. I’ve always been enamored by the inspiration and goodness emanated by these two individuals. As a child, my mother introduced me to Helen Keller, encouraging me to read her biography and to watch the movie about her life as a deaf and blind person. Though never expressed, I think my mother wanted me to feel empowered by what Helen Keller accomplished and to see that I, too, could accomplish many things, regardless of my congenital hearing loss. Here are two of Helen Keller’s quotes that I’ve found meaningful:
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched,
they must be felt with the heart.”
“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.”
You can find more inspirational musings from Helen Keller here.
As an adult, I find so much practical wisdom in the simple and profound messages that Mister (Fred) Rogers shared with little kids on his television show, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and imparted to us big kids about living a noble life, being a friend, and being good to our neighbor. In the book Wisdom from the World According to Mister Rogers, there are keepsake messages about compassion, kindness, and gentleness on how to treat others and ourselves. Here are two messages from Mr. Rogers to ponder:
"In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers."
“If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. The greatest gift you ever give is your honest self.”
You can enjoy more of Mr. Rogers’ wisdom by clicking here.
As you reflect on the quotes in this blog, may you embrace the wisdom in this Ojibwe Prayer, "Listen to the wind, it talks. Listen to the silence, it speaks. Listen to your heart, it knows."
What are your favorite quotes? What inspires you and gives you pause for reflection? What is your vision for your future? How is God calling you at this moment in time? Maybe you are the one God is calling to religious life as a sister? Why not take the time to explore this possibility? We have many discernment opportunities to help you explore your vocation. Among these opportunities are our Mission for Peace program (May 31-June 4 in Columbus, Ohio) and our Come and See retreat (September 13-15 in St. Catharine, Kentucky). Or, you can contact us for a personal conversation. In whatever way God may be calling you, remember that “the best choice is to trust God.” (Bryan Schooley)