My Mama absolutely loved Amy Carmichael, a dedicated missionary to India from 1896 to 1951.  Mama treasured her many books, poems, and stories about her life.  Mama’s favorite Amy Carmichael book, Rose From Brier, was written during a time of painful convalescence that lasted many years.

While on silent retreat in November @ the Jesuit Center in Wernersville, I found this book on the shelf in the library.  Go figure!  A book from one of the most famous Protestant missionaries, but not only that — Mama’s favorite – in a Jesuit Catholic library!!

These words seemed to jump off the page, so here they are for you on this Lenten Sunday:

Before the winds that blow do cease,

Teach me to dwell within Thy calm:

Before the pain has passed in peace,

Give me, my God, to sing a psalm.

Let me not lose the chance to prove

The fullness of enabling love.

+++

Before I leave the desert land

For meadows of immortal flowers,

Lead me where streams at Thy command

Flow by the borders of the hours,

That when the thirsty come, I may

Show them the fountains in the way.

(Amy Carmichael, Rose from Brier)

grace, peace & immortal flowers

Virginia : )

Photo:  Yellowstone Park, Wyoming