We are nearing the end of our Lenten journey. Easter is next Sunday! As we prepare to enter Holy Week, the somberness of Lent becomes more sobering as we journey with Jesus to Calvary. As He passed through the valley and shadow of death, so, too, He is with us in our valleys.

Today many folks are journeying through dark valleys of injustice, hurts, health challenges, grief, economic loss, and things that make the toes of our hearts curl up with hopelessness. It’s easy to get stuck in our valleys, to let fear prevent persevering grace from entering our hearts and lives, to stop moving forward.

Jesus could have stopped on the way to Calvary, but he kept on going – for you, for me, for everybody. His persevering grace is available for us today if we plug into Him to keep on going.

“Calm your anxiety and apprehension. Remain at peace, continue to go forward, and don’t let your course be stopped. It is true that this is the darkest hour of the night for you, but may the thought of a bright dawn and more brilliant noontime sustain you and induce you to keep moving forward. Do not doubt that the One Who has sustained you so far will continue with ever greater patience and divine kindness to support you on the remainder of your difficult and trying journey.”  St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina

grace, peace & persevering grace

Virginia : )