Kim Stafford, now Poet Laureate of Oregon, wrote these words many years ago. This poem was first shared with me by a favorite friend and mentor when I was a young priest, and I have treasured it ever since, for it seems always to be applicable to the strife and striving we live with as Children of God.

It is common for folks of faith to carry talismans of sorts with us where e’er we go — prayer cards in a pocket, bible verses in our hearts, crosses around our necks — all familiar to me. And I carry poetry — in my wallet, in the console of my car, in the heaps of papers on my desk, held by magnets on my fridge... And whereas strengthening poetry is meant to be made known; whereas I have shared this in the ePISTLE once before, let me share it with you again this summer, that a song will be your calling, and peaceful words the work of your days.

In Christ,

The Rev. Joanne Epply-Schmidt, Associate Rector