Be Still for the Presence of the Lord...

Rich1 · Aug 26, 2018

Tomorrow I arrive in Madrid to walk Madrid/Salvador/Primitivo broke meeting my daughter in Lugo/Sarria and walking the last section of the Francés together.

The last few weeks have been tough. One of my closest friend took his own life in July and I have been in shock since - such a terrible waste. I suffer from chronic depression myself and have be very low for obvious reasons. I have had so many doubts about going away at all.

But something happened today that let me know that I am doing exactly the right thing.

When I finished my 1st Camino Francés in 2015 I went to the English-speaking prayer meeting in the cathedral one evening. A beautiful version of Be Still for the Presence of The Lord...it was hugely emotional moment for me. At the end of the service we were all given scallop shells in the traditional way.

When I arrived home, I gave the shell to my church. When I attended a few weeks later, it was a Baptism and I was delighted to find the vicar was going to use the shell for Baptisms...this would be it’s first usage. One of the hymns that the parents had chosen...Be Still for the Presence of The Lord. A wonderful “coincidence “

When Jenny and I finished our Camino this May, we went to the English-speaking mass in the cathedral this time we sang Be Still for the Presence of The Lord...lovely and brought a tear to my eye.

This weekend I’m staying with my Mum and Dad. We all went to their church this morning, and yes, you guessed it, one of the hymns was Be Still for the Presence of The Lord.

So off I go on the Camino once again and I know I will be in the presence of the Lord and that will sustain me

Gailsie · Aug 26, 2018

You are being blessed by the Lord already, Buen camino

Waka · Aug 26, 2018

May god watch over you.

LGLG · Aug 26, 2018

Vaya con Dios.

Sidekick · Aug 27, 2018

Such a moving story. I cried reading it. Just beautiful and thank you for sharing.

ksam · Aug 27, 2018

I love how he just keeps whispering to us....until we finally hear him!! God Bless, Buen Camino!!

t2andreo · Aug 27, 2018

On the Camino, we have a saying that Santiago works in strange ways. Of course, my clerical friends usually correct me saying it is God who works in strange ways. Ok, as a cradle Catholic, I understand it. But, let's just all agree that Santiago is acting as God's agent in these pilgrim related matters...that's what saints do...

So, you can consider all of this just serendipity, OR you can consider that there is a higher authority present here. I choose to believe the latter.

Buen Camino...

FamPed · Aug 27, 2018

ksam said:
I love how he just keeps whispering to us....until we finally hear him!! God Bless, Buen Camino!!

t2andreo said:
On the Camino, we have a saying that Santiago works in strange ways. Of course, my clerical friends usually correct me saying it is God who works in strange ways. Ok, as a cradle Catholic, I understand it. But, let's just all agree that Santiago is acting as God's agent in these pilgrim related matters...that's what saints do...
So, you can consider all of this just serendipity, OR you can consider that there is a higher authority present here. I choose to believe the latter.
Buen Camino...

I belive you are both right.

nycwalking · Aug 27, 2018

Buen camino to you both.

Phil W · Aug 27, 2018

ksam said:
I love how he just keeps whispering to us....until we finally hear him!! God Bless, Buen Camino!!

@ksam so true. Rich it seems as if God is speaking to you. God bless as you and your daughter as you go on your pilgrimage.

Buen Camino

Ian and Helen Miller · Aug 27, 2018

Amen.

Rich1 · Aug 27, 2018

t2andreo said:
So, you can consider all of this just serendipity, OR you can consider that there is a higher authority present here. I choose to believe the latter.

Me too

Rich1 · Aug 27, 2018

Phil W said:
@ksam so true. Rich it seems as if God is speaking to you. God bless as you and your daughter go on your pilgrimage.

Buen Camino

I believe He is too and I am coming to understand what the message is...

Marbe2 · Aug 27, 2018

Hi Rich,

I cannot know how difficult it must be for you to deal with the loss of your good friend. Sorry for your loss. To be honest, I was not familiar with the song you mentioned. However, I listened to it on Utube. Yes, when we are still...and really listen to the Holy Spirit, who is always present, we may be more receptive or aware of God’s presence. Also, Rich as you travel along your Camino, remember that you are not alone! There are other pilgrims to share your journey with. God comes to us through others as well. Your camino family will be there for you! I am glad, too, that your daughter will meet you along your path. What a wonderful experience you will share together! And, finally, remember your camino family on the Internet is here for you as well. Plug in anytime! Blessings and Buen Camino Rich!

Former member 49149 · Aug 27, 2018

Rich1 said:
Tomorrow I arrive in Madrid to walk Madrid/Salvador/Primitivo broke meeting my daughter in Lugo/Sarria and walking the last section of the Francés together.

The last few weeks have been tough. One of my closest friend took his own life in July and I have been in shock since - such a terrible waste. I suffer from chronic depression myself and have be very low for obvious reasons. I have had so many doubts about going away at all.

But something happened today that let me know that I am doing exactly the right thing.

When I finished my 1st Camino Francés in 2015 I went to the English-speaking prayer meeting in the cathedral one evening. A beautiful version of Be Still for the Presence of The Lord...it was hugely emotional moment for me. At the end of the service we were all given scallop shells in the traditional way.

When I arrived home, I gave the shell to my church. When I attended a few weeks later, it was a Baptism and I was delighted to find the vicar was going to use the shell for Baptisms...this would be it’s first usage. One of the hymns that the parents had chosen...Be Still for the Presence of The Lord. A wonderful “coincidence “

When Jenny and I finished our Camino this May, we went to the English-speaking mass in the cathedral this time we sang Be Still for the Presence of The Lord...lovely and brought a tear to my eye.

This weekend I’m staying with my Mum and Dad. We all went to their church this morning, and yes, you guessed it, one of the hymns was Be Still for the Presence of The Lord.

So off I go on the Camino once again and I know I will be in the presence of the Lord and that will sustain me

indeed, Rich 1, indeed! I look forward to a few posts en camino!

jmcarp · Aug 27, 2018

@Rich1, I'm sure all those occasions of that especially meaningful hymn, "Be Still for the Presence of The Lord", were just coincidences...yeah, right! Our former pastor once defined a coincidence as "a small miracle in which God chooses to remain anonymous". You are blessed to have this message repeated to you so many times -- you are a good listener.

Bodi · Aug 28, 2018

Tears in my eyes. You are meant to go, buen Camino.

Rich1 · Aug 5, 2019

This hymn keeps talking to me...
I recently walked the West Highland Way here in the UK. I had a fabulous time - the weather was perfect and I felt truly blessed. On finishing I caught the train home from the Highlands only arriving home at 2am. I woke early full of joy and feeling the need to worship. I quickly got dressed, jumped in the car and drove to our village church only to remember that today's service was at 6pm. So I sped to the neighbouring village because I felt such a desire to worship. First hymn - Be Still for the Presence of the Lord

VNwalking · Aug 5, 2019

Beautiful.
There are no coincidences, @Rich1 .

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Be Still for the Presence of the Lord...

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