The Daily Grace
The Daily Grace

Where is God?

Jun 13, 2012 | god & grace | 5 comments

It was a quiet little email sent to me from my brother-in-law, Gary. Attached was an essay written by his daughter, Julia, as part of her confirmation. Of course I was interested to read it—we all traveled to New York just three years ago to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. It was a holy weekend I found to be beautiful, fascinating and deeply moving.

But still I was not prepared for the power of 16-year-old Julia’s perspective. In a few carefully considered paragraphs, she offers insight into a question I have struggled with all of my days: Where is God when bad things happen?

I asked Julia for her permission to share her essay with you, here. I thank her for agreeing to do so, and I thank Rabbi Jeffery Sirkman, Larchmont Temple, for the guidance that lead Julia to this clarity. Her insights came to me as the whispered answer to a thousand prayers, and my hope is that these words, written by my beautiful niece, Julia Rodbell, will touch your heart, as well.

 

5 Comments

  1. colette

    And I am teary eyed one more time….thank you for sharing this with your world. Love, Colette

  2. Debbie

    What insight she has at such a young age! I am really moved to read this. Thanks for sharing!

  3. Sharon

    Oh! Cathy……again, I am brought to tears as I read these words to my youngest daughter, Erin. I am so amazed that such a young mind can speak such wisdom. I am so deeply touched by these words, as you wittness in your car a few weeks ago, when I read them out loud.
    Julia, thank you for sharing this with us. You have far more insight than most adults.

  4. Fran

    What an incredible young woman!

    • Cathy

      Yes, she is. Thank you, Fran.

Cathy Rigg Headshot

Hi. I’m Cathy.

This is a blog about writing, creative living, and grace in the everyday. It’s my hope this little spot on the internet will be for you a place of quiet and reflection, a source for inspiration, and a reminder there’s beauty all around—we simply need to keep our hearts open to see it. Thank you for being here with me.

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