Go I Will Not Abandon You

I have only crossed the ocean a few times.
However, as I look across this bridge, I recall the number of bridges I have crossed
I take a moment to think of a woman who crossed the ocean seven times
Why? "To tell the world that they are loved."
St. Marguerite Bourgeoys heard the words "Go, I will not abandon you"
How often have I crossed over to bridge the gaps between myself
and others?
Do I risk meeting the marginalized, the poor, abandoned,
Indigenous, refugees LGBTQ community which I feel at times
are on the other side?
Do I carry  the message that they are loved?
Are there times when I feel unacceptable and need to hear these words
from  my inner voice or the voice of another?
"I love you with an everlasting love.  I will always love you" (Jeremiah 31:3)
Only when I know I am loved am I able to share that love with others
"Love God and love your neighbour as yourself" (Matt. 13:30-31)
Urged on by the words of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Marguerite gave her all, knowing she was never alone.

“I always felt that besides all the other gifts of life

I still had another recourse which God was kind enough

to give me: the help of the Blessed Virgin” (Little Book of Marguerite Bourgeoys)

What are the words that urge me to give my life and death away as did Marguerite?

I listen with my whole being to God speaking to me: "I am with you always even to the end of time"              

       THE CROSSING OVER THE OTHER SIDE

                  ALWAYS BEGINS WITH A FIRST STEP