In October 2001 I visited Belarus. During the trip we were taken to the Belarussian War Memorial. It was probably one of the most profoundly disturbing and meaningful experiences of my life. Around 25% of the population was wiped out in the most cruel ways possible. At the site of the Memorial stands a towering sculpture of the Blacksmith holding the dead body of his son. The Smithy had been in another village when the German Army came through and burned everyone alive in the village hall.
Every element of the Memorial is deeply symbolic and profound. The Spirit of Grief hung over the vast grounds, no birds (as is often the case in locations of horrific tragedy) and just an eerie silence.
The next stop of my trip was the USA – just six weeks after 9/11. I stayed with friends Anne and Matt who have their own extraordinary tale to tell of that day! During my time with them Anne took me on the train from Connecticut to NYC.
After getting off the subway we made our way up into Grand Central Station. As I walked into the centre of that magnificent and iconic building I was suddenly and acutely aware of the presence of The Spirit of Grief. The awareness took my breath away and I began to weep. My spirit could feel this Presence, just as I had in Belarus.
As we began to move through the city, I continued to sense the pain, loss and wounding that this city had, and was continuing, to suffer. Photo walls of missing people on every other corner. The smoking nine stories high rubble of the Twin Towers. The once vibrant Times Square little more than a suburban plaza.
Sensing that particular Presence gave me an insight into the heart of God like no other. But we do not grieve without hope for surely if there is no hope then life would not be worth living
🙏