I remember when Mother Teresa visited Lafayette in 1986. It was a big deal, perhaps she was the most famous person every to visit our city. She was an icon of faith and service to others.
I also remember the furor after her death when her published writings revealed that she suffered extended times of doubt and darkness.
The surprising thing is that folks were surprised by her experience of darkness. The writings of almost every person of faith reveals struggles and times of doubt and darkness.
Thomas the Doubter is beloved not because his doubt is usual but because it’s universal. We all doubt, often. It’s just not acceptable to admit it. That’s a sad thing. Just think about how much we could comfort and encourage each other if we were brave enough to admit that we have doubt.
We have more than doubt. Sometimes we wake up in a cold sweat, fearful and afraid. It may be because of a nightmare, but bad dreams are born in the very real concerns and troubles of our waking hours. Life isn’t easy. We should not pretend that it is. The Christian Life is certainly not easy. It’s a sin to act like it is.
Why can’t we admit than we more often need a quiet hug than a pat on the back? Why is it that when asked how we are, we don’t always tell the truth? Why do we believe it’s heroic to act like everything is fine, when it isn’t?
There was some controversy when Mother Teresa was sainted so quickly. I like to think it wasn’t so much for all that she did, but for all the doubt and darkness she had while she did it.
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