Dear 1036: Lilies of the field

Dearly Beloved 1036 Clarence,

One experience I enjoyed with my family over and over again was the movie Lilies of the Field.  60 years ago this month was the 1964 Academy Awards when Sidney Poitier became the first African-American awardee.

As a sign of the times of our family's years in you, we had that movie on a VHS tape.

Even though it was in black-and-white, I appreciated watching it as a kid.  It had a great story steeped in faith.  And the "Amen" song is so spirited, and demonstrates how Homer was able to connect with the nuns, including the strict Mother nun.  I like playing that song on YouTube, especially around the celebrations of the Nativity and the Resurrection.  It never gets old because the stories of Christ's life speak to our own experience of living by faith.

I watched the movie over and over with my family, and each time I had a sense that it drew us together as we appreciated the power of faith at work in the construction of the chapel.  Through the bumps in the road, the characters realized that returning to the power of faith helped them keep going until the chapel was complete.  It's a timeless message that speaks to us as we strive to live by faith in our own circumstances.

And this movie one of many timeless memories that will keep me connected with you, who are a great gift of God in my life.

With much gladness and gratitude for you, I declare that you shall never fade into the background, but remain deep in my heart, as we remain connected.

All my relations.

God's blessings,

Paul