Why Me?

Source: blogto.com
“…but why me, what did I do to deserve this?”

The age-old question stays suspended
in clouds of silent stupor
wondering and aching
for understanding answers
lost forever in hazy hallucination.

It seems like a pointless question
even a trifle self-centered,
for suffering so universal
is wrapped in mystery.

Jolted into a new awareness, I exclaim,
“Why not me?!”

I slowly harvest the radiant reasons rippling
with each grateful breath
for health and food, family and friends,
walking with God on holy ground.

Surrendering to soulful suffering
births compassion reaching out to
help others locked
in crammed closets of despair.

The Me moves to We
sampling and stumbling with another’s pain,
exploring avenues of solace
eyes drawn to the Cross
a symbol of both suffering and salvation.

A double dose of God’s Holy Spirit
douses me with fresh courage
so, the pity me refrain, “Why me?”
soothed by God’s embrace
now bravely switches to, “Try me!”

 

Viola Athaide, a student of Theology, is actively involved in parish life, leading Bible courses, the Prayer Group, and the Ministry with Maturing Adults.

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11 Comments
  • Ana Maria Rodriguez
    Posted at 09:27h, 15 July Reply

    What a difference in our souls when the ME moves to WE Extraordinaire!

    Like always , reading your poems mature our spirituality

    Thank you my teacher, friend and above all a WE person

    Blessings Viola

  • Lorraine Majcen
    Posted at 10:13h, 15 July Reply

    Thank you Viola! I love the message of trust, faith and hope. It tests our will to surrender. So helpful!!

  • Tonis Kilp
    Posted at 10:13h, 15 July Reply

    Thank you Viola, so we need to remember that we belong to God and that there is a reason and purpose for everything, many blessings and thank you for sharing we look forward to your poems, take care and all the best, silvia and tonis

  • Anthony
    Posted at 13:50h, 15 July Reply

    A great poem that guides us to be grateful each day and helps unlock our “crammed closet of despair”.

  • Sylvia Lee
    Posted at 15:15h, 15 July Reply

    Why me ? Try me ! Thank you Viola for sharing your timely reflection.

    After 16 months observing the COVID protocols, we are still living in the bubble of various restrictions. As Catholics, we pray and pray so hard for the pandemic to stop. We also believe God’s time is not our time and we trust that He has a better plan for us. We are always in God’s good hands !

  • Teresa Correia
    Posted at 22:35h, 15 July Reply

    Thank you Viola for this, very beautiful and inspiring .

  • Catherine von Zuben
    Posted at 12:14h, 16 July Reply

    I love the rewording ~ Why not me? We here in this beautiful country have so much for which to be grateful. So many of us have been barely touched by this pandemic; by poverty; by intense climate change; by the ravages of war. Switching to “Try me” takes courage for someone living comfortably as I am. You write beautifully – thank you, Viola, for sharing your abundant gifts.

  • Maria Lobo
    Posted at 22:15h, 16 July Reply

    Divinely inspired, once again, Viola…with exquisitely “worthy words!”
    To quote my pastor’s recent reflection:
    “God can turn a mess into a message, a test into a testimony, a trial into a triumph, and a victim into a victor!”
    This has something to do with the “power of positive thinking”…as Norman Vincent Peale would say!
    So, yes…we must continue to give thanks in all circumstances…and continue to ponder, as you are doing:
    “Why NOT me?”….and “TRY me!”
    Thanks again, for using your God-given gifts to give glory to God, and to build up His kingdom, here on earth!

  • Mario Coutinho
    Posted at 08:06h, 17 July Reply

    As usual Viola,
    Your comments provide deep spiritual food for thought. Both Olivia and I feel privileged to be included in the awareness of life’s situations through your email.
    God bless you ,
    Mario

  • Carol von Zuben
    Posted at 14:22h, 17 July Reply

    I love your poem Viola —- with much gratitude. Carol.

  • Fay
    Posted at 15:44h, 26 July Reply

    It brought back many situations in my life. Reading your poem reminds me of the a hymn which has the similar question. You have articulated so very well what we need to focus on and know God’s love is there when we stretch out our selves to others..
    Thank You, your writings are always so very simple yet give a lot of food for thought

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