By Amy Schisler

“And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.” ~ Matthew 10:30–31

This past March, I led a retreat for Mary, Mother of God Parish, in Harrison, Arkansas. The retreat was titled Surrender: Living Without Fear. I created this retreat because so many women I talk with are living in fear, worried about their lives and the lives of their children, some to the point of barely being able to function. Our world is not a world of peace and harmony. Bad things happen to good people. We lose many loved ones to addiction, suicide, or acts of violence. 

It’s easy to feel afraid, to worry, to feel hopeless among all this war, destruction, poverty, and sadness. It’s no wonder there are those who question God’s existence and believe that no good and gracious God would allow such evil to exist.

Free Will

According to the Catechism, sin entered the world and continues to permeate it because of free will. God loves us and wants us to love Him. For that to happen, we must be able to freely choose God over all else. We can’t do that without the freedom to not choose God. We must make the decision to do good over evil and bring about change in the world.

Often, our free will leads us down dark roads, which God permits so we can be truly free. He knows a greater good can always come from our bad choices, which leads us to hope. Our hope and belief are that “all things work together for good for those who love God” (Romans 8:28).

Worth More Than Many Sparrows

Why does God give us free will and allow bad things to happen? For the same reason He wills us to do good and uses all things for good. We are precious in His eyes. He wants us to make our own decisions, yet even when we sin or turn away from Him, He still loves us. We are worth more than many sparrows, so much so that He knows the count of every hair on our heads. 

Our loving Father allows us to make mistakes, and He waits for the chance to forgive us and welcome us home as found sheep and prodigal children. He will always serve the fatted calf upon our return.

Do Not Be Afraid

Through seeking God, prayer, and the sacraments, we can find the courage to face whatever the world throws our way. We may feel like small, defenseless sparrows, but God helps us to be strong and fearsome. “For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” (Psalm 91:3–4). He will ensure you are clothed with strength and dignity, and laugh at the days to come (see Proverbs 31:25).

Have no fear when the world is falling apart, when life seems hopeless, and you feel desperately alone. The Lord is calling your name. Listen for Him. Perhaps you will hear His voice in the song of the sparrows, reminding you of your worth in His eyes.

Prayer:

 

Call to Action:

 

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