Hallelujah is Our Song.

Today was Pope John Paul II's second feast day as an official saint of the Church. *throws confetti* And we all know how great I am at writing blog posts at the last minute of a favorite saint's feast day (shout out to Mary Magdalene), so here we go.

My sister, best friend and I at St. John Paul's
National Shrine in Washington, DC.

What is so spectacular about JP2 for me is the fact that I actually remember him. I was alive while he was. Sadly, the biggest memory that sticks out to me was the day the day before he died.

My homeschool group was at daily mass, and after mass had ended, the associate priest came running into the sanctuary holding a big picture frame and an easel. He set up this picture, which was of the Holy Father, and announced to the confused congregation that Pope John Paul had lost consciousness and was in the last days of his life. I was around twelve at this time, but I remember being shocked, and immediately kneeling to pray.

As a child, I knew what a special man he was and what a loss the world would experience with his passing.

I wish I knew the moment that I fell in love with this amazing man and his mission, but it was in the last few years. I think it had to do with this video:

It's a silly and fun video, but it was my first introduction to his beautiful words of self-worth, love, and redemption. I eventually heard this quote, which changed my life:

We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures; we are the sum of the Father's love for us and our real capacity to become the image of his son.

Wow. Just... wow.  How often do I need this reminder? Spoiler alert: Every single moment for my entire life.

Praying in front of  a relic of Saint John Paul's
at the National Shrine of the Immaculate
Conception in Washtington, DC.

No matter what mistakes we make, no matter what wrong paths we take, God's love for is is greater than us at our very very worst.

The Power of the cross is stronger than the power of our brokenness.

I literally need this reminder so frequently that it's my email signature. True story.

Another quote that changes me, whenever I read it, is:

“Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.” 

Again: wow. This man knew the human heart. I swear, these two quotes were said with me in mind. At the literal worst moment in human history, the mindless killing of the Messiah, it seemed like the end. But despite it all, Christ still rose. He defied human expectations and returned.

After the darkest night, the sun rose.

And so it is with our own lives. After our worst, darkest days, the sun of joy and hope will rise. Christ is with us.

St. John Paul II, thank you for reminding us that our darkness does not define us. That God loves us and sees us beyond our brokenness and shortcomings, that we are called to bask in the sunlight.

Friends, no matter where you are in life, know that you'll be okay. You've made it through every worst day you've already experienced. Go you! Sunrise is coming for you, nothing lasts forever, I'm glad you're here, and please, continue to fight the good fight.

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Here are some awesome images of some of my personal favorite JP2 quotes!