In a Subtle yet Powerful Manner

St Andrew's Abbey 

We all experience desert moments in our lives. I am not speaking of physically traveling to the desert, observing its landscape, or enduring its climate. Rather, I am speaking of those interior seasons when we feel empty, lost, and worn down. By a desert-like experience, I mean those times when we wander through life thirsty—longing for refreshment, rest, and meaning. It feels like a desert because no matter where we turn, everything appears dry, lifeless, and incapable of bearing fruit.

In 2018, my search for God led me to an oasis in the Mojave Desert called St. Andrew’s Abbey. I arrived with expectations of how God would speak to me, yet God chose to communicate in the most subtle and gentle way. As I walked toward the cemetery to pray and reflect, I noticed simple flowers growing along the path. In that quiet moment, those flowers became a sign of God’s presence and love.

I remember thinking, “These simple flowers make the journey more pleasant, more bearable, and even beautiful.” Through this small yet powerful gesture, I was reminded that no matter how dry or empty my life might feel, peace and fulfillment were never far away. I came to understand that nothing is impossible for God, and that no desert—no emptiness, no dryness—is beyond the reach of God’s love and transforming power.

Today, I say this to you:

Do not lose hope. God will speak to you in the spiritual and emotional desert you are crossing. God is an expert in bringing life, love, security, rest, and direction out of the most unexpected and troubled places. Keep your heart open, and God will surely reveal that you are not alone.