Connect Blog: I believe in God even when he is silent

I believe in God even when he is silent.

Not my thoughts, but lyrics sung by the visiting youth choirs from Borlänge in our partner Diocese of Vasteras, Sweden.

The whole song gently repeats these words;

I believe in the sun even when it is not shining

I believe in love even when I cannot feel it

I believe in God even when he is silent.

These poignant words were discovered scribbled on a wall in Auschwitz and set to music by T.Juneau.

Curiously they really reflect for me the days we spent during Easter week with wonderful young people not only from Sweden, but also the youth groups from St Catharine’s Gloucester and South Cheltenham who joined us for crazy golf and pizza (other Youth group activities are available!)

Why these words? why not their fun rendition of Dancing Queen? Or a traditional Gaelic Blessing?

I think it has to do with reverence.

No, these young people were not exceptionally holy, they were excited to be in the UK and their plans to go to Harry Potter world, to see the Musical Hamilton, go shopping, play crazy golf, meet local young Christians and swap Instagram details.  However, there was never any doubt that the reason they were here was first and foremost as a choir. Alongside the planned concerts they sang everywhere spontaneously and unashamedly.

Even so why this song? Why reverence?

Hearing those few words sung by a youth choir, something resonated deeply with the questions young people ask about God, related to issues of teenage mental health and the human longing for meaningful relationships.

Reverence tells me that I don’t spend enough time with young people, I was simply blown away by their commitment and respect to each other, what they were doing and how they were doing it. I would say the same of the young people who joined us from local groups they gave up time in their holiday to meet with completely unknown people in quite a contrived social situation, and they stepped up beautifully.

I felt curiously bereft when we said goodbye in The Cathedral, waving off my nineteen Swedish grandchildren! In time I need to find a place to hang out with young people more often.