Jasper Wyatt Driskell Our Brave Little Soul

I came across this essay written by John Alessi and had to share.

The Brave Little Soul

John Alessi

Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. He especially

enjoyed the love he saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was

sad, for on this day he saw suffering in the world. He approached God and sadly asked, "Why do bad

things happen; why is there suffering in the world?"

God paused for a moment and replied, "Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the

love in people's hearts." The little soul was confused. "What do you mean," he asked." God replied, "Have

you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come

together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other

motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone."

The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, "The suffering soul unlocks

the love in people's hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone

with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it

with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering

soul unlocks that love. I tell you this—it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen

to go into the world and suffer—to unlock this love—to create this miracle—for the good of all humanity."

Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain himself. With his wings fluttering,

bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, "I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into the

world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people's hearts! I want to create that miracle!"

God smiled and said, "You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though

you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you

would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those

souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls

are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They

have already chosen a name for you."

God and the brave little soul shared a smile, and then embraced. In parting, God said, "Do not forget little

soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my

strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word,

think the thought, and I will bring you home."

Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through his suffering and God's

strength, he unlocked the goodness and love in people's hearts. For so many people dropped their differences

and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their

hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys —some regained

lost faith— many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer.

Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family

spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good.

The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased.