This time of year I begin to anticipate who will take the Nobel for literature or for peace. Knowing that the literature Nobel only goes to living authors, I begin to wonder who will be awarded that golden laurel wreath. I may have only read an essay about her, but at least, I tell myself, I know who Annie Ernaux is. I breathe a sigh of relief because there have been years when I have wondered, “Who?”
Sigrid Undset was the first woman to win the literature prize, given largely for her powerful serial novel Kristin Lavransdatter that evoked the world of medieval Norway ending with Kristin’s self-sacrificial actions during a plague that resulted in her death.
Will Ernaux speaks in this time as did William Faulkner in his about the importance of the human spirit, the essence of what makes us human, and the need to overcome fear? Although we live in fearful times, the human spirit to create something that will outlive us endures. Our lives should not be circumscribed by our short time on earth but defined by those qualities that make us human – the ability to think, create, and love.
Prayer for the Day
From the time we were first looked into the heavens you created, O God,
We have struggled and strived to reflect your Spirit;
From the time we realized your power in our lives, O Lord,
We have sought to be fully human one to another.
Breathe into us your Holy Spirit, empowering us to create,
Enabling us to reflect your Divine Presence in the world.
In the name of the One who opens your Presence to us,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you're not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.
- F. Scott Fitzgerald, American novelist (1896-1940)
I know nothing in the world that has as much power as a word. Sometimes I write one, and I look at it, until it begins to shine.
- Emily Dickinson, American poet (1830-1886)
O God of my ancestrs and Lord of mercy, who made all things by your word,
And by your wisdom formed humankind to hve dominion over all creatures,
And rule the world in holiness and righteousness, and pronounce judgment,
Give me the wisdom that sits by your throne, and do not reject me
From among your servants.
Wisdom of Solomon 9: 1-4