# Trust in God
*2009-01-08*

> Bill Young reflects on the dangers of hatred and the importance of trusting in God's love amidst global and local conflict.

## Confronting Hatred

Recently, I have been disturbed by the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis and how that tension manifests even here in my own community of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I encountered a situation where a woman stated that all Jews should go back to the Middle East. Given the bleak memories of the Holocaust and the ovens, it is a terrible thing to say. While we have freedom of speech in this country, some things are simply heartless.

## The Struggle with Judgment

Later, while at a local Costco, I saw a woman who looked exactly like the person who had made those cruel comments. Although I didn't say anything to her, I felt a sudden urge of dislike—almost hatred—for someone I had never even met. It struck me that this was because I felt her words were the cruelest thing one person could say about another.

## The Remedy of Divine Love

This experience is why it is so important to trust in God. God is love, and He loves all people. I want to dedicate this prayer to everyone in the world, reminding us that we all need to trust in the love of God.

## A Prayer of Abandonment

My Father, I abandon myself to you; do with me whatever you desire. For whatever you do, I thank you. I am ready for everything, I accept everything, as long as your will be done in me and in all your creatures. I do not desire anything else. Oh my God, I place my soul in your hands. I give it to you, oh my Lord, with all the love of my heart, because I love you. It is out of love that I wish to give myself to you, to place myself totally in your hands with definite trust.

*In the face of cruelty and hatred, we must turn to God and abandon ourselves entirely to His divine love and will.*