A Mother's Struggle to Survive

            Just as Jesus, though stripped of His clothes, maintained His dignity, the people of El Sitio struggled to keep their dignity through oppression and civil war.  One resident of El Sitio was denied the medical facilities we often take for granted.  Francisca was nine months pregnant and running for her life with her husband while being pursued by Salvadoran soldiers.  With the enemy approaching, Francisca went into labor.  Desperate, Francesca squatted in a ditch trying to shield herself from the enemy.  Moments later a beautiful baby girl named Alba was born.  After the father chopped the umbilical cord with his machete, they wrapped Alba in a cloth and soon the couple continued running from the soldiers while carrying their newborn baby.   Today Alba has grown and has her own family with a fiery little three-year old boy.

Prayer:

Jesus we see your grace and dignity and courage in the stories of our brothers and sisters who survived the Civil war in El Salvador.  In these examples, help us to remember that our deepest dignity and grace comes to us through you and not from external circumstances.