Dear God, Love, Ireland
I’m nearly halfway through my tour of “The God Box, A Daughter’s Story” to ten cities and towns in Ireland and I’ve witnessed something quite remarkable. Yes, it’s the hundred shades of green and the gorgeous lilting accents and the faces– oh, the lovely faces of Irish people! But The God Box story has left little footprints across this beautiful country– from Portlaoise to Cork to Kilkenny to Kenmare…in the form of tiny notes filling a simple God Box after each performance.
While the TV news here might bemoan the recent budget or the downside of Brexit or even the contentious US election, the God Box is filled with hope. What is on the minds and hearts of Irish people? “Please help me find my one true love.” “Please give my grandparents a hug and a cup of tea.” “Please may my mammy get pregnant.” Letters asking for courage, for support, for safety, for comfort, for health. Many just saying thank you. Most are unsigned, simple petitions written in faith and love.
My mother Mary chose to write notes to her God Box as a way of letting go and releasing her concerns to God’s hands. Though I lost her in 2006, perhaps she has started a movement here in the country of her great grandfather Thomas Cosgrove. Perhaps it’s Mary’s way of saying ” hands on…we are always together.”
Onward to Tralee and Limerick, to Sligo, Roscommon, Longford and Dun Laoghaire…hands on.
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