The imagery of Notre Dame going up in flames deeply saddens my church, history, and French loving heart. The art, the architecture, the symbolism. A place of cultural significance and gothic grandeur. A view unmatched. And even more so than a historical monument it has stood through the ages as a place of spiritual and human experience.

Yet while it burns its purpose remains.

My spirit elevates as I see footage of the French people congregating on the streets surrounding the cathedral. I see and hear their voices lifted up in song. I see a beautiful reminder that our worship can and should take place outside the walls of church buildings. This collective mourning stirs my soul. I am forever moved by how music can meld the hearts of strangers into one. Collective sorrow unifies. Collective sorrow strengthens bonds. Collective sorrow can rebuild and repurpose and re-establish. Collective sorrow has the power to move us through healing and toward collective joy.

I believe that with my whole heart. ❤️