“I believe in the sun
Unknown
even when it is not shining
And I believe in love,
even when there’s no one there.
And I believe in God,
even when He is silent.
I believe through any trial,
there is always a way
But sometimes in this suffering
and hopeless despair
My heart cries for shelter,
to know someone’s there
But a voice rises within me, saying hold on
my child, I’ll give you strength,
I’ll give you hope. Just stay a little while.
I believe in the sun
even when it is not shining
And I believe in love
even when there’s no one there
But I believe in God
even when he is silent
I believe through any trial
there is always a way.
May there someday be sunshine
May there someday be happiness
May there someday be love
May there someday be peace….”
The above lines are a poignant excerpt from a poem etched on a wall by an anonymous prisoner during the Holocaust. The message of the poem reflects the resilience and faith in humanity that the writer clung onto in the face of indescribable suffering and despair. The poem speaks to the innate human spirit that believes in hope, love, and the power of faith even in the darkest of times. This blog post seeks to delve into the meaning behind this poem, exploring the various themes and concepts it embodies.
The Origin of the Quote:
The quote originates from a poem found on the wall of a cellar in Cologne, Germany, during World War II. The poem was discovered by an Allied soldier who took a photograph of it, and the poem gained popularity after it was published in a book called “The Wall” in 1948. The poem has since been attributed to various authors, including a Holocaust survivor named Zofia Kossak-Szczucka, but its true author remains unknown.
The Meaning Behind the Quote:
The quote is imbued with a sense of faith and hope that transcends even the most trying of circumstances. The lines, “I believe in the sun even when it is not shining” and “I believe in love even when there’s no one there,” express a sense of trust in the fundamental goodness of the world. Even when things seem bleak and hopeless, the writer clings to the belief that there is still light and love to be found.
The phrase, “I believe in God even when He is silent,” speaks to the writer’s faith in a higher power that may not always provide answers but is always present, providing strength and comfort in times of need. This belief in a divine presence can offer solace in the face of overwhelming suffering and can provide a sense of purpose and meaning in life.
The lines, “I believe through any trial there is always a way,” embody the human spirit of resilience and determination. Even in the darkest of times, there is always the potential for growth and change. This message of perseverance and hope can be a powerful motivator for those facing difficult circumstances.
The phrase, “My heart cries for shelter, to know someone’s there,” speaks to the innate human need for connection and support. Even in the face of overwhelming adversity, we crave the presence of others to help us through our struggles. This message is a reminder of the importance of community and the power of human connection.
Expanding on the Themes:
Hope: The poem’s overarching theme is one of hope. Even in the darkest of times, the writer clings to the belief that there is still light to be found. This message is a reminder that no matter how dire our circumstances may seem, there is always the potential for growth and change. Holding onto hope can provide a sense of purpose and direction in life and can help us navigate difficult times.
Faith: The poem also speaks to the power of faith, both in a higher power and in the innate goodness of humanity. Believing in something greater than ourselves can provide a sense of comfort and strength in times of need. Faith can also offer a sense of purpose and meaning in life and can help us navigate difficult decisions and circumstances.
Resilience: The poem embodies the human spirit of resilience and determination. Even in the face of unimaginable suffering, the writer clings to the belief that there is always a way forward. This message of perseverance can be a powerful motivator for those facing difficult circumstances.
Community: The poem also speaks to the importance of community and human connection. Even in the face of overwhelming adversity, we crave the presence of others to help us through our struggles. This message is a reminder of the power of human connection and the importance of supporting one another through difficult times.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the poem’s message speaks to the universal human experience of hope, faith, resilience, and community. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the potential for growth and change. Holding onto hope and faith in a higher power or the innate goodness of humanity can provide a sense of comfort and strength in times of need. The poem’s message of resilience and perseverance can be a powerful motivator for those facing difficult circumstances, and the importance of community and human connection is a reminder of the power of supporting one another through difficult times. The author’s ability to find hope and light in the face of unspeakable suffering serves as a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity. As we navigate our own challenges and struggles, we can draw inspiration from the poem’s message and find comfort in the belief that there is always a way forward.
