The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 7

by Beth Brower

When Hawkes stood to give his sermon, he looked troubled and at anywhere but me. I could feel my face tighten, as if in pain. “We begin with Genesis chapter one, verse four,” Hawkes said quietly, “where we stare into the abyss before us, dividing light and darkness with the grace of God. Light begets light. Light begets life. ‘I am come,’ said Christ Jesus, ‘that they might have life, and more abundantly.’” He swallowed. “It can be a terrible task, that of learning to divide the light from dark, for we agonize beneath the weight that someone we care for might be caught in the twilight of our indecision, our ignorance, our selfishness, or our fear.” Finally, he looked at me. “But when I recall that with the light of God comes the abundance of God, I take courage. Virtus Apprime.” I lifted my hand, enclosing my lion pendant. Hawkes saw, then looked away and down, repeating, “Virtus Apprime.” After his sermon, Hawkes was not to be found.

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