In the fall of a sparrow

 One of my long-time favorite scriptures is Matthew 10:29-31, which talks about how sparrows are of no worldly significance, and yet God knows where each and every sparrow on earth is. Then it goes on to give the beautiful phrase, "fear ye not, therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows." After relying on this scripture for many of my teenage years as a reminder of my self-worth, I was overjoyed when I came across the reference to this scripture in Hamlet. "There is a special providence in the fall of a sparrow" (Hamlet, 5.2.233-34). Reading this in the context of Hamlet made this scripture even more interesting because of the tragic nature of this story, and particularly the theme of mental illness that runs through the play. As Hamlet's story draws to an end after so many reflections on "to be or not to be," I find it significance that he makes this reference, as if saying, "I may have no idea what is going on in my life, but God does." Sometimes this is my mantra as I walk through hard times or try to press forward through the crushing weight of mental health struggles. Sometimes the only thing keeping me going is the knowledge that God is in control of my life. We are worth more than many sparrows. We are loved. We do not walk alone. For that I am grateful.

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