This too shall pass.

Lately, the phrase ‘This too shall pass’ has been coming to my mind. I wondered where this phrase originated. Googling it this morning brought up a Wikipedia page where I learned that the phrase is a Persian adage that seems to have originated in the writings of the medevial Persian Sufi poets.

Abraham Lincoln used the phrase in a speech he gave on September 30, 1859 as he recounted a story:

“It is said an Eastern monarch once charged his wise men to invent for him a sentence, to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and situations. They presented him the words: “And this, too, shall pass away.” How much it expresses! How chastening in the hour of pride! How consoling in the depths of affliction.”

It sent a shiver down my spine to realize that Abraham Lincoln gave this speech on September 30, the same date as has been chosen for our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This will be a solemn day of reflection for all Canadians. I am just beginning to ponder how Abraham Lincoln’s speech and the words ‘This too shall pass away’ might relate to our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, but I can’t help but think there may be a connection of some kind between September 30, 1859 and September 30, 2021.

May God bless us all with insight, wisdom, courage, fortitude and the resolve to do our part to become the people we want to be, who do the things we know we should do.