The Saint of Cabora

Pain is as inevitable for a King as it is for a peasant. Suffering is optional. 

Pain and Faith:

I recently read a book called, "The Hummingbird's Daughter," by Mexican-American novelist Luis Alberto Urrea.  I initially expected it to be an inspiring coming-of-age tale where the protagonist triumphs. However, the story provided something deeper. While it was inspiring, the source of inspiration was authentic and heartfelt. The novel's central message is that pain is a universal experience, and our unwavering faith and connection to our life's purpose guide us through challenges.

The book revolves around real individuals and historical events, focusing on Teresita Urrea, the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy Mexican rancher and an Indian woman. Teresita possesses remarkable healing abilities, although she had to develop and refine them through training with renowned local healers.

As time passes, Teresita's healing powers expand, earning her the 'The Saint of Cabora' title in Mexico. What made her skills so fascinating was her ability to touch and heal many people with previously untreatable ailments. 

However, despite her seemingly divine gifts, Teresita's life is far from easy. She faces significant trials and tribulations, reminding us that even someone 'touched by God' is not immune to the human experience.

Set against a tumultuous period in Mexican history, Teresita must navigate a complex landscape with various factions, including Indians, mestizos, ranchers, bandits, and government officials, each holding distinct belief systems, often resulting in violent clashes.

Teresita's unwavering faith in God and commitment to healing others are her driving forces throughout her journey. Her determination and faith in her life's purpose propel her forward in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

I won't go further into the plot to let you experience the novel for yourself.  

Your Turn:

While there are many intricacies in "The Hummingbird's Daughter," the concepts of pain and faith are the most interesting. Pain becomes suffering when we live in it for too long. And having a clear mission in life gave our heroine a path out of her pain. 

In the same way (as the story), life isn't always this harmonious growth story. It gets messy. And it hurts. Knowing that you will be tasked with many challenges along the way, it is important to find where your faith lies: it could be in God, The Universe, science, yourself, a combination of these, or something entirely different. 

Whatever it is, I'd like you to consider these questions: 

  • What is your purpose?

  • What is your mission on Earth?

  • What would you like to accomplish during your time?

  • What would you like to experience? 

  • What does your heart yearn to do?

  • What is your contribution to this experience called life?

  • What would you like to be remembered for?

  • How do you make the world a better place?

Remember: There are no right or wrong answers. Go with whatever feels right for you. 

Knowing your WHY will give you the courage to face whatever you encounter along your journey. And that is something truly worth living for! 

Amor y Canela,

Monica