Since you wander in those darknesses and emptinesses of spiritual poverty, you think that everyone and everything is leaving you behind; however, this is not unusual, as it seems to you that even God is leaving you behind. But nothing is leaving you behind (…), this is a groundless fear. Whoever wants nothing but God does not walk in darkness, even if they see themselves as very dark and miserable… (…) Do not worry and rejoice. Who are you to worry about yourself? You would end up nicely!
(John of the Cross, letter to Mrs. Juana de Pedraza, October 12, 1589)
