When you want something, do you believe you can have it? Or do you believe nothing good comes to you? Your attitude about what you deserve says everything about you. Accepting a negative attitude prevents you from enjoying “the joys” of life. You truly miss out. Thoughts matter. If you think otherwise, think again!

The story about Blanche tells what can happen when you have faith (in yourself), particularly when the world has become a dark place.

Blanche

Blanche was an Irish girl, who lived during The Potato Famine in Ireland that lasted from 1845 -1852. Those seven years were a time of deep poverty and starvation for the Irish people, making it one of the worst times in Irish history. At that time, a million people died from starvation and disease. Many emigrated to England and to the United States to stay alive. This was the curse that young Blanche found herself living in, as every member of her family died.

It was 1850 when eleven-year-old Blanche leaves the burial site of her last remaining relative, her father, John Geddes. It’s a cool March day, with clouds of grey sitting low in the sky. Tears stain Blanche's freckled face, as she stares at the gravesite. Her red hair blows wildly in the breeze; her mind transfixed.

What’s to become of me? Pappa’s gone —-Am I to die, too? Please, dear God, let that not be my fate?

Father Paddy O’Brian looks over at the child, whose thin figure seems lost in her dress. He wraps up the service before tapping her frail shoulder. She looks up at the priest, whose eyes surprise her. Despite the solemn occasion, the priest’s eyes have a slight glow. He motions her to follow him down the path so he can share “Good News.”

“I know this is a solemn occasion, but the dead will remain dead. You may not like hearing that, Blanche but you are among the living, and you must make plans!”

She looks at him, questioning why he could disrespect the dead by being jovial.

“I know you’re thinking this is an odd reaction to your father’s funeral, but I say child, it would make your father happy to hear such good news!”

“Good news! What could be good about someone dying?” She asks sternly.

Father O’Brien turns and takes her by the shoulders.

“Under different circumstances I wouldn’t say these things. Then, we’d have a wake! But the Irish are dying every day, and it’s good the news I have for you, lass. Listen carefully for there’s no time to lose!”

She gives the priest her attention, searching his eyes, as he tells her the good news about a family that wants her to live with them as an indentured servant. The priest’s eyes are ablaze with joy, as he shares this story. Blanche is numb, not grasping how becoming an indentured servant for seven years is “good news.” Her face continues to turn grim when she hears the worst: Leave Ireland! The prospect of leaving the land she loves dearly for some strange urban city doesn’t spark the whims of joy. Instead, Blanche’s heart plummets in disbelief. Leave Ireland? She glares at the man in disbelief, feeling the pangs of leaving Cork, a place dear to her heart.

"Father Paddy, I know nothing about New York City! How could I fit into such a strange place with a family I don't even know?"

"Oh lassie, I realize this is a delicate time. Your father gone and all, but it’s because he’s gone that you must accept this offer. You have no one else to turn to. This is wonderful news!”

Despite the cheer in his voice, his eyes dim as he sees the expression of remorse on her face.

“Truly, I wouldn’t bring this up at this delicate time, Blanche but facts are facts and you need to face them quick." The priest tells her adamantly.

Blanche stares at him; her heart torn. Tears begin to well in her eyes.

"It’s true. My family is gone now.” Blanche tells the priest solemnly, as tears streak her cheek.

"If you don’t take this offer, what will you do?” Father Paddy asks.

She bows her head for she has no answer.

“Starve to death like the rest of your family!” He rebukes.

“I’m not trying to be cruel, Blanche but the outcome is grim if you stay in Cork.” The old man tells her honestly.

She senses he is telling what she needs to hear. Still, the pain of those truthful words fill her heart with grief.

"Lucky for you, lassie, you’ve got options!”

“Options?” She asks, wiping away tears.

“Yes, my child. One that offers you a future to live in one of the most exciting cities in the world, and with an Irish family from Cork!”

A light crosses her face.

“Count your lucky stars, child! People would gladly take this chance, and here it is unfolding for you!” He tells her excitedly.

“You mean, I have to have faith?”

“Yes, Blanche! You’ve got to believe this is God in action, paving a way for your future. Are you ready to take that leap?”

Does Blanche have faith that this is divine intervention, opening an opportunity in a foreign land, working as an indentured servant? Or does she remain in Cork, taking her chances that things improve? If she agrees, does she make it across the ocean, risking a treacherous journey, where many died on death ships?

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