For a long time, I struggled with the thought that I was forsaken. This thought settled so firmly within me that no one in the world could convince me otherwise. However, I eventually decided to earnestly pray to God: I dedicated myself to the spiritual life – solely out of love for You, God. I continually sought to do everything for You. Whatever happens to me now, whether I am forsaken or saved, I want to continue forever doing everything out of pure love for You. This will leave me with at least this one thing: that until my death, I will do nothing but love You. This anxiety of the heart tormented me for four years and I suffered greatly during that time.
(St. Lawrence of the Resurrection, 2nd Dialogue, September 28, 1666)
