For your consideration….
By its very definition, HOPE never gives up. Sometimes it is barely a flicker. Sometimes it is a roaring fire. It always starves the darkness.
HOPE keeps joy, love and dreams alive. It keeps despair and anger at bay.
Sometimes we ask, “What is my purpose? What can I do to make a difference?” We can keep HOPE alive; by example, by lending helping hands, by listening.
We can also choose our words carefully making sure that we do not stomp on HOPE. Instead use words that give HOPE in their intention. Let me give you an example I have used before. In working with women in domestic violence relationships, we always are careful to call them survivors and never call them victims. Do you see the difference between survivor and victim? Do you see how one is HOPEful and the other stomps on HOPE. Survivor indicates someone who is in control and has power. Victim indicates someone who has no power, no control.
We were born with HOPE in our life tool box. Losing it, giving it away, letting someone steal it or letting it die is kills our soul. We are reminded today to not only guard our HOPE but also stoke it….breath into it…let it rise into a raging blaze.
That is the HOPE. And so it is.
Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take….
-Affirm…“I am loved.”
-Meditate/pray…ask…”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all?”
-Drink lots of water.
-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.
-Stoke your HOPE.
What made me smile yesterday….
-75 and sunny.
-Listening to high schoolers is so funny. Just a few snippets into conversations I heard.
“Can I look at your paper?” “Sure, but I have this much (holding his index finger and thumb about an inch apart) faith it is correct.
Students talking about one’s parents impending divorce. “Who will you live with?” “Probably my mother.” Student one thinks for a minute then asks, “Do kids always go with their mother?” “Yeah, usually.” He continues to think for a minute and then adds, “Yeah, you know because they bore all the pain (of child-birth.)
“Can I look at your paper?” “No, cheaters never prosper.” the student responds with a smile that indicated he was doing it for the other students highest good.
-Catching up with Jackie, Alex and Shannon.
Love, Blessings and Gratitude,
Rev. Chris
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