in response to yesterday's traumatic events in Boston, I pause to consider what I can do from accross the nation, today, in this moment, and each and every day, as a woman, as a mom, as a wife, and as an artist -
I can:
give hope by being aware of the hurting ("I look, I see, I acknowledge you"), and by taking the time to connect with someone inside their world - being heard is almost as profound as being loved.
share hope by offering comfort, with my presence, a note, a phone call, or to simply be present so to tell someone, "you are not alone" "I am so sorry" and "you are loved."
hold on to hope with love, with courage, and with grace for someone who hasn't the strength to do so for him or herself, serving as a reminder that I will hold onto hope until they can hold onto hope themself.
Let us stop and consider: how can I be a beacon of hope for someone today?
Let us get engaged with one another, in our home, in our family, in our church, and in our community so that we notice the hurting, and are available to give and receive hope when it is needed.
Abraham Lincoln once said, "The strength of a nation lies in the people - in the homes of the people." Let us begin at home, to teach God's word (Deuteronomy 11:19), to share the story of hope (John 3:16) and to be a reflection of the healing salve of hope (Jeremiah 29:11).
let us give hope to one another, share hope with one another, hold onto hope for one another - pass it on
Beautiful and thoughtful post, Terri. The quote from Abraham Lincoln along with your words from the Bible, says it all... "Let us begin at home to teach God's word... home is where hope begins.
Posted by: Joy Hall | May 02, 2013 at 08:36 AM