Ripples #860: Keepers of Hope.
Nov 16, 2015
PEBBLE
Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter. Who would think that those branches would turn green again and blossom,
but we hope it, we know it.
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, shared by Beth in Sleepy Hollow, IL
BOULDER
Sometimes we are called upon
to be the keeper of hope:
hope for a better tomorrow;
hope for a client, colleague, or loved one in despair;
hope that neither they nor we will stumble alone and in the dark.
For all those with whom we connect,
the best way we can nurture them
is to listen with an open heart,
and offer hope:
hope that nourishes and sustains,
hope that inspires and comforts and heals.
So hold onto hope today,
and if it is too hard for you to hold onto,
ask someone, please, someone, to hold it for you.
-adapted from the wisdom of Nancy Moreau Battaglia,
shared by her friend Darcy in San Diego, CA
PONDER
Besides the anguish and loss in Paris and Beirut in recent days (you likely know about the former, be sure not to ignore the latter), there are so many other spots around our country and around the globe where people are being denied their basic human rights, being kept from living as their full and best selves. If you spend too much time scanning headlines or your social media feeds, you may be feeling frustrated, depleted, hopeless.
Times like this require us to dig deep and find the light that can help us and those around us remember that we’ve made it through past difficulties that have helped us grow stronger and wiser. And even when it seems like we’re all alone, there are often sources of support patiently waiting to be called forth.
Keep your eyes open this week for beacons of light that can help you out,
and keep your heart open for those who are seeking light. And if you’re waiting for God to show up and lend a hand, just remember that God might be waiting for Us to show up and lend a hand.
Peace,
Paul
The Ripples Guy
P.S. My sincere apologies that last week’s Ripples initially zoomed out without the Ponder in it. You likely saw the “PonderText.” placeholder instead. About 20 minutes later I sent a corrected issue which caused some people to think they were receiving duplicates. A flub all around–please forgive me!
