In London, there is a house for, as they say, "fallen people". It is like a half-way house here in the states. Nevertheless, near the front door of this house is a figure of a child blowing on a dying ember. This motto appears: "Perhaps there remains a spark."Yesterday, it was a day for hope for a nation that is struggling in many ways. At the inauguration ceremony, our new president gave a message that profoundly represents this idea of hope. Hope does not soon abandon that which does not promise well; it makes the most of "littles" and the efforts of whom I like to refer to as the “little ones,” those folks who surprise us with their creativity and generosity like the students at Newman. Hope fans the spark into flame; it reflects a rainbow against the darkest cloud; it pictures tomorrow brighter than today.
By its magic word fountains spring up in the parched desert, honey comes out of the barren rock... and the streams of difficulties parts at the feet of the advancing pilgrim.
Hope has something to offset every discouragement. It gathers the sunbeams from near and far and causes them to shine upon the pathway. It rings a bell of gladness in the dull ears of those who are struggling in the valley, weighed down by their crosses.
In going through a difficult time, one thing that will get us through is "hope"......and to believe that at "any time" things can change. This morning our president and his staff started their day with prayer at the national cathedral to ask God to bless them in their work. I would ask that you pray for wisdom for our leaders as they begin a new day. "…if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to all people, so he will give you wisdom" (James 1:5).
God prays for us as we reflect: "It is good that one should have hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord...there may yet be hope." (Lamentations 3:26,29).
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine friends that the level of hope rise like a buoy in your heart. May there be a spark in you this day and may the Holy Spirit be the fan. Give wisdom and hope to our president and his staff.
