Friday, December 3, 2010

Dearest God,

What do we do, Good Lord, when we are fresh out of hope, when life is despairing and the future looks bleak? As I listen to the news and think about suffering people in the world, I wonder how they can afford to have hope.

Tonight the challenging news turned more hopeful as I listened to the work George Clooney is doing to help the people of the Sudan. With a passion for helping others, he is doing everything in his power to avert war in January when a vote is taken for the south to separate and gain its independence. The man is a celebrity, a movie star; yet he is directing his attention to a far greater purpose.

When I hear about people working to help others, I see your hand at work. I know your loving grace is pricking the conscience of those who can do something to change human lives. Those who say yes, who pick up the mantle of hope literally put on your shoes. They take seriously the need and consider what they can do to change the suffering so many are experiencing. With special skills and talents they go to work and suddenly there is room for hope once again.

Make us all
channels of hope
for those
around us,
O God.
Build within us
hearts full
of compassion,
mercy and love.
Inspire us
to do
your will
to help others.

Love, Andrea