Lessons of Hope

The Haitian earthquake has brought attention and compassion to a country that has lost so much. Every day we hear about the death and the plight of the Haitian people. What impresses me most is the hope and faith of Haitians in the midst of utter despair.

This is a lesson in what it means to have faith and hope. When life is at its darkest, continue to hold on. I watched the news as they pulled a man from the rubble, and he was praising God. His shouts of joy and gratitude after being literally buried alive for almost a week are the stories of the miraculous.

The countless incredible stories of survival in the midst of the Haitian tragedy made me rethink my situation and those who are struggling. I was recently asked how it was going for me in this tough economy. I started to answer by going down the road of the “a’int it awful club.” I did an about face and corrected myself. I stated emphatically that I am doing well. For you see when I look at what is happening in Haiti, I have no reason to complain. I have the basics of life: food, water, shelter and I am alive! Trust me that reality check really puts things in perspective.

I am confident that the Haitian People will survive this, as they are a strong, independent, and faith-filled people. Haiti was the first Black republic in the world and the first country in the Western hemisphere to abolish slavery completely. Haiti is a country that can inspire the rest of the world to have hope.

Year in Review

Well...What a year! For most of us, this year had many difficulties, curveballs, and the roller coaster ride of a lifetime. Did you struggle this year? I know I did.

Yet I am here to share with you that there is good news within the struggle. I know I survived the year that WAS. For many of us changes in the economy affected our livelihood and what we came to define as ourselves. Yet the one thing that remained true for me was my faith.

A family member told me I was crazy to have hope and faith. However, I believe in the power of God. I knew that no matter what the outward circumstances were, my faith and my belief in something greater would get me through any situation.

This is the year that I thank all the angels, those who walk on the earth, and those guardian angels that invisibly supported me. For you see, the times we think we are alone, there are many who are praying for us, sending up a good thought, a positive vibration, or just a smile.

As we get ready to ring in the New Year, I encourage you to define your own reality. Stay strong in the New Year and be confident that you are a positive being of light and you are not alone.

I wish all of you peace and love!