Hope

In an increasingly dismal and depressing world, hope sprouts in all sorts of interesting places. A simple smile, a kind word or a small glimpse of beauty can inspire and strengthen humanity to persevere when times are tough. As the world turns, we must continue to have hope that we are here for a reason. Natural, cultural, political and religious disasters will continue, but we must believe that for every awful circumstance, something positive can grow.

It's been amazing to watch the world's response to the recent earthquake in Haiti. As thousands of people have suffered extreme loss and heartache, thousands more have made a stand to do something about it. Some of these people are 50+ young Canadian artists who have come together and recorded a song entitled "Wavin' Flag". It's an incredible work of art that presents an amazing message of hope for Haitians in this dark and difficult time of rebuilding their country. Please check out the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nB7L1BIDELc

Another beautiful encounter that I've had with hope this week, occurred as I was walking across the battlefield at work. The rugged landscape provides a very real reminder of the sacrifices incurred by thousands of people during the first world war. The many men who stood here before me had hope that because of their efforts the world would be a better place. Today, as spring invades the region, an enchanting new presence has sprouted in the shell holes - yellow daffodils. Never planted, but naturally arrived, these alluring flowers provide hope that inspiration can once again be found in an area where humanity suffered some of its' darkest moments.

Hope can be found in a variety of forms, sometimes one must search to find it, and sometimes we may stumble upon it when we least expect it. If hope had one request, I believe it would ask to be shared, so that it may greet someone in a moment of need and provide inspiration where an individual may not have found it otherwise.