3 Points to Ponder
- We must hold onto hope during difficult times because things can turn around unexpectedly. Where in your life do you need to continue to hold onto hope?
- We don’t have to face our struggles alone. Reaching out can make a big difference if we take the time. Whom do you need to reach out to in the next few weeks to let them know they are not alone?
- Most times, we don’t anticipate the immense impact we can have in someone’s life. Small acts of kindness and support can have a life-changing effect on others. As you think of your story, who is someone who impacted your story through a small act?
2 Quotes to Share
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” -Desmond Tutu
“Some days you will be the light for others, and some days you will need some light from them. As long as there is light, there is hope, and there is a way.” -Jennifer Gayle
1 Story of Impact
In 2015, I encountered Eldi Val, a vibrant, female leader in the community of Malliarette, Haiti. When Many Hands was asking questions about the need for our type of program in their community, she was one of the leaders I sat with. She went through our Leadership Development program. And then… hard times came. Her son got sick. She lost her job as she took care of her family. Her husband left her. Then, hope came. Read her most recent interview: “I was experiencing much hardship. I couldn’t see what I should do. I was feeling very discouraged. My husband left leaving me with two kids and nothing in my hands. I had a business, but there was nothing left. I would ask God, what should I do to make a living with my two kids? And just then, Madam Christi (of Many Hands) thought of me and helped me find this job. I feel I am in God’s program because God didn’t allow me to be forgotten. I say thank you for the work through Many Hands because now I can start to think about getting my kids in school. My kids weren‘t able to go to school last year because my husband didn’t send anything. He never called me. My kids experienced so much hardship under my care. But during this day, I feel I can rejoice, and I feel happy I can be here with you.” For those hanging on to that last thread, you are not forgotten. Hope is just around the corner, so don’t let go. As People of Impact, you never know the light you bring to others through small actions and words. You shining creates a lighted path for people to follow out of the darkness.
