Hope Is Enough To Light Up the World

I ran across this parable yesterday in a church bulletin in sunny Arizona, where my sister and I are enjoying some time with Mom and Dad. I knew I had to share it with all of you.

Be encouraged!

THE FOUR CANDLES

The Four Candles burned slowly. Their Ambiance was so soft you could hear them speak…

The first candle said, “I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit.” Then Peace’s flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.

The second candle says, “I Am Faith, but these days, I am no longer indispensable.” Then Faith’s flame slowly diminishes and goes out completely.

Sadly the third candle spoke, “I Am Love and I haven’t the strength to stay lit any longer. People put me aside and don’t understand my importance. They even forget to love those who are nearest to them.” And waiting no longer, Love goes out completely.

Suddenly…

A child enters the room and sees the three candles no longer burning. The child begins to cry, “Why are you not burning? You are supposed to stay lit until the end.”

Then the Fourth Candle spoke gently to the little boy, “Don’t be afraid, for I Am Hope, and while I still burn, we can re-light the other candles.”

With shining eyes the child took the Candle of Hope and lit the other three candles.

Never let the Flame of Hope go out of your life.

With Hope, no matter how bad things look and are…Peace, Faith and Love can shine brightly in our lives.

—Author Unknown

With Hope, no matter how bad things look and are—Peace, Faith and Love can shine brightly in our lives. Click To Tweet

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

 Reflection: How are you sharing the light of Hope with others? 

• Snow shaken off tree branches in the morning wind; Haircuts all given!–I both enjoy it and don’t; Rachel’s short-hair curls
• Spotted a large rooster pheasant along the road-there are a few still around; Taxes done!; Playing card bingo with wonderful folks at the assisted living home–who’s blessing who?
• Red flash of red-bellied woodpecker in search of breakfast; My audio project is complete–I’ll be revealing it soon!; Chiropractor skills–saving my back
• Rachel bringing a smile to everyone’s face today; Received the coolest camera bag for traveling; Great dentist report for Rach
• Safe flight to Las Vegas; Traveling with my sister and meeting up with her hubby; Gift of looking down on clouds– in flight
• Meeting up with Mom and Dad; Amazing power of God revealed through incredible examples of the forces of nature: readily seen in the desert; 70 degree temperatures 
• Traveled back in time by visiting Oatman, AZ, and driving a section of Route 66; Mom, my sis, and I laughing until we cried; Petting and feeding the semi-tame Oatman burros

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