The Final Letting Go

Image by Heri Santoso from Pixabay

I thought I had accepted this new life and was looking forward to a new future, but I dreaded the upcoming Valentine’s Day. I imagined the day would weigh heavy on my heart, yearning for the love I lost. But then God sent the dream...   

My late husband appeared to me in the hospital waiting room. He gestured for me to sit on a nearby bench and took a seat beside me.

He said, “I know we hoped the surgery would give us more time, and I agreed to it, but when I became bedridden, I was  a burden I didn’t want to be and one you didn’t need. As much as I hated leaving you, it was better that I did, for both of us. Now it’s time you let me go, really let me go, and move on with your life.”

I wanted to argue that I wasn’t ready, but recognized he was right. Refusing to let him go was selfish. If I loved him as much as I claimed, I’d let him go.

I woke up changed. Rather than looking back and focusing on what I lost, I now recognize what I accomplished and how far I’ve come. I still love him and always will, but instead of clinging and pining for a life that’s gone, I cherish my memories of our life together and set my face forward, not back.   

The clouds that had plagued our area for so long gave way to sunshine, inside my heart as well as outside my window. I feel lighter, less burdened.

Valentine's day. I woke without the sadness I had expected. Instead, peace filled my heart. No tears. No yearning.

God’s love is eternal and his promises are true. “I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.” Jeremiah 31:13.

You have, Lord. Thank you. Amen.  

Tranquility

Image by Henryk Niestrój from Pixabay

Although I love summer, I’m tiring of the extra yardwork, and I’m ready for the change of seasons and a lessoning of the chores. Not surprising, God addressed my need for rest.  

Our pastor’s sermons are on The Lord’s Prayer. Last Sunday was “Give us this day our daily bread.” There’s much debate about whether that is physical or spiritual food. I think both, at least for me personally. Pastor also quoted Matthew 6:27-30: “And which of you by taking thought can add to his stature by one cubit? And for raiment, why are you solicitous? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they labor not, neither do they spin. But I say to you, that not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. And if the grass of the field, which is today, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, God doth so clothe: how much more you, O ye of little faith?”

I smiled. I even wore my gold and pearl calla lily earrings that morning.

The coincidences continued. My from Good Morning, Lord, by Joseph T. Sullivan also mentioned the lilies of the field. Our Daily Bread quoted Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you that labor, and are burdened, and I will refresh you. Take up my yoke upon you, and learn of me, because I am meek, and humble of heart: and you shall find rest to your souls. For my yoke is sweet and my burden light.”

Our Daily Bread also quoted Numbers 11, Moses’ lament to God of the heavy burdened he carried. God heard his cry and sent him helpers.

I understood God was promising me the same. He would give me the strength I needed to carry out my tasks or send me help. He did both.

By making slight changes, like not taking a one and a half-mile walk before I weed the flower beds, and by limiting other tasks I do on those days, I haven’t been as tired. Same with the housework. On days with the bigger chores, I limit other tasks. 

My husband has an injured shoulder and residual effects from Covid, which limits how much he can do, but he refuses to let me carry all the burden of maintaining our home. He has stepped up and taken on tasks he knows he can handle. These may seem small to some, but they lifted a good portion of my burden.

Things may change again as we both age, but I’m not worried. God will ease my burdens. I have his promise, and as if to emphasize that, once again, rainbows are appearing — reminders that God keeps his promises.

Dear Lord, thank you for not only the physical rest but also the tranquility of knowing you will take care of all my needs. I love you. Amen.

Storms

 

It’s storming. Rain and wind lashing the house and trees. Dark gloomy skies. The scene reminds me of a similar one forty-plus years ago.

 I was barely twenty, married, with an eight-month-old son. We were living in a single wide trailer on the outskirts of town. I sat at the dining table with a cup of tea, looking out the front windows at a similar storm blowing through our little valley. My son played quietly on the floor next to me. I savored the moment, knowing my abusive husband would storm in at any moment and make my life hell again.  

Although I divorced him and remarried a good man, I never recaptured that moment of peaceful contentment. More children, jobs, deaths, financial struggles, and health issues kept my life in constant turmoil.

Last Sunday, our pastor spoke on the Book of Joshua. God encouraged him, more than once, to have courage, strength, and faith while facing the giants in the Promised Land. How different would my life have been if I faced all my challenges with the same faith Joshua had?

In some ways, I did, but too often I worried about the when and the how, rather than leaving that up to God. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, everything changed. At first, I was that terrified twenty-year-old again, facing another monster, but through a vision, God promised to heal me. I stood on that promise through all the surgeries and treatments. After four years, I’m still cancer free.  

From this and so many other experiences, I know God will either bring me through the storm or calm the wind and waves, leaving me floating in a calm sea. Because of this, I can now watch not only the storm currently raging outside my window, but all storms without worrying about the next hour, day, or even year. God’s already there, sorting it out.

Here’s to that terrified twenty-year-old who never gave up.

Thank you, Lord, for always being there to pick up the pieces of my life and restore them into something even more beautiful. Amen.

 

Merry Christmas!

 

What’s Wrong with the World

Jesus entered Jerusalem hailed as a king. The Jews believed he was the leader who would save them from Roman oppression, but He had other plans. He came to free souls from sin, to fix internal issues, not external threats.

I can see the value of changing hearts rather than circumstances. Violence and hatred will not cease as long as humans embrace sinful thoughts, desires and actions. If each person changed internally, accepting God and His values, the world would change. But Satan will never allow that.

The Greek word for devil is dia-bolos, “one who divides.” The evil spirit promotes division, isolation and discord. “For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and power, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places.” Ephesians 6:12.

Jesus, The Great Unifier, promotes oneness, peace and reconciliation — selfless service to others, especially to those most vulnerable. Imagine a world which actually lives the precepts of the Christian faith. But that too is an illusion as along as we live in this broken world.

“The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” From What’s Wrong with the World by G. K. Chesterton.

Lord, I pray for our world, our country, our leaders, our families. Open our hearts and minds to your holy will. Amen.

 

Peanut Butter

Photo by Irene Kredenets on Unsplash

It had been a long day. Six stops, five hours of running errands and grocery shopping. Then, the carrying in and putting away. I was tired to the point of almost falling down. That should have been my warning not to take on one more task until I’d rested, but I ignored it.  

Our Brittany, Cooper, takes thyroid medicine twice a day and after trying several substances to coat the pill, we found peanut butter to be the best. The brand we use doesn’t have xylitol, which the vet warned us about, but it has other additives. To avoid giving Cooper ingredients he didn’t need, I bought some pure peanut butter, nothing but ground peanuts.

When we opened the jar, the oil had separated and risen to the top. Several attempts to stir it with a spoon failed.

My hand mixer has a stirring attachment, which would be perfect to mix the peanut butter. However, rather than mix the contents, the attachment spun the jar around the counter, throwing peanut butter everywhere. The goo covered the floor, cabinets, appliances, and me. I even found some plastered against the sink on the other side of the room.  

My still-pneumonia-recovering husband announced he had to lie down and beat a hasty retreat. I suspected his motives, but gave him the benefit of the doubt. I’d rather not clean the mess either.

It took an hour to clean up the oily stuff, shower, and wash my clothes. I sank into my chair. My devotions and Bible sat on the side table - untouched. I sat in a stew of guilty thoughts the rest of the day, too numb to even contemplate reading them.

The next morning, I read these wise words from Lori Stanley Roeleveld in her devotional, Running from a Crazy Man (and Other Adventures Traveling With Jesus).

My relationship with God is not another task to complete and check off my To Do List. He understands when responsibilities and fatigue interrupt my plans for structured Scripture, meditation, and prayer. He tells me, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your soul.”

Scripture is filled with stories of how God fed and cared for his tired and discouraged servants. So, eat a meal, take a nap, read a book, watch a movie, relax, and don’t feel guilty. Prayer doesn’t have to be structured. It can be a thought, even an exhalation.

I won’t make it a habit to forego my morning devotions and prayers, but neither will I feel guilty when I don’t have the time, or engergy, to read and meditate.

Thank you, Lord, for being a loving and compassionate Father to Your Children. Amen.

 

Choices

We face a myriad of choices every day, opportunities to make a difference,  good or bad. After my last rant, I didn’t want to let anger, even what I think is justified, to take control. Yet, with the turmoil going on in our country, it’s hard not to feel frustrated and judgmental with others’ choices.

One thing I can always rely on is God. He will guide me, whether I ask or not!

This morning my devotions listed  Psalm 27 1-2,13-14, reminding me faith in God is my first choice.

The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the protector of my life: of whom should I be afraid? I believe to see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living. Expect the Lord, do manfully, and let thy heart take courage, and wait thou for the Lord.

This scripture has appeared every time I’ve faced hard times, reassuring and encouraging me not to give up or fall into despair.

The next devotion reminded me of how I should live my life, regardless of my circumstances and the choices others make.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

Oh Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying we are born again into eternal life.

St. Francis of Assisi

Yes, Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, a light in the darkness leading others to You through wisdom, discernment, patience, and faith. Amen.

Not of This World

Photo by Karl Frey at Pixabay

My husband and I watched Bridge of Spies last night. Based on a true story which took place during the early cold war between the US and Russia, Mr. Donovan (Tom Hanks) agrees to defend a Russian spy during his trial. The press vilifies him. This led to hate crimes against him and his family.

Public opinion has swayed in different directions since then, but one thing has not changed. If you are on the wrong side of that opinion, you will be persecuted through the press, entertainment, and social media. Sometimes it escalates to protests and street violence.

As I contemplated this truth, I opened my devotions and scripture readings. John 15:18-20 gave me God’s opinion of all this unrest and polarization.

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before you. If you had been of the world, the world would love its own: but because you are not of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember my words that I said to you: The servant is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: If they have kept my word, they will keep yours also.”

Jesus also comforts us when faced with these adversities. John 14: 27. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, do I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid.”

Notice this is verse 27. Another in a long list of verses God has sent to comfort me during trying times. Psalm 27 and Luke 12:27 (Consider the lilies) to name a few. The number has popped up in strange places when I needed reminded of those promises the most. 

One example: when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and undergoing surgeries, my husband counted the trees on our property.

I asked him, “What compelled you to do that?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know.”

When he told me we had 27 trees, I understood.

I am unworthy of these divine favors, but I am so very thankful. 

I wish you peace too.  

Being Joyful

Photo by Free-Photos at Pixabay

Today I wanted to share a meditation source I discovered years ago, The Naked Now by Richard Rohr. It is one of the most insightful books I have read. Father Rohr gives a non-denominational, non-political, all-encompassing insight into accepting and coping with our imperfections, those of everyone around us, and of our world.

Listed below are a few suggestions from the book that impacted my life greatly. These gems, repeated often throughout my day have enabled me to remain in a joyful, peaceful state of mind for longer periods than at any other time in my life - regardless of the turmoil surrounding me.

What might a joyful mind be?

When your mind does not need to be right.
When you no longer need to compare yourself with others.
When you no longer need to compete - not even in your own head.
When your mind can be creative, but without needing anyone to know.
When your mind does not "brood over injuries."
When you do not need to humiliate, critique, or defeat those who have hurt you - not even in your mind.

Thank you, Lord, for leading me to this wonderful source of spiritual insight, for giving me the encouragement to follow the suggestions, and for being patient through my many failures. As you have told me over and over, it isn't how many times I fail, but how hard I try. It is my effort that counts. Amen.

Difficult, But Worth the Effort

Photo by SplitShire from Pixabay

A recent conversation with a friend was echoed in my morning devotions. In Living Faith Terri Mefik wrote, “I may want to dictate to others how people should think or behave but if I put the relationship above forcing my will on others, I inevitably experience greater peace and joy.”

Life is much easier when I’m not worrying about someone else’s sin.

It isn’t that I am so good-natured that I’m never tempted to judge. My own drama keeps me too busy to worry about someone else’s behavior. I don’t have the energy or the desire to add any more. Besides, only God knows what is in the heart of another.

I have been harshly judged myself without my judges knowing the whole truth and I don’t want to do that to someone else. Their behavior (unless criminal), is between them and God. He is their final judge and the one they will have to answer to someday, just like I will.

If I want the benefit of the doubt, shouldn’t I give it to others as well?

Richard Rohr in his meditation on the Loving Gaze took this idea a step further. “The Christ in me sees the Christ in you.”

Christ in everyone.

Those words brought up a powerful image from my past.  

After seven years of domestic abuse and an ugly divorce, I needed therapy. A psychiatrist gave me the tools to deal with the nightmares and panic attacks, and he encouraged me to forgive. He emphasized that without forgiving the violence, the hatred and anger would destroy the rest of my life.

A friend recommended a Christian counselor specializing in abuse victims.

At the end of a long session, the counselor asked me to visualize Jesus on the cross. After a moment she asked me if He had come down and was he holding me?

What I saw was far more powerful.

My ex-husband stood behind the cross. As I watched, Jesus transposed his face over my ex-husband’s.

In that instant, I forgave and let all the anger and hate go. My world changed. Gone were the panic attacks and nightmares. The heavy weight I carried for so many years lifted. Colors were brighter, my steps lighter. I found peace.

That powerful moment taught me to look at others differently, to offer the benefit of the doubt first and to forgive instead of judging and holding a grudge. The Christ in me now sees the Christ in others.

Thank you, Lord, for that powerful message. It changed my life.

 

Why Me and Not Others?

Original Photo by Cecilia Marie Pulliam

I am sitting on the front porch looking out over the canyon, listening to the creek and songbirds, quail and dove. The tangy scents of pine, sage and wet grass tinge the air. Sunlight and shadows dance among the trees and along the lawn. No human noise mars the peacefulness. I can stay for as long as my heart desires. There is no early morning commute or a long list of chores.

I’ve dreamed of this all my life.

But one thought clouds the moment. I don’t deserve it. Any of it.

Why me? Why has God given me visions and dreams, promising the last half of my life would be better than the first? What have I done to deserve these wonderful gifts?

Yes, I have known deep sorrow, but who hasn’t?

My devotions this morning stated God sends sanctuaries to the weary, giving them rest. Is that what this is? My sanctuary after a lifetime of struggle?

Perhaps I am to use this quiet time for art, writing and prayer. But will sharing those make any difference to anyone else?

I may never know the answers, at least not in this life, but I can be thankful and not question His judgment. Many others have asked the question,“Why me?”, and I must remember God sees things differently than us, and He doesn’t make mistakes.

“The Lord rules me: and I shall want nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:1-2.

Amen.

Concern, Worry, and Finding Peace

My father worried most of his life about many things, particularly whether he was good enough to enter heaven. During his last days, we tried to reassure him. We reminded him about God’s great love for us and His forgiveness of all our sins. I recounted the story of the Good Thief on the Cross and my visions of Jesus and heaven.

He remembered 1 Peter 4: 8: “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover a multitude of sins.” We all agreed his generosity to others would nullify any failings.  

Yet, I still I worried and prayed for him to find peace. I even begged God to be good to him — and caught my breath. What was I saying, asking God to be good to him? I bowed my head, asked for forgiveness for my lapse of faith, and gave Daddy into God’s keeping. There is not a safer place than in His presence.

This holds true of everything else too.

I can be concerned about many things without carrying the burden of worry, especially after giving them to God. Who could love us more? Who would be more dedicated to giving us eternal life in a state of perfect happiness?

Daddy loved God, regretted his failings, and had asked for forgiveness. Isn’t that all God asks of us?

God granted me a blessing during my scripture readings. As I turned from the Old Testament to the Psalms, my Bible fell open to the Book of Tobias, who was famous for his generosity, just like Daddy.  

Chapter 14: 8: “And the rest of his life was in joy, and with a great increase in the fear of God he departed in peace.”

Thank you, Abba, for giving me this undeserved consolation. Your compassion and generosity are beyond my mortal understanding and expectation. I love you! 

Seeking Good Things

‘Tis the season of peace and joy. We sing about it in our carols, wish it to everyone we meet, and send cards expressing the sentiment. We talk about having the season’s generosity all year, but we are like the parable of the seed that fell among the brambles. Hectic schedules lead us more toward irritability rather than charity and patience.

I mentioned in a prior post I planned to recite the Prayer of St. Francis every morning. Evidently, God has the same plan. The ushers handed out flyers with the prayer after church on Sunday.

The prayer, which I now have memorized, helps put things into perspective. When I want to rage at the world for all its injustices, lash out against insults with the perfect rebuttal, or put down those with a different opinion, I recite the prayer and my focus changes.

My devotions this morning suggested an additional practice. “For the sake of my brethren and of my neighbors, I spoke peace of thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God, I have sought good things for thee.” Psalm 122:8-9

If I seek good things for others it’s difficult to stay angry or nurse hurts. Through St. Francis’ words and the desire for good things for everyone, carrying Christmas joy and peace all year gets a whole lot easier. And, who benefits the most? Myself.

Wishing you good things, including peace and joy, this season and all year.

Light in the Darkness

I’ve been reflecting on the recent tragedies, seeking a way to cope with the sense of hopelessness and despair these horrific events seem to nurture.

A meme a dear soul posted on Facebook had one answer. Mr. Rodgers said, “Look for the helpers.” There are always men and women who risk everything to help others whether it is horrific fires like those in California, shootings or floods.

I want to be a helper rather than sitting back, crying and wringing my hands, or worse criticizing. I may never race through flames, face a crazed gunman, or slog through flood waters to save a life, but I can refuse to give into frustrations and irritations. I can be polite, smile, and carry a pleasant attitude whether I am at the grocery store, driving or doing my civic duty.

These thoughts reminded me of the Prayer of St. Francis. I memorized it years ago but I forget to pray it, so I created a prayer card which I printed out and placed with my devotions, a reminder of how I can be a helper, every day, wherever I am.

May we be thankful for the helpers God sends to those in need.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. May your day be filled with family, joy and many blessings.

(You are welcome to save, print, and share.)

What Will This Day Bring?

Will it bring good news or bad?

Will it be fruitful or wasted?

Will it strengthen my faith or my doubts?

Will it bring peace or unrest?

Will it give me opportunities to be compassionate or angry and demanding?

Will it encourage me to forgive or judge and condemn?

Will it open my heart to God’s goodness or will it make me turn away in despair?

This day will provide choices. My responses will decide the rest.  

Beside Restful Waters

I have always loved Psalm 23, the green pastures and restful waters. Those have taken on new meaning in our new home. A few steps in any direction and I can sit beside gurgling creeks or still ponds, surrounded by verdant pastures.

However, even in Idyllic surroundings, life can become complicated and worrisome.

Since the year 2009, I have been without health care insurance and have put off preventive exams due to the expense. Since turning a certain age and I now have insurance, my doctor has scheduled the tests. My brain went into overdrive. What if?

Streams in the Desert quoted 1 Samuel 7:12: “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”

He has helped through financial struggles, health issues, and personal challenges. He has provided compassion, strength, wisdom, and a miracle or two. Will he not continue? 

“For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils, for thou art with me.”

Wobbling

My husband and I have not lived in a house for more than three years. When he started looking at homes this spring, I set down parameters. The new home had to be spectacular — and our last — or I wasn’t budging. 

Well, I’ve agreed to move. He found our dream home, a little slice of country living close to amenities and lots of outdoor recreation — two hours and another city away. None of that mattered when I stepped inside. Home. The word settled in my heart. This would be our last move.

However, as the challenges of selling and buying rose, I wobbled, terrified we wouldn’t pull this one off. 

I turned to my devotions for encouragement.

Living Faith for July 14^th quoted Genesis 46:3. “God said to him [Jacob], I am the most mighty God of thy father: fear not, go down into Egypt, for I will make a great nation of thee there.”

Fitting words considering the new house is south of us. 

The devotion also listed Psalm 37: 3-4, 39-40: “Trust in the Lord, and do good, and dwell in the land, and thou shalt be fed with its riches. Delight in the Lord, and he will give thee the requests of thy heart… But the salvation of the just is from the Lord, and he is their protector in the time of trouble. And the Lord will help them and deliver them: and he will rescue them from the wicked, and save them, because they have hoped in him.”

Another reading quoted Psalm 91: 1-4, 14-15: “He that dwells in the aid of the most High, shall abide under the protection of the God of Jacob. He shall say to the Lord: Thou art my protector, and my refuge: my God, in him will I trust. For he hath delivered me from the snare of the hunters: and from the sharp word. He will overshadow thee with his shoulders: and under his wings thou shalt trust… Because he hoped in me I will deliver him: I will protect him because he hath known my name. He shall cry to me, and I will hear him: I am with him in tribulation, I will deliver him, and I will glorify him.”

If that wasn’t enough, the Gospel reading was from Matthew 10: 29-31: “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: better are you than many sparrows.”

In the future, I hope I won’t wobble when faced with a mountain of challenges, but the flesh is weak, no matter how determined the spirit. Thankfully, God has infinite patience, compassion, and resources to rescue me — even from myself.  

God's Answer to the Anger and Violence in Our Country

The present anger and violence in our country is shocking and worrisome. At first I wrung my hands and cried, feeling helpless and hopeless, until a quiet voice whispered it was time to pray. I asked God to give answers and peace to those suffering from frustration, hostility, and unrest. They will never know I prayed for them, but that doesn't matter. God knows, and through intercessory prayer, he can change even the hardest hearts. 

This morning my devotions, His Word, further told me how to relinquish my anxiety. 

The first reading was from the book of Isaiah 8: 23, 9:5-6: “And they shall look upon the earth, and behold trouble and darkness, weakness, and distress, and a mist following them and they cannot fly away from their distress… For every violent taking of spoils, with tumult, and garment mingled with blood, shall be burnt, and be fuel for the fire. For a CHILD IS BORN to us, and a son is given to us, and the government is upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, God the Mighty, the Father of the world to come, the Prince of Peace.” 

There has always been hate and unrest. My misery will not end any of it but my prayers and small acts of kindness and compassion can mitigate some of it.  

The second reading was from Psalms, one of my favorites. This prayer has guided me through many hard times. Psalm 27: 1,4, 13-14: “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the protector of my life, of whom shall I be afraid… One thing I have asked of the Lord, this will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. That I may see the delight of the Lord and may visit his temple… I believe to see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living. Expect the Lord, do manfully, and let thy heart take courage, and wait for the Lord.”

That verse alone put the current turbulence in perspective. As long as I trust God, the world cannot destroy my peace. Doesn’t mean I won’t have a rightful concern, I should. However, I need not work myself up into hand wringing. Nothing I can do will alter people’s beliefs and ideologies. I must give it to God in prayer. He’s far better equipped to handle these crises than I am. 

Interesting, as I paged from the Psalms to the New Testament, my bible fell open to the Book of Daniel, Chapter 13. This book from the Apocrypha describes Daniel saving Susannah from false accusations by revealing her accusers’ lies. One day God will do the same, exposing all lies and deceptions. 

In my third reading, 1 Corinthians 1:10, St. Paul beseeches the Christian community not to become fractured sects, not to let contentions divide them. Again, I found the same theme of keeping our focus on God, not on our small grievances and differences. 

The Gospel was from Matthew 4. Verse 16 spoke of hope. “The people that sat in darkness have seen a great light: and to them that sat in the region of the shadow of death, light is sprung up.”

Amen.