Color of Hope
Today's Encouraging Word and Inspirational Message is brought to you by Penny Hurley, on behalf of the Compassionate Care Network.
Scripture: "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
2 Corinthians 4: 16-18
Music: "It is Well With My Soul" Audrey Assad
Message: The Colors of Hope
Aristotle wrote "Hope is a waking dream." Nancy spoke in an uplifting way of hope as a verb; Doug shared with us that hope and prayer are powerful help for the people of Ukraine. I've been thinking that hope reflects the colors of the rainbow, like a beautiful prism dancing in the light. In our hearts, the violet, indigo, blue and green hues flow into the warmth of the yellow, orange and red - as our hope turns to action, to fire. And next time you are fortunate to see a rainbow, notice the quieter, cooler colors are the closest to the earth, while the brighter and stronger colors reach upward toward heaven. As in life, this is likely not a linear transformation. Rather ever changing within us. When hope has been lost, any glimmer of violet can draw us back into that rainbow. With quiet work, prayer and contemplation, we can find the strength to move into the fierce colors of action. And then return to the indigo to rest. A beautiful and mercurial journey. May we feel what Horatio Spafford expressed from the depths of his personal tragedies, "...whatever my lot, though hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well, with my soul..." Jesus is always with us to help us carry our sorrows. May we feel that rainbow within as we work to energize our church, and as we send our deepest prayers to the people of Ukraine. Thank you, Nancy and Doug, for sharing your wisdom and hope. (And yes, Nancy, I came to church for many reasons, but especially because you were giving the message!) Nadia. Hope. Within, and to the world. Amen
Pics: Penny Hurley