Holding Hope

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Clarissa Pinkola Estes, difficult times, difficulty, hope, spirit, The Sophia Center for Spirituality

Sometimes life seems difficult and it is only in connection with others that we seem able to hold onto the optimism that is our true natural state. Sometimes that connection comes in meetings with cherished friends and/or family but sometimes we are able to dig deep and find it in the written word. Even a brief quote can sometimes shake it loose and have it rise to the surface with the dawn. Here’s something offered by author Clarissa Pinkola Estes for today as we move into this new week.

My friends, do not lose heart…Please do not spend your spirit dry by bewailing those difficult times. Especially do not lose hope. Most particularly because the fact is that we are made for these times.

Facing the Storm

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awake, aware, bad news, Clarissa Pinkola Estes, compassionate, fix, help another soul, light one candle, mend, safe, small things, stay calm, storm, The Sophia Center for Spirituality, world problems

The lead story on all of the TV networks last night was the impending storm all up and down the east coast of our country. Already death and destruction could be seen coming across from the west and over the weekend it seems inevitable that a “one-two punch” will wreak havoc on the rest of us. That just adds to all the other bad news of politics and terror attacks that make one wonder when all these storms in our lives will abate.

The Society of the Christophers is famous for the saying, “It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.” I read an analogous quote from author Clarissa Pinkola Estes this morning that gave me permission once more not to set my sights on saving the whole world. (Sometimes in our frustrations we need reminders.) She says:

Ours is not the task of fixing the entire world all at once, but of stretching out to mend the part of the world that is within our reach. Any small, calm thing that one soul can do to help another soul, to assist some portion of this poor suffering world, will help immensely.

So blessings today on all those who serve good hot soup to those in shelters, to first responders who leave the comfort of their homes to rescue victims of fire and flood, and to those who stretch out their arms to assuage distress by offering hugs to those in need. Stay safe out there, everyone. Stay awake and aware. Stay compassionate and stay calm. Stay ready to serve.