Finding Hope

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The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, Ephesians 1:18 KJV

My friend’s voice sounded somewhere between hopeless and amused as he told me about waking up on Mother’s day to find snow on deck. Maybe dragging into this 8th week of shutdown you are also running a bit low on hope. Today Paul reminds us that our greatest hope is in heaven because that is the place God has promised His people. Our great hope on earth begins where Jesus suffered on the cross for our free gift of salvation. But our great hope right here and right now is put to work when we love others in daily practical ways. Together we share a common hope and finding feet to wash may be the best medicine for hopelessness because it gives earthly reality to the heavenly hope we have in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Honoring Mom

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“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), Ephesians 6:2 ESV

My mom was smart, beautiful and a successful novelist, but she also battled with the unseen enemy of mental illness so writing about her has not been easy. Those who have never lived with someone with their own version of reality may never understand. But God doesn’t ask us to understand, only to love and honor her with more than just flowers.

So today thanks for a mom who was also fun and adventurous. Thanks that she taught me to stand up for the weak and to not be afraid of being different. Thanks for learning that commitment means never giving up even when no one else believes in you. Thanks God for my mom who I never understood but who loved me to the end!

Mother’s Day Parade

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So I called one of the nursing homes that I used to visit and asked if I could bring flowers. They said no flowers unless directly from the florist (expensive!) but how about a parade? I was so amazed to see well over a hundred cars show up. People are just longing to find ways to express love and appreciation for those in long term care. I will remember this day for a long time!