Hope

This week I found out that a longtime friend of mine has Stage 3 breast cancer. We started kindergarten together and graduated from high school together. And although time and distance separated us, I still recall all of those fun times we had and the special friendship we shared as young children. As a mother of three young children, who are very similar in age to mine, I can't imagine the things that must be going through her mind.

So I sat down yesterday to write her a card and the words just wouldn't come. I wanted to tell her how sorry I was. How much I am thinking of her. How prayer will get her through the worst of times. But, none of that seemed exactly right. And then I recalled something that I had received when I was sick. It reminded me, as I am sure it has others, to never give up hope.

Here it is:

The Four Candles burned slowly. Their ambiance was so soft you could hardly hear them speak...

The first candle said, "I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit." Then Peace's flame slowly diminished and went out completely.

The second candle said, "I Am Faith, but these days, I am no longer indispensable." Then Faith's flame slowly diminished and went 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 went out completely.

Suddenly …

A child entered the room and saw the three candles no longer burning.
The child began 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 are or appear to be . . . Peace, Faith and Love can Shine Brightly in our lives.

Written by an Unknown Author


I have heard your prayer and see your tears, I will heal you. 2 Kings 20:5