Faith, hope and love are three guiding principles instilled in me from an early age. They have carried me through many challenges and sorrows in my life.
These three words can be found in several places in my home. One is a candle holder that was used as a centrepiece for my mothers’ birthday party one year. Chosen because she taught us about faith, she never gave up and she loved us regardless of the dumb things we may have done.
Another is the words on three tea light holders bought from a neighbour and friend. They are a light for my guests. I don’t look at them without thinking of my friends who also lived these words.
Faith, a belief in something greater than yourself; a loving God who is there for you always, even if you can’t see Him. A knowing that there is more to life than what you see on this earth. An understanding that we are all related spiritually regardless of our skin colour or the language we speak. A belief that we will all meet again and that death is the start of our journey, not the end.
Hope, bred from faith, keeping the darkness at bay. A knowing that there can be better days ahead. An understanding that nothing is ever truly lost that can’t be found. In my darkness days, it has been hope that has kept me moving forward and what helps me get out the other side.
Love, what we all need to flourish. Loving another is the greatest gift. Being loved is a special treasure. Ones light is diminished when love is lacking. Actions of hate need to be responded to with actions of love. That is the only way to move forward. Love one another and your lights will shine bright.
I wish you health and safety my dear friends, but most of all I wish you a life filled with faith, hope and love.