There is hope

There is hope. Amid the death and destruction, I see hope. Amid the disrespect for each other and disregard for human life, I see hope. Amid the dire statistics and desperate realities that plague our communities, I see hope.

I see it in the posts of my Facebook friends and family. I see it in the faces of their children who are excelling in academics, athletics and the arts. I see it in the photos and congratulations from sixth grade to high school to PhD.

I see it in the smiling faces and grace of the young ladies in the mentoring groups I volunteer with who I have seen transform from angry scowls and jacked up attitudes. I see it in the young women and men who I have seen grow from seeds in their mothers' wombs to responsible young men and women, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, educated, socially conscious and saved adults.

I see hope in the posts of mothers who instead of berating, belittling and casting shade on Father's Day, salute and honor the men who are fathers and don't try to bestow that mantle upon themselves but rest in the grace of who they are as mothers. Be encouraged "single" mother. You are not alone. There is still a village. There is hope.

Congratulations to those who have set and are setting the example of Christian marriages withstanding the tests of time. Those who have set their face like flint and returned to school to finish degrees or pursue advanced ones.

Thank you to the teachers who are dedicated educators and sacrifice for their students and for some students are the "mothers" and "fathers" they don't have at home. Thank you to the preachers and pastors who pray, teach, walk the walk and sacrifice who are servant leaders and shepherds and not sheep shearers and swindlers.

Kudos to the parents who have put in the hard work, not been afraid to say no, and not cared when others didn't understand your decisions regarding YOUR child. To the parents who have gone to the parent teacher conferences, waited hours in the cold at a track meet for a one minute race, gone to games, recitals, checked homework and teachers when necessary.

I salute all of you this morning. Your work is not unnoticed. Your labor is not in vain. Our families are our foundation and our hope is in Christ Jesus, the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).

Keep shining and bringing glory to your heavenly Father.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

There is hope.