Become a Beacon of Hope

As we come to the end of one year and move our thoughts towards the beginning of another, I ask you to ponder these words about becoming a beacon of hope and allow them to sink into the depths of your soul.  You see, there is so much hurt and pain in the world that I thought it was time for us to focus our thoughts on seeking out new possibilities, which include being a beacon of hope for the future.  In our programs with clients when asked what they want to accomplish in life the response is overwhelming:  “I want to help others or I want to make a difference in the world.”  While those words are noble and inspiring, I sometimes find them to be shallow.  Why you might ask?  Because I do not believe that some of the people making those statements understand that in order to become a beacon of hope to others we first must be an inspiration to ourselves.

I sincerely believe that it is impossible to help others and become a beacon of hope and light to them if we are lacking those traits ourself.  In other words, we need to pay close attention to our needs so that we will be in alignment with creation, for when we walk and talk with love, caring and sharing in our hearts, we are better prepared to spread those messages to others.  If we are void in those areas, we actually have nothing to share. 

If we want to encourage and show others how to cope, experience peace of mind and offer support, we first must develop those skills for ourselves.  If you are having difficulty with coping in your life, maybe you are lacking wholesome friendships or are lonely or even feeling as though you can’t find the right job or sense of purpose, then you need to spend some quality time with yourself and seek guidance from God and your angel friends.  Few people understand the power of God and His Messengers of Light.

There are always answers to our questions and needs that are being shared and shown to us— all we need to do is be still and listen as we open our mind and heart to receive the messages that are being sent just for us.  In truth, we are never alone.  God and all of His messengers are all around us.  There messages are clear, precise and perfected just for us—it is our task but to pay attention and stay alert and vigil. 

The voices are soft and swift.  I have found in my own life that if I am not paying attention, I will miss the words of wisdom.  It definitely takes practice to be vigilant and open to hear.  I often say that it is like following the clues of life.  They are all around us but it is up to us, you and me to keep our hearts and minds pure and free from the busy ness of the world.  It is the practice of conscious awareness, the concentration of our minds through the systematic process of listening, staying alert and paying attention to the spaces between the words—that is, where the clues present themselves to us.  This practice can only be actualized when you quiet the mind, feed the soul and calm the body so that it can absorb the higher vibrations and energy of the Universal flow.

Stress, restlessness and doubt are the enemies of a contrite heart.  These three factors are obstacles and hindrances to your forward motion.  To become a true beacon of hope for yourself and others requires discipline of the mind, body and spirit.  The benefits of achieving a deep concentration of the mind can only be realized when you cultivate a positive mindset and become the beacon of hope for yourself.  It is through your example and positive way of thinking that others will follow your lead and learn from your ways.

What comes to mind for me is the Prayer of St Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

Where there is injury, pardon.

Where there is doubt, faith.

Where there is despair, hope.

Where there is darkness, light.

Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;

to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive.

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Amen.

Joan Marie Ambrose

Author, Creative Writer, Motivational Speaker