The Role of Hope
"Hope is like a road in the country; there was never a road, but when many people walk on it, the road comes into existence." Lin Yutang
On the internet there is a video clip called 4 Candles.
Four Candles slowly burned. The ambience was so soft one could almost hear them talking...
The first candle said "I am peace."
The world is full of anger and fighting. Nobody can keep me lit. Then the flame of peace went out completely
Then the second candle said I am faith. I am no longer indispensable. It doesn't make sense taht I stay lit another moment. Just then a breeze softly blew faith's flame out.
Sadly the third flame began to speak.I am love.
People don't understand my importance.so they simply put me aside.They forget to love those closest to them. I haven't the strength to stay lit. And waiting no longer Love's flame went out.
Suddenly... a child entered the room and saw the three unlit flames.
you are supposed to stay lit to the end. Saying this the child began to cry.
Then the forth candle answered, "Don't be afraid I am Hope!"
While I am still burning we can re-light the other candles
With shining eyes the child took the candle of hope and lit the other three candles.
The flame of hope in your life should never go out and with hope each of us can live a life with peace, faith and love.
Cousins, Norman (1989) The Biology of Hope and the Healing Power of the Human Spirit, New York: Penguin