Deacon Anne Strong

Matthew 10: 16-22

Hello my sisters and brothers,

Every January in the the Christian year, we celebrate the Epiphany—that dramatic moment when the three wiseman, led by a star, visit a new baby and recognize this baby as divine (ah ha!). This was a declaration of love and anything became possible. Hope is not in vain.

A question I asked myself during Advent while preparing, was “does hope still hold true? Can I be a person who is joyful and full of hope??” Our world Is not illustrative of this type of living; nor is it a source. Should I live in a perpetual state of fear and grinchiness”??

I discovered I am too stubborn…OR…(fill in the blank yourself with love). I now am on a personal quest for inner peace. I am collecting reasons to hope.

I am off to a good start. I’ve eaten a home made pumpkin pie, viewed a picture of a rainbow, watched dogs play together in harmony, finished a good book, and I am practicing Tai Chi. I also saw this quote by Richard Jeffries:

“Every blade of grass, each leaf, each separate floret and petal is an inscription of hope.”

As Jesus sent out his disciples, after preaching the “rules of the road” in Matthew…were they hopeful or were they full of fear?

In Christ’s love,

—Deacon Anne

P.S.  A reason for me to be hopeful about my continued search for inner peace? I have tried so many resources, but this time I know where to look.