In the past I've witnessed drug deals, seen filth at a level beyond belief and watched apathy eat a person alive. But yesterday I saw hope. Not that the filth and apathy were gone but that hope lived among it.
Hope in the shape of children. Hope in the sparkle of their eyes and Hope in the excitement in their voice.
A group of us took some children's books over to The Cove. We had planned to have a story time with Ms. Suzanne and give each child a few books, eat cookies and just have some fun. But the flyers didn't get posted and the beautiful weather we had just a day before was long gone...........
It didn't matter. As soon as R saw us she ran over excitedly. She became our one man PR comittee. She knew the kids that were home and we went to each ones door explaining what we were doing.
Where I saw poverty and single moms leary of strangers that appear at their door, R saw opportunity and excitement. Where I saw the devastation of drug use in a burned up section of the complex R saw her home and didn't notice the rest. Where I saw a filthy mattress left on the ground near the dumpster R saw a play ground and happily jumped on it.
But then I saw it. The sparkle in their eyes and laughter in their voice, hope in their hearts.
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer 29:11
