As some of you know, I teach creativity to domestic violence survivors, women in crisis, domestic violence shelter leaders and cancer patients.  What I hear time and time again from people in these groups is:

“I AM SAYING YES TO LIFE!”

“I can love myself, I can say yes to good things in my life, I can be happy, I CAN FEEL ME AGAIN!”

The other insight has to do with God: “I will never let go of God’s hand again!”

Many of us are troubled by the world’s woes and the woes at home.  The S & P cut the United States debt rating for the first time ever, the threat of rising interest rates is real and come Monday, August 8th, we will see what the fall out from Friday’s announcement will truly be.

I, for one, am scared.  I am worried.  I am a single woman making her way in the world and life is not easy – for me, for families, for just about anyone. My particular career path is uncertain, with publishing and media in the proverbial toilet. My parents are aging, my mother has dementia and Alzheimer’s.  My father is stoic and continues to practice medicine two days a week, at the age of 85.  But, he, too, has aged dramatically.  Many friends are doing well, many friends are not doing well – what to make of the times we find ourselves in?

I go back to the courage and fortitude I witness every week at Haven House and at the two hospitals I support.  I find that many people, when faced with a fight with cancer or the horrific aftermath of abuse, draw upon the wisdom and beauty of the Bible.  While I do not subscribe to any particular religion, I do believe in God and a higher power.  I remind myself to read Psalm 23:

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want … Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Romans 8:18 and 8:28

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

His purpose? Is for all of us to be in His likeness, to the best of our abilities. To love and care for others and have a loving relationship with Him.