Good morning, friends. Today, I want to talk about something that binds us all in our shared humanity—hope. It is something so easy to lose and yet so vital to hold onto.

Life is full of moments that challenge us. Some days, the weight of the world feels like too much to bear. It’s in these moments, as we sit in the shadows of doubt and despair, that losing hope feels inevitable. The news reminds us of suffering, conflicts, and injustices. In our own lives, setbacks can make us question whether progress is even possible.

But while these struggles are real, they are not the whole story. For every challenge we face, there are countless acts of kindness, courage, and beauty unfolding all around us—acts that often go unnoticed but hold the power to reignite hope within us.

Think of the stranger who helps someone in need without expecting anything in return. Think of the doctors, teachers, and caregivers dedicating their days to improving the lives of others. Think of the artists who pour their hearts into their creations to inspire and uplift us. Every day, ordinary people commit extraordinary acts of love, compassion, and resilience.

And then there is the beauty of the world itself. The sunrise that paints the sky in hues of gold and lavender. The gentle sway of trees in the wind. The miracle of a seed growing into a flower or a towering tree. This beauty reminds us that life is not static; it is always in motion, always growing, and always full of potential.

When we feel overwhelmed by darkness, we must remind ourselves to look for these lights. They may be small, but together they create a brightness that is impossible to ignore. The stories we hear, the love we share, and the wonder we experience—these are the antidotes to despair.

But hope is not just something we feel; it is something we must practice. It is an action, a choice to believe that things can get better and that we can play a role in that betterment. Every small act of kindness, every effort to care for ourselves and others, and every step we take toward creating a more just and beautiful world is an act of hope.

So, let us not allow despair to close our eyes to the beauty and goodness that surrounds us. Let us remember the power we hold to create change and to spread light, even in the smallest of ways. And let us carry this hope forward, knowing that the beauty and potential of this world are far greater than its challenges.

As we leave here today, I encourage each of us to notice one act of kindness, one piece of beauty, or one moment of connection that reminds us of the light within and around us. Carry that light with you, share it with others, and let it grow.

Thank you.