Here are a few samples of the 1000 Hopeline columns that have been written by Joan for the last 20 years.

Hopelines

By Joan Levy Earle

“Labor Day weekend has arrived and with it, a new school year.God bless the little children heading off to school for the first time in Junior Kindergarten. May He also inspire the hearts of all the University students leaving home for the first time. Take your values and virtues with you, and remain faithful to all your parents have taught you. You will not be sorry. Good luck!!”

“On this day, nine years ago, terror gripped the United States with the tragedy of that deliberate early morning crash of two planes into the World Trade Towers. Today we offer prayers of remembrance to those whose lives were lost and especially, that of Cornwall’s own David Barkway. May God continue to shower courage and strength on the surviving members of his family.”

“Some important words on the street sign in front of a Toronto church: “Courage is fear that has said its prayers.” We all need to know that there is help for us whenever a crisis occurs. God loves us unconditionally, and His mercy permits us to repent and start over. May you have strength to overcome your obstacles this week, with faith and courage to guide you.”

“Hebrews 11 states: “Faith is confident assurance concerning what we hope for, and conviction about things we do not see.” Are you living with  confidence in God? Are you trusting Him to supply your needs? If you honour Him through praise and worship, and tithe the first fruits of your harvest, you will see wonders that will amaze you. God is waiting to listen to your prayers and He will answer you.”

“I flipped the calendar and saw these words: “How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it.”  We all know what a kind word or a compliment can do to lift our spirits on a difficult day. Let’s make an extra effort this week to be ‘angels of hope’ and ‘ambassadors of kindness’. Such gestures will bring joy to our own hearts first.”

“Summer holidays are here and that means outdoor barbecues, family gatherings and travel time. Please – take extra care and use caution on the roads, and while boating; accidents can happen so easily.  Enjoy your moments of sharing with friends and family; life is precious and sometimes, very short.”

“God loves us more than we can imagine, and all He expects from us is that we will try each day to do our best, and to follow His plan for our lives. And He blesses us in so many little ways that we are often too busy to see. Take time to thank Him every evening, especially tonight, and seek His guidance every day.”

“Let us celebrate the gift of grandparents whose wisdom teaches, whose love endures and whose patience never seems to run out. For those of us who are not fortunate to live in the same city as our grandchildren, let’s keep on sending and receiving those little letters of love that keep the bond between us strong. Thank you Lord, for the beautiful expression of love that grandchildren bring to our lives.”

“Today is the Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, better known as the Jesuits. He is the patron saint of retreats and soldiers, and was canonized in 1622.  Through his example and the lives of all the saints in Heaven, may we learn to live our lives in service to the needs of others, and in perfect harmony to the will of God the Father.”

“Anniversaries are celebrated in this favorite wedding month of June. Preserving a happy marriage can be difficult in a society that encourages selfishness. As it states in Sirach 36, verse 24: “A wife is her husband’s richest treasure… a helpmate, a steadying column.”

And then later: “Who will trust … a man who has no nest?” Congratulations to all the nest-makers, loving treasures, and couples who have learned how to forgive each other seventy-times-seven times!”