Stories of Hope

Diane gave me permission to publish the e-mail that she sent me this week.    ''I am a BUSY woman…a single mom of two kids, always on the go.

  Canadians observed National Victims of Crime Awareness Week (April 6-12) and Pink Day (Wednesday) this week. The former focused on those who have been victimized by a criminal offence; the latter had an anti-bullying emphasis. As I thought about crimes and bullies, I realized that I have experienced both.

  After Pastor Peter preached that wonderful message about Relationship, I knew that this story had to be shared.   What many people don’t know is that prior to coming to Hope, my life was pretty much symbolized by the “brokenness” picture shown on the screen and Bob Dylan’s song. Another strong symbol was the basement of my mother’s house where I lived. It was dimly lit and lonely which was exactly how I felt.

  A real MAN doesn't eat quiche, cry at movies, have any public displays of affection and definitely doesn't meet in small groups to discuss his feelings! These are the typical stereotypes that men have had to live up to for centuries.

  When we purchased the JAM City curriculum in 2010, it was the plan that it would be reused at the end of a cycle. Well, that cycle is ending soon and I went looking for the material we used in the beginning. I wanted to copy the curriculum for our small group and large group leaders, but realized that what I needed was not on a disc.