In a room there were four candles burning. The ambiance was so soft you could hear them talking.

The first one said, “I am PEACE; however, nobody can keep me lit. I believe I will go out.” The Peace candle’s flame rapidly diminished and went out completely.

The second candle said, “I am FAITH. Most of all, I am no longer indispensable, so it does not make any sense that I stay lit any longer.”  When it finished talking, a breeze softly blew on it and put it out.

Sadly, the third candle spoke in its turn. “I am LOVE. I just don’t have the strength to stay lit. People put me aside and don’t understand my importance. They even forget to love those who are nearest to them.” Waiting no longer, its flame goes out as well.

Just then a child entered the room and saw that three of the candles were not burning. The child said, “Why are they not burning? They are supposed to stay lit till the end.”

Saying this the child began to cry. 

Then the fourth candle said, “Don’t be sad and afraid; while I am still burning. we can re-light the other candles. I am HOPE!”

With shining eyes, the child took the candle with Hope’s flame and lit the other candles.

The flame of HOPE should never go out. Let us strive to maintain the glow of PEACE, FAITH, LOVE and HOPE in our lives.

- Author Unknown

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INNER PEACE allows us to confront life with an open heart and mind, helps us keep track of what is important to us and eliminates negative influence. The pursuit of inner peace is a universal goal, but it seems that many of us lose sight of its numerous benefits.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

FAITH isn't just a notion that some people hold onto in tough times; faith is an important element to all human life on earth. Faith is what helps to get us through, illuminating the pathway in times of darkness, helping to give us strength in times of weakness. Without faith, we are nothing.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

LOVE   Spiritual love refers to a love rooted in a spiritual connection that helps us find meaning and purpose in our lives. Spiritual love can serve different purposes: some are meant to walk with us through life, while others are meant to teach us lessons.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 

Love is unselfishly choosing for another’s highest good.   C.S. Lewis

HOPE never abandons you; you abandon hope. Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what is still possible for you to do. The flame of HOPE should never go out from one’s life.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.  Romans 12:12

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If you have a story or testimony that you think might bless others,
I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.

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