Monday 22 October 2012

May Hope Guide You, Always

As I sit in a hotel in Dubai, Sandra (my wife) is getting ready to fly out of Cairns for Manus Island and I remind myself how we got to be where we are and who we are?

I have written before about the influencers that have brought me to the place where I find myself and made me the person I am. But perhaps the one that deserves the most credit is Sandra. It was Boxing Day 2004 when she uttered the words "we have to do something": we have been doing something ever since.

But more important than doing something, is being someone. I am so proud of Sandra who for the next few weeks will be with people who are frightened and alone. Many of you that read this will recognise the woman that is a true friend, a crying buddy, a laughing mate. She will act the clown to make you laugh, she will supply the tissues and cry with you - but what ever it is she is doing, it is only a means to her goal of being present with you, making you feel special and giving you a glimpse of hope.

I am proud of Sandra who doesn't see the inconsistencies in the politics or the faults in the process but rather sees the people and reminds us that "it's not their fault, someone has to care".

May Hope guide you and empower you as you minister to the scared and the powerless in these next few weeks Sandra.