December 17, 2005 was a dark day for me. It was on that morning that my wife and I learned our 27-year-old son had been tragically killed. The pain was excruciating. The sense of loss and grief, along with the shaking of our faith was overwhelming. Shortly after the funeral, we traveled to Big Bend to reflect and try to find some peace and perspective. As I walked through a section of the park, I came across this view. Taking it all in, my thoughts went to the 121^st Psalm.

I could not help but ask the same question David did. I wondered, “In all this pain, confusion and uncertainty, where does my help come from? Where is God?” The answer came in the words of that second verse. “My help is from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth”.

I know that many are asking those same questions today, walking through this pandemic. But I also know that David’s answer in Psalm 121 is just as true now as it was then. I am grateful that our help comes from the Lord who is greater than any problem or circumstance we will ever face. And I know by the power of His grace and love, we will get through this.

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We want to hear from you!
How can you be like the rain lily, making beauty after the storm of this pandemic season? When was the last time nature inspired you? Let us know your thoughts by responding here.

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Here are a few things people have shared:

How can you be like the rain lily, making beauty after the storm of this pandemic season?
“Keeping a smile on my face and rolling with what comes my way. Focusing on making our new normal as stressfree for others as possible. And, maybe most importantly, conveying my thanks to those helping me at this time (and hopefully always!) I think this experience has reinforced to me how interconnected we really are to one another. We really do depend on everyone else.” -Nancy

“Continuing to make the most of each day.” -Sarah

When was the last time nature inspired you?

“I walk our black lab, Ruby, every morning at Garrison Park in South Austin. Over the past few days, I have noticed these beautiful little white flowers, maybe lillies, that have just poped up after the rains that we have had over the past weeks.I was reminded of pictures I have seen of little flowers blooming out of the cracks of sidewalks in the city. God is always in bloom, we just have to pay attention to see. Blessings!” -John

ABOUT THE DAILY DOSE OF HOPE: Since we are experiencing challenging times and it may seem harder to see the hope and the joy in our lives, Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) will bring you a Daily Dose of Hope from our diverse faith communities in Central Texas.The Daily Dose of Hope is the act of sharing divine wisdom, love, compassion and gifts with the community. Daily Doses of Hope is like your daily ritual of prayer, meditation, gratitude, reflection, or a quiet walk or break; it’s about what we do and our need for sustenance. We would love to hear your thoughts as well. So inspired by the Dose of Hope of the day, please share your responses to the different questions we ask, and share what you feel grateful for. We will share a few of your responses every day. We hope this Daily Dose of Hope will inspire you to the core and bring to your heart  the gratitude you hold deep.