Stories of Hope: We are the Hope for Our Children
Coming in 2008
It is common to hear that our children are the hope for the future. In this event we are claiming the responsibility that we, the adults of the world, must decide now to be authentic, loving, openhearted and open-minded people so that our children will inherit a world that is hopeful and generous of spirit. We must begin to reach into our soul and let it be displayed in all we think, say and do.
We need our children to help us remember how to delight in life, to experience the wonder and meaning of genuine relationships, and to fearlessly give from the heart and openly and joyously receive what others give to us. They teach us how to be present accepting of our emotions and feelings. As a result we will again live in greater compassion for all humanity and for ourselves.
We are living in a time of critical choice. Stories of Hope is designed to support and encourage a way of living that is filled with the openhearted goodness of an innocent child and the wisdom of an ancient sage.
Information about date, time and place will be provided in the coming weeks.
Stories of Hope held on November 9th,2007
The Institute for Peace and Joy sponsored Stories of Hope in partnership with Burnsville Counseling and Healing Center, Park Nicollet Foundation and Prince of Peace Church. The intention of this event was to create an evening of hope, inspiration and vision. We know that as we listen to and connect with the stories of others; we begin to imagine a new or larger story for our own lives. We are living in a time when we are being challenged to dream a world that will sustain us all and allow us to flourish in ways that we have not yet imagined.
Stories of Hope was an innovative approach created for the purpose of sharing who we are and what we can do when hope and vision rises up within us. We offered this event as a free gift to the community. It was very well received by the many people in attendance and people lingered after the event to talk with the presenters and view the art work. Comments we received evidenced a need for this kind of program and reflected the inspiration and hopefulness people experienced at the event. Below are pictures from the event and testimonials from those who attended.
Testimonials
The evening was filled with powerful stories from real people who have found their way through awful or amazing experiences back to hope and happiness. No one, I venture to say, left that gathering untouched in some way. The real gift came almost two weeks later when talking to a friend, reading the paper, or meeting with a client I realized, "Oh, there's another story of hope!" My "Hope Awareness Meter" has been activated, and I find myself being a little more grateful, more appreciative, and more hopeful, than I was.
The event was great! It was amazing to hear real stories from real people. The spirit in the room grew with each story and I left with a renewed sense of self.
.
Questions or inquires can be made by calling Paula Becker or Sandy Thibault at 952-898-6200 or email at inspj@inpeaceandjoy.org