“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.”

Helen Keller

In case you don’t know, or are a little rusty on the details of Helen Keller’s life, today we have for you a synopsis of her life and why her legacy is so extraordinary.

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Helen Keller’s Life 

After a bout of sickness at 19 months of age, Helen was left deaf and blind, but her transformation from totally helpless to an able communicator and lifelong learner and servant has made her one of humankind’s greatest examples of perseverance and optimism. By the time Helen was 7, she already used over 60 signs to communicate with her family and could tell them apart by the vibration of their footsteps. None of this would have been possible without the vision, passion, and patience of Anne Sullivan, Helen’s beloved teacher.

Anne Sullivan was hired as a teacher for Helen, and arrived to her house on March 5, 1887, a day Helen called “her soul’s birthday.” Because Helen did not understand the concept that every individual thing had a name to identify it, at first she was frustrated by her teacher’s attempts to teach her words. The month after Anne’s arrival, however, Helen had a breakthrough. Anne was running water over Helen’s hand, while on the other hand tracing the letters w-a-t-e-r. The story of the account, as written in The Story of My Life: “I stood still, my whole attention fixed upon the motions of her fingers. Suddenly I felt a misty consciousness as of something forgotten- a thrill of returning thought; and somehow the mystery of language was revealed to me. I knew then that w-a-t-e-r meant the wonderful cool something that was flowing over my hand. The living word awakened my soul, gave it light, hope, set it free!” After that, Helen demanded to learn the name of every other object she came in contact with.

Helen became the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. She became an effective speaker and lecturer, spreading her hope, cheer, and inspiration to all who heard her. She also became an author, and published her first book before she even graduated college. She went on to co-found the American Foundation for Overseas Blind to help veterans blinded during combat in World War 1 and the ACLU. She served as a spokesperson for the American Foundation for the Blind from 1924 til her death in 1968 and traveled extensively for the American Foundation for Overseas Blind.

What Her Example Means To Us 

Helen Keller’s story is fascinating because it’s so unexpected. Imagine someone who is unable to hear, unable to speak, and unable to see. The situation seems hopeless, right? It wasn’t for Helen, and our situations that seem hopeless aren’t either! Helen was able to overcome what seemed like insurmountable odds because she didn’t give up and she made the most of what she had. She tirelessly helped people facing similar struggles, even when no one would have expected her to do anything. The example I think we can all take from Helen Keller is to persevere through tough circumstances and keep our focus on others instead of ourselves.

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God bless you. Stay hopeful!

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“Have you ever been to a business- a restaurant, even an airplane, wherever- and there’s an employee there who’s having so much fun doing their job? They go out of their way to make you smile, to make you know that they’re glad you’re there. I’ve experienced that. There’s a Kroger store, I would choose to go there, because this cashier was just so outgoing and so friendly. He made everybody feel welcome and everybody feel happy. He just did. He was a big draw. There’s been a drive-thru I would go out of my way to go to, because the woman was so friendly, she was just so kind. You know, sadly, that just seems a rarer thing than maybe what it used to be, I’m not sure. The other day, Daryl and I saw this video of this guy, he’s a flight attendant on an airplane. He’s just having a ball and he is like a one-man comedy routine during the safety instruction spiel, which is normally kind of boring. I posted the video on Hope 100.7’s Facebook page, you can check it out. We would like to know- have you ever run into someone like that, who just has such a great time doing their job that it makes your day? Give them a shoutout. Tell us about it.” -Julie Pierce

“I was just going to say, for all the years I’ve traveled into Dayton, Ohio from Columbus- over 40 years- I’ve listened to you guys. You guys have always kept me going in the morning, and I appreciate that, so I’m telling you how much I appreciate what you guys do! Do you understand what I’m saying? Because when you’re out here in the bad weather and everything, you need something like that. And I’m listening to you every morning.” -Hope Listener

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(I want to give a shoutout to) “my son, Jackson. He has down syndrome and I’ve been listening to your show this morning- he lifts up everybody! He’s the closest thing to God and he exhibits that everyday with his smile and people he touches. He’s only 3 years old, and the Holy Spirit runs right through him. You’re talking about a job- it’s not a job, it’s just who he is. He’s touched our entire family and he’s awesome.” -Joe

“Yesterday at work, I mentioned to one of my coworkers and asked about one of my other coworkers and she mentioned that she was sick and I said ‘ok, I’ll pray for her.’ I didn’t even see it at first, she pulled out her hand and we prayed together in the office. It was just awesome that she pulled her hands out and we prayed together. I had tears in my eyes after that and I thanked her. That helped encourage me.” -Jimmy

“I wanted to thank you for everything you all do, but it was ministering to me, the question you asked, because I just had worked in retail for the last 4 years….I’m not working in retail right now, but I just wanted to say, that was one of the most amazing things how God ministered to me was he showed me on my worst days as a customer service person, just giving a smile blessed them and blessed me, it was contagious. How God pressed that upon me to stir up that gift- by even just a simple smile, even if it didn’t feel like it, it always came back to bless me even more. The people and the friendships and the way God would minister and flow, it was just evident that it was God. There are many stories- I had one lady come in one day, and we got to talking and she was retired from Kroger and she talked about how that was her passion. She loved just getting out and being around the people. People would come just to see her and check on her- and it does get to be like your family. Your community is your family, wherever you are and wherever you work. I just encourage anybody listening to take that ministry in their life going forward. Thank you for reminding me…that’s what it’s about.” -Hope Listener

What about you? Are there people that make your life better just by the way they treat you? Tell us about them, and maybe it will inspire others to show kindness too!

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God bless you. Stay hopeful!

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“We want you to be encouraged, we want you to start each day feeling like there’s hope. I found hope in this quote from Lysa TerKeurst because I tend to want to control things…I expected more of a laugh from you when I said that! (to Daryl) Yeah, the term ‘control freak’ has been thrown around a little bit. So this is a comfort, and I hope it is for you, too. This is a prayer, really; we can all pray this morning.

‘Lord, keep reminding us that we don’t have to fall prey to the urge to take control of our lives. You are in total control, and You hold our very lives in Your more than able hands.’ Job 12.10 says ‘For the life of every living thing is in His hand and the breath of every human being.’ So remember that today, and I will too.” ~Julie Pierce

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“You can do anything you put your mind to.”
“Your fate is in your hands.” 
“Don’t stop when you’re tired. Stop when you’re done.”
“Don’t wait for an opportunity. Create it.”

How many times have you heard these sayings or something similar? It seems to be our culture’s constant refrain: “It’s all in your hands. Work harder. It doesn’t matter what it costs.” It’s no wonder we see overworked, stressed, isolated, disconnected people all around us (or in the mirror ?) In so many ways we’ve accepted the lie that the only way to be happy is to be successful, and the only way to be successful is to abandon the balance between work and rest.

3 Red Flags To Being A Control Freak

To be sure, there’s a place for hard work and perseverance, but here are three ways to tell if you’re relying on your own strength and wisdom instead of the Lord’s. 

1. Do you continue to fume, complain, or worry when things don’t go according to your plan? The word “continue” is key here. It’s common, and sometimes even expected, as a first reaction to be shaken a little by curveballs in life. What do you do after that first reaction? That’s what can show you the state of your heart. If you find yourself in a cycle of anxiety, worry, or anger over every unexpected change or challenge, you might be putting more stock in your ability to control things than you realize. Examine how your actions line up with your beliefs. Do you say “I trust God will take care of me,” but then when you get an unexpected bill, you worry, despair, and scramble to sell something? Instead, pray and ask God to help you and lead you to what you should do. Sometimes, He absolutely will send you an odd job or a way to earn money. And sometimes you get a check in the mail you weren’t expecting. The whole point of trials like that are to grow your trust and dependence on the Lord.

“Look here, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.’ How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog- it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, ‘If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.’ Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil.”

James 4.13-16 NLT

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.”

Romans 5.3-4 NLT

2. Do you feel like you have to sacrifice time with your family/church/friends to work more to get ahead? Do you consistently work longer than you planned, or miss family events because of work? Do you feel like you have to live like that to keep paying the bills? There’s a difference between being hardworking and responsible and allowing yourself to believe your provision is entirely in your own hands. If we put our trust in the Lord, we can rest assured that He always provides for His children. This is a well-known verse that’s easy to gloss over in times of trouble. Let it fall on you fresh today. Are your actions showing that you believe this is true? 

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life- whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?”

Matthew 6.25-27 NLT

“Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”

Matthew 19.26 NLT

3. Do you feel stressed and overwhelmed by having to keep everything on track? When you think about what would happen if you released your iron-grip of control on your life, does the phrase “God helps those who help themselves” come to mind? Here’s a bit of relief- the Bible doesn’t say that. The Bible shows us time and time again a God that is quick to help us when we humble ourselves and come to Him. A God who helps the helpless. He delights in showing us grace- favor when we deserve nothing. What are some ways you can give up control over some things in your life and trust God in your situation? 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and He will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.”

Proverbs 3.5-7 NLT

“When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.”

Romans 5.6 NLT

Take some time today to think about if there are areas of your life that you need to hand over to God. Pray and ask the Lord to help you see where you are trusting yourself instead of Him. Then, let go. Hand it over and watch Him make beauty out of your ashes. Every time you find yourself worrying about that thing again, hand it over again. It might take time and intentionality, but each time you get a little stronger and a little faster at noticing when your thinking is flawed.

For more thought-provoking topics, tune in to Hope 100.7. 
God bless you. Stay hopeful!

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Remember around Christmas and New Year there were people giving out $2000, sometimes $2500 tips to servers? That was pretty cool! Apparently Donnie Wahlberg, the actor, made it especially popular on New Years Day when he left a $2020 tip. It’s called the 2020 Tip Challenge. Waiters and waitresses are still getting big tips- in fact, there was a server in Massachusetts who got a $5000 tip! First she thought it was just $50, then she noticed the extra zeroes. What’s funny is the guy who left the tip is a billionaire car dealer, and he left her the tip for excellent service, and he also wrote on the receipt “Donnie, your move!” So he’s encouraging Donnie and others to continue being generous. I just love that, I love that attitude and it seems like more and more people are just giving and giving and making lives change…helping lives change for the better. Even if we’re not billionaires, even if we’re not rich celebrities like Donnie Wahlberg, we can still be generous in our own way. I just wanted to throw that out there. I love stories like this- they’re pretty encouraging, aren’t they?

Julie Pierce

Now that so many servers are left without a source of income, the 2020 Tip Challenge has become more than just a gesture of generosity- it’s a way we can all try to keep those who are struggling financially afloat until things get back to normal. There are so many ways you can help… (spoiler alert- even if you’re struggling yourself!) Most importantly, keep the ones hardest hit in your prayers, not only for financial provision, but for emotional and spiritual well-being. We can never underestimate the power of our intercession!  For the few that can afford a $2020 tip, by all means, do that! For the rest of us, here’s a list of ways to help not only servers, but others being negatively impacted by this crisis.

6 Ways You Can Help

1. If you know someone personally who’s struggling, reach out to them and see what they need. If you don’t have it, ask others in your circle and see if they can help. If you’re good at research, find some ministries or charities that might be able to help and pass that information on. 
2. Many cities are setting up virtual tip jars to support servers that are out of work. If your city doesn’t have one, consider setting it up yourself. If you’re not equipped to do that, reach out to restaurants you frequent and ask how you can support the servers. 
3. Check gofundme.com for local fundraisers to support. 
4. If you don’t have extra funds, but thanks to your coupon-clipping or bargain-buying you have an extensive pantry, consider donating to an individual directly (while social-distancing, of course) or to a community food pantry or church. 
5. If you don’t have extra funds or extra provisions, first of all, make sure to tell someone. There are resources available, as well as programs lenders are implementing to help if you’re having trouble paying your bills. Then, share what you find out with others. You can be generous with lots of things besides money.  
6. Share ways the Lord has been providing for you. Pass on Bible verses that have been uplifting or comforting. 

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Proverbs 11.25 NIV

“Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 

2 Corinthians 9.6-8

Friends, be encouraged by the great things happening during this unprecedented time! Spend some time in prayer and be open to God giving you creative ideas to show generosity in a way only you can. Can you think of other ways to help those around you? Share your ideas in the comments below.

God bless you. Stay hopeful.

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