EDITORIAL: This ray of hope reached the heavens

And just when you begin to believe America’s light is flickering, freedom’s brilliant beam is dying, you pick up your morning paper and read this headline:

‘The Light of the World.”

What a stunning, spirit-lifting shift from the political mud pit made and manipulated by people who don’t for a moment question their actual patriotic and humanistic bonafides.

There it was, seemingly galaxies far, far away from the 24-hour fear-peddling news cycle: The Light of the World. And above that headline was a large photo featuring three optimistic young faces, part of a legion of 100 or so volunteers working feverishly under a blistering hot sun at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.

Their mission was preparing for the fourth annual Day of Hope.

Thousands of area residents availed themselves of the free groceries, haircuts, family portraits, music, clothing and school supplies. Kids’ activities were popular, and a familiar cliche was put to rest because there was, in absolute fact, a free (and delicious) lunch.

Sunday’s Day of Hope was not identical to the national Day of Hope, which occurs the first Wednesday every April. The spring Day of Hope is “a day of inspiration and motivation for everyone to wake up to the need to rescue children and adults who are passing through phases of abuse of different kinds, sicknesses, and traumatic experiences.”

But the impact sure was similar, as the thousands of people who benefitted — and we put the volunteers themselves on that list — will surely attest.

There is no greater joy, no richer immediate and long-term reward, than helping your fellow man. In truth, there might be no other reason for our existence.

“We’re called to be the light of the world,” said Pastor Geoffrey Winkler of New Life Community Church. “We’re called to be the salt of the Earth. This is how you do it. You do it with groceries and free haircuts.” 

You do it with equal parts abiding love and positive attitude, traits on brilliant display among the Day of Hope volunteers, the many businesses that pitched in and the diverse pool of sponsors.

You do it because, as Pastor Winkler noted, “Everyone needs some hope.”

How bright is your light shining?