Note: Shared by Liz Sorensen Wessel

What do you see when you look at this photo?

What stirs within?

 All those little shoes, that can hold such tiny feet, so soft and agile, just learning to stand and take those first few steps. Can you recall the exhilaration of a first step!

Each is diverse yet precious, each in its own right. Each pair  offers protection and provides clues  to one's culture, informing one's unique identity, yet bonded by our common humanity. 

Hopeful and cherishing…

 Ultimately, we are one human family but too often we forget and are no longer aware, seemingly to have lost touch with our connection.

It is heart crushing to imagine, however briefly, how children around the world are vulnerable to hardship; hunger, poverty and unspeakable abuse.

 What biases do we hold that prevents us from really seeing? 

I pray that our eyes may be open
To be one another’s keeper
To look out for the children of the world
Offer a kind word, a book, an encouragement
I pray that we may teach our kids to hope
To be kind, to love, to stand against injustice
Because in teaching our kids humanity
We improve humanity
I pray we may remember we are the hands and feet of God
Without us, there is no life
Life is in a grant, a shared moment, a prayer, a classroom
May we always offer life to children
And may we take time to accept what children offer us
The magic of hope and love
— Donna Akuamoah,