December 2012, A Letter from June on ‘Sharing HOPE’

December 2012, A Letter from June on ‘Sharing Hope’

Last night I received a call from my sister who had lost her orchestra-conductor husband a year and three months ago as a result of a malignant brain tumor. She talked about the pain of walking into a gathering as a single rather than as a couple . . . of deeply missing his analytical skills, his problem-solving ability, his “cheers” following her successes. Oh, she knew his loss would be painful . . . but for this long?

After listening to her “longer-than-expected” loneliness, I personally shared what I do when I experience bouts of loneliness:

• I refuse to focus on what I don’t have.
• Instead, I focus on what I do have and what I can do for others.

She then expressed surprise that I even had times of loneliness. In fact, she was totally unaware!

Unquestionably, one powerful way to relieve our painful emotions is to focus on helping others. It just so happened that, three days later, my sister would be hosting a dinner for eight women—all “flying solo” because the death of their husbands. Her hope was that they would be able to help one another through caring, yet candid conversations.

Realize, when people experience the loss of a loved one, they can feel acutely detached, especially during the holidays. Therefore, we need to compassionately reach out during this heartrending season in life.

Caring compassion has been a theme throughout this ministry, not because we originated this conviction, but because it truly is the heart of our Savior . . . to provide real hope for every heart.

As 2012 draws to a close, I must express how thankful I am for you. Without you as our caring friend, our partner in ministry walking alongside us, we would not be able to offer hope and help to the countless people God puts in our path.

This time of year can be engulfed with devastating depression and loneliness—even thoughts of suicide. The cry of your heart even now may be: “I just want the pain to stop!” This is especially true following the tragic loss of a beloved child, parent, or mate. A sweet friend who had just lost her husband once told me, “There’s just no lonely, like Christmas lonely.”

During the Christmas holidays, more than any other time of the year, our Hope Care Representatives receive an increased number of calls from those with overwhelming sadness over a loss. Each month we receive on avg. 3,108 calls for help. Our Care Center team often needs to explain that grief over the death of a loved one doesn’t just disappear in a few days, weeks, or months. Healthy grieving can last for one, two, or even more years.

The Bible says . . .

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

Hope For The Heart has helped pick thousands of people up each year through our Care Center, our one-on-one counseling services, and our two radio broadcasts. Yet many more people need hope for their hearts—people we can tangibly help.

As you are planning your Christmas gifts this year, please consider how you can offer the gift of HOPE. We currently operate our Care Center from the early morning until the late hours (7:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.), Monday through Friday.

With your help, we would like to increase our early morning phone coverage to provide hope during the times when the number of suicide attempts is highest. The financial contributions of faithful friends like you will make it possible for a Hope Care Representative to be available to answer calls during this time of great need.

While the world is preparing to celebrate Christmas and shoppers are frantically making their last-minute purchases, remember those who are grappling with severe loneliness.

Everyone grieves differently, but everyone must grieve in order to heal. Please prayerfully consider how your year-end gift of HOPE can restore a hurting heart.

With Christmas compassion,

June Hunt

P.S. You can view Hope For The Heart’s Year in Review online by clicking here. See how God has used our ministry in 2012 and discover what He is directing us to do next. As you read, prayerfully consider what role He is leading you to play. You can help make HOPE possible!

If you’re on Facebook, I invite you to connect with me at www.Facebook.com/June.Hunt.Hope. And if you’re not, take it from me: You’re never too old to start! See you there!