When Goodness - Story

A few years ago, I had the privilege of attending a local community celebration. Families gathered in the park, laughter filling the air as children raced around, their faces painted in vibrant colors. One booth caught my eye: a group of volunteers handing out homemade cookies. As I approached, I noticed one woman, Sarah, who was energetically decorating cookies with the skill of an artist.

I learned that Sarah had recently gone through a painful season—she lost her job and struggled with crippling anxiety, feeling lost and unsure of her future. Yet here she was, pouring her heart into these cookies, turning her sorrow into sweetness. With each swirl of icing, she spoke words of encouragement to the kids, reminding them that they are loved and have bright futures ahead. Her joy was infectious.

As I watched her, I remembered the words from Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Sarah embodied this spirit of courage. She chose to act, to celebrate life in the midst of her struggles, and to share that goodness with others.

That day, she reminded me that hope often springs from the most unexpected places. In our darkest moments, when we feel the weight of despair, we can still choose faith and action. Like Sarah, let us seek opportunities to celebrate goodness, lifting one another up and shining light into the world.