Wise words when your world is feeling wobbly

Life is often difficult, we are constantly challenged, we make mistakes, we fail and fall and sometimes we wonder what it's all about? However, it is only through these experience that we grow - without them we cannot become the people we are 
born to be. - Wanda Brittain

 Courage is the power to let go of the familiar.

- Raymond Lindquist

 Look well into thyself; there is a source of strength which will always spring up if thou wilt always look there.
- Marcus Aurelius

When it’s darkest, men see the stars.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

When you come to the end of your rope,

tie a knot and hang on. 

~Franklin D. Roosevelt

Fall seven times, stand up eight.  ~Japanese Proverb

When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the placeand time that the tide will turn. 

~Harriet Beecher Stowe

Look forward with hope

As we stand in silent memory thinking
of those with aching hearts and shattered lives
let us pray for a beacon of light, a ray of hope.
Let us look forward to a city that will be reborn,
that will be rebuilt out of the ashes and dust,
out of the dark places, out of the pain, the panic,
the grief, the sorrow and the loss.


Although those broken buildings and broken hearts
will never be the same again may they look forward to
a new sunrise, a new dawning - a brave new beginning.
May the resilience, the courage, the confidence
and the will of the people of Christchurch, and of those
throughout the land of the long white cloud unite as one
to begin this journey of rebirth no matter what is to come.
Wanda Brittain ©

To the people of Christchurch

Despite the sorrow and sadness, the deaths and grief, the injured, the loss of homes and jobs and the absolute devastation in Christchurch after the recent earthquake,  the courage, reliance, determination and positive attitude of the people is inspiring. Despite the rising death toll and ongoing aftershocks their courage shines a beacon of hope in these dark times.

Under the positive and encouraging leadership of Mayor, Bob Parker, the people can feel a real sense of hope that they will get through this trauma - that they will rebuild this beautiful New Zealand city. As always the New Zealand spirit rises to the occasion as the nation pulls together to help those in need. This is the strong spirit that built our country and this is the spirit that will now rebuild this fair city. And as always the nations of the world come together to help a country in need. So bless you all, our prayers and thoughts are with you as the miracles and stories unfold amidst the grief and sadness with so many yet to be told.

Be they family, friends, neighbours, or strangers
Be they rescue teams, firemen, police, farmers or students
Be they priest or politician, physician or funeral director
Be they counsellor, celebrant, caterer or care-giver
Be they from this land or from far across the world
Be they heroic deeds of bravery or random acts of kindness
All come together to form an inspiring Band of Hope
To rebuild the lives, the economy, the homes, the schools
Of this beloved, historic Garden City.