CharityMiles.org

I just heard about this organization called Charity Miles. There is a short video on their website that you can watch that explains what they do, but basically they have sponsors that will pay a certain amount for every mile you bike, walk, or run. It sounds like an awesome way to be physically active and help others at the same time.

Making a Difference One Pledge at a Time

I first heard about this organization, called R-word, a few years ago. They are doing great things to make a difference. You can learn more on their website.

Thank you to my friend, Amy, who shared this link with me!

Cat summons help after owner suffers stroke--News-Leader.com

This story is a little unique in that the hero of the story is a cat. I thought it was sweet though, and I wanted to share it. The cat's name is Trigger. When her owner, Erna Pratt, had a stroke and was unable to call loudly enough for help, Trigger went and woke up Ms. Pratt's daughter, Mary. Ms. Pratt was rushed to the hospital and given the medical treatment she needed. You can read the complete story here.

Mrs. Sanchez

I read this story about a dear woman named Mrs. Sanchez. She works incredibly hard in order to support herself and take care of her husband who is ill. I am touched by her willingness to work so hard to take care of her husband. I am also touched by the compassion shown to her by Tracy Salazar and all of the others who are trying to help her. You can read about her story here and Tracy Salazar has even set up a website where you can donate to help her.

Thank you to my friend, Natasha, for sharing this story with me!

Strengthened in the Lord--LDS.org

I admire these youth who live in New York City and desire to stand up for what they believe. I am grateful for their examples and for their willingness to share what they believe. I know that Jesus Christ is the source of true hope and peace.

You can watch this video and others at: https://www.lds.org/youth/video/strengthened-in-the-lord?cid=HPWE012214377&im=true&lang=eng.

Boy From Iconic Wartime Photo Pays it Forward at Christmas--NBC News

This story was published by NBC News on December 20, 2013. http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/20/21986494-boy-from-iconic-wartime-photo-pays-it-forward-at-christmas?lite

I am impressed by Christian’s desire to give gifts at Christmas time to help other children whose parents are in the military. I am also impressed by the work A Soldier’s Child Foundation does. What a great example this is of how someone recognized a need and reached out with love and compassion to help.

Thank you to my dad for sharing this story with me.

Introduction

The past few weeks, I have been reading the newspaper almost daily as part of an assignment for my political science class. I am learning so much, and I’ve enjoyed becoming more informed about what is happening in the world around me. However, I have also found myself becoming discouraged by how many problems there are in the world and how corrupt many things have become. This morning as I was thinking about this, I felt impressed that I wish there was a place where stories could be gathered about positive things that are happening in the world, not as a replacement for the news, because that is important and needed, but as a way to provide a more complete picture by balancing the negative things that are going on in the world with the many good people who are doing great things in the world. As I thought about this, I decided that perhaps I could start a blog for just this purpose.

I plan to share stories that I have found from other sources that I find inspiring. I also hope to post about a few people and organizations that are doing great things that I have come across on my own. If you have a story you want to share, please let me know.

“A Beacon of Hope” seemed like a fitting title because it captures the fact that there are great people in the world and there are great things happening. There is great reason to be happy and hopeful. I do not want to minimize the struggles that so many people face. But I hope that the stories shared on this blog will brighten your day and encourage you to do something to brighten someone else’s day.