Judging by the number of newsletter sign-ups I’ve been receiving, a lot of new people are joining us. Welcome. We’ve been watching the road for you.
Over the past week, “One Last Look” has been hitting stores across the country, in a trickle here, in a torrent there. Today, it should be practically everywhere. The long wait is over, and I am delighted that so many of you are eager to read this third and most powerful episode in the Adventures of Tony and Clare.
I’ve narrowed the scholarship applications to 10 finalists. These stories of women facing almost insurmountable odds not only touch my heart, they inspire me to be better and stronger and braver myself. Even in the most desperate of circumstances, these great ladies persist. They fight for their children, and for themselves. They have a vision, and they’re determined to follow it.
Did YOU enter? If not, we’re already gearing up for a new round, and in 2006, the total award will double to $10,000. If you did enter, your phone may ring soon, with very good news. And if you weren’t chosen, please do not despair. If I could, I’d give everyone a scholarship. What I CAN do is tell you that I know you have all it takes to make it, scholarship or none, because of the courage and faith I saw in your essays.
I was impressed by how many of you want to enter nursing. How wonderful to know there are so many committed healers out there. I was deeply moved by the challenges so many of you face, each and every day. I cannot touch all of you, but there is Someone who can. There is Someone who knows your sorrow, who cares, and wants to help. Reach out. Say the words. “I am only one woman, God. These children and others depend on me. I can’t carry the whole burden alone. Please help me.”
The answer will be the best scholarship of all. How do I know that?
Because I was the woman who prayed that prayer. I had a daughter, a mortgage payment, and lots of worries. At times, I didn’t know where I would scrape up enough change to provide lunch money for my little girl. I was frazzled and overwhelmed–but I asked for help, and I got it. It was a long, winding road, often difficult, but something changed when I prayed that prayer. In time, everything changed.
Prayer changes circumstances, but only because it changes you first.
