Stories of Hope

After a Ramadan that has brought us much introspection and spirituality, we now officially enter that hazy, lazy undefined period that is ‘summer’. Despite the welcome respite, there is also a palpable sense of renewal and of rebooting for self betterment.

Going forward, we need to carry forward the holy month’s principles of compassion and kindness.  As this goes to press, the tragedy in Gaza continues to unfold, with the death of so many innocents, and the worsening of already deplorable living conditions. We also see continued senseless strife in Iraq and Syria, not to mention other places full of human tragedy. In a world of so much turmoil and sadness, we should be thankful, forgiving and more steadfast in our humanity.

This month’s Tempo brings us stories of hope, where people are making a difference, whether it is by challenging themselves or enriching the community – from a group of guys who have found a new love for the ocean, to an innovative product from the Philippines ‘abaca’ tree that holds hope for sustainability and economic empowerment, to amazing artists, singers and filmmakers who are challenging the way we see ourselves and our world.

Pray for goodness, and for peace.

Sana Bagersh, August 2014

Bagersh@tempoplanet.com

Twitter: @bagersh