Bridge Called Hope (32 page)

Thankfully, the story does not end there. Somewhere, lost within the hungry multitude, a little boy held up his hand. A
kid
came from the back and gave the disciples his lunch—five little loaves of bread and two fish. In the face of the famished masses, it wasn’t very much. But it was everything he had … 
and he gave it all.

Jesus took the little boy’s gift, prayed over it, and began to pass it out to everyone. Each man would break off a large-enough portion of the bread and fish to feed his family and then pass it on. Everyone ate—
everyone
—until they were completely full. When the leftovers were gathered, there was enough to fill twelve huge baskets!

In my simple way of thinking, the whole point of the story is that if we offer nothing to God … that is exactly what we can expect to happen. But if we give something—even a little thing—God can take whatever we’ve offered and turn it into something amazing. It is not up to me to decide
how
the Lord will use my gifts … it is only up to me to
give
them. Jesus is the One who makes the meager work of my hands into something remarkable, something effective, perhaps even something life-changing.

The truth is, if I get to
choose
my reaction to challenges … I want to choose to be like that little boy! I want to raise my hand and say, “I know that what I have isn’t much … but it’s all I have … and
I give it all!
”

Someone gave it all for me long ago … and my life was saved because of it. Once they decided to lay their life down as a bridge … mine was rescued the moment I
chose
to cross it.

Daily, we all have the same choice as that little boy … 
all
of us.

We can each say yes … we can each make a difference in
this world by opening our hearts and
choosing
to either let hope in … or let hope out.

Like standing underneath a waterfall, hope floods our hearts. Its drenching power fills us, even the hidden parts, stretching our previous comprehension far beyond what we ever thought was possible. As we extend and grow by our continued filling and deeper understanding of hope, at some point we choose to come to a very special place. It is a place where we realize that all the sloshing fullness of hope that we have been given … is not for us to
keep
 … but to
give
.

Hope is not only something we should aspire to attain … it is also something we should aspire to
give
.

It is true that every life has weights that encumber it, tying us down to only “thinking” about giving hope to those around us … instead of
actually doing it.
It is easy to become so “anchored” in focusing on our own needs that we completely overlook those within our reach who are suffering. Hope implores us to release our grip on
everything
that truly holds us back from
doing
what we know in our hearts is right. Hope is released when we begin to understand that leading others toward this “bridge” has far less to do with what we say … than with what we
do
.

Simply stated, the time has come to do more than just
feel
 … we must
act
.

There is a better way, a more complete way … and it involves caring for others in need. It begins when we choose to share with them the same bridge of restoration that once healed us.

Within each heart that has ever lived … there resides a choice. It has been established by the Creator of our souls to
know
that as long as our heart beats … we have the
choice
to take action … through greatness or humility … to shoulder with the broken around us. Life has resolution when we fully
understand that Hope’s blade swings with perfectly balanced duality. One swing clears a path for our feet to find wholeness on the rock of Truth … the other swing cuts a hole in our hearts and like a lighthouse, allows beams of pure Truth to begin pouring out, showing others the way.

This “way” shines by virtue of our
actions
 … through things as unadorned as a boy’s lunch, a ranch, a cookie, or a smile.

It is God who breathes life into our actions
, filling them with a voice that calls those who are wounded toward a very special place. It is a simple link … held out from your heart to theirs.

It is a bridge called hope.

The Littlest Bear
—Little Bear continues to grow nearly before our eyes. Like his big buddies Luke and Boomer, his back will also be a candidate for the Christmas family photo … the
entire
family! His official education has begun and he’s an eager student. Despite the severity of his childhood wounds, he bears no lingering lameness or evidence of his past other than his external scars.

Full Circle
—Jason has been reunited with his aunt who lives in another state. He loves her very much and feels secure in the home she has opened for him. Currently he lives in close proximity to his father and is slowly building a relationship.

Phoenix
—Phoenix continues to exemplify that we
all
can survive more than we ever thought possible. The once ugly, stinky girl that nearly starved to death has matured into a truly stunning mare. Still, to those who spend time with her, she seems to emanate the simple truth that … 
life
is good.

Cleansing Fire
—True to her character, Jenna continues to grow in humility, wisdom, grace, and beauty. She has been faithful to “stay the course” through much hardship and difficulty … while still serving others. It was with complete joy that I asked her for a small “favor.” Because she truly represents the heart of what Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch is and does, Troy and I were greatly honored when she agreed to my request of being photographed with Boomer for the cover of this book.

A Dog’s Tale
—It’s true that the Lord will restore the years lost. Ano continues to live in utter paradise. The dog that was once a prisoner now freely roams the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. She’s not only completely adored by Mark and Kathy … but wallowed daily by their three young sons. I have seen it myself … this dog really
can
smile.

Promise Land
—Promise has fully recovered from his hoof woes and grown into a remarkably playful young horse. He currently enjoys a wonderful home in Central Oregon where he’s free to express his adventurous nature. Angelica has moved to the coast with her family, and against all odds she continues to
daily
live her life to the fullest.

Horse with Spots
—Gideon truly
is
the little horse that could. The once battered pony who was terrified to be touched … loves his new life at Crystal Peaks.
Sarah continues to blossom in the company of “spotted love” originally forged by Shonee and now fostered by Gideon. If you ask her, Sarah will be the first to tell you: “It might not be how you think … but the Lord
does
answer prayer!”

Coming Home
—Truly, only God can know how completely
full
my heart is … what a joy to be shoulder to shoulder and hand in hand … my Cowboy has finally come home.

Hannah’s Legacy
—Hannah came to our ranch as a small gray mustang mare that had previously been living in a garage to protect her from intentional poisoning. It was with great honor and respect that she was renamed after a courageous young woman who sought to change her world with love. Hannah Marie Dunn’s legacy continues … not only through the lives of those whom she touched and the pages of this book … but also through something else—something remarkable.

I am convinced that nothing in this life is a coincidence. Hannah, our little mustang mare, delivered her foal on May 31 … Memorial Day. In memory of Hannah Marie Dunn, we chose to name her beautiful, chocolate-colored filly “Hanalei,” short for Hannah’s Legacy. True to her legacy … she
is
a fireball!

We were first made aware of Hannah Marie’s legacy by her family. Because they requested that instead of
floral wreaths to memorialize their daughter, donations would be made to our ranch … I was completely overcome when I discovered later that “Hanalei” is the Hawaiian word for “wreath of flowers.”

All programs and services offered by Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch are free of charge. Nearly all the children who come to the ranch are from deeply challenging circumstances. Charges of any kind would prevent most from being able to use the ranch. Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, therefore, is supported by individual financial gifts, grants, and fund-raising events.

It takes many strong stones to build a strong foundation. If you would like to become part of this team of dedicated supporters, please contact us by e-mail at
[email protected]
or write us at the address below. Your interest in the lives of these children and their families will have a lasting impact and is deeply appreciated.

Thank you.

Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch
19344 Innes Market Road
Bend, OR 97701

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book
goes to support the work of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch.