Hope unites us and can be the catalyst for powerful, positive change – both personal and communal. Building on the momentum of our Year of Kindness, SSM Health introduced the Year of Hope to inspire team members, providers, and those around us to spread good news throughout our health ministry and communities. To face our challenges with faith and optimism, the Year of Hope offers us moments to pause, reflect, and connect with our purpose while looking forward to the future with expectation.
This month we turn our focus on hope for social justice.
At SSM Health, we follow the path inspired by our founding sisters. When they landed in St. Louis in 1872, the sisters had just five dollars between them. Yet, the sisters tended to the sick regardless of whether they could pay for that care. Today that work continues as we care for the needs of our communities, and work toward health equity for all -- fundamental to fulfilling our Mission and Vision. We know that 80 percent of factors that impact people’s health are beyond the walls of our health care facilities – factors including socioeconomic status, education, employment, and physical environment. When we work with others to improve those conditions, we instill hope and empower all our families, friends, and neighbors to live their healthiest lives.
Take a few moments to pause in prayer, self-reflect, and take action. Our journey of hope continues:
I have hope for social justice.
Reflection
Lord
Grant us a vision of your world as your love would have it:
a world where the weak are protected, and none go hungry or poor;
a world where the riches of creation are shared, and everyone can enjoy them;
a world where different races and cultures live in harmony and mutual respect;
a world where peace is built with justice, and justice is guided by love.
Give us the inspiration and courage to build it, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
-Author Unknown
Self-reflective questions
- What gives you hope for social justice?
- When do you feel the greatest sense of belonging at work? What can you do to help others feel this sense of belonging?
Cultivating Hope
- Seek out someone who is different than you and learn about your differences and how you are alike – faith, ethnicity, and more.
New to the Year of Hope Challenge? Take a look back at our January focus on Hope for the New Year.
