By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
There are times when I have to take a step back from what I am doing as it pertains to meeting deadlines for Athens Now and think about the extraordinary events that occur each time we go to print. Thoughts are typed, buttons are pushed, energy goes zinging out into space and then comes back again in less than the blink of an eye, and once again through the unfailing efforts of a wonderful crew and the marvels of technology we have a paper in print and online form that is read in more than 80 countries. When I think of the fact that our “funky little country paper” is read all over the world, there is only one word that is appropriate: miracle.
It is the time of year when, for all the right reasons, (and perhaps some that aren’t so much) we focus on giving. We are told in the Good Book that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and our King wasn’t kiddin’ when He taught us that. So it is with giddy gladness that I invite you to partake of a true Christmas miracle, and that is a chance to be genuinely transformed. On Saturday, December 6, my friend and mentor Kathrine Lee is going to give you the opportunity to begin to build a “tool kit” that is based on scripture and science; it is simply entitled, The Courageous Event.
The “litmus test” for how powerfully these tools work is that they are what the young women who are divinely determined to overcome the effects of being trafficked use themselves to turn pain into purpose and become what their Maker had in mind in the first place before they were taken. You see, Kathrine and her husband, Michael, are the founders of Pure Hope Foundation, and Pure Hope Ranch, and these remarkable “interns” have gone on to finish their educations, become professional women, wives, moms, welders, lawyers, animal lovers, and more. I have met some of them, hugged them, seen them in action, and they are all my heroes.
Kathrine is presenting the Courageous Event on Saturday, December 6, from 9 a.m. until noon Central time, via the miracle of Zoom. All the information to get on the call is included in the flyer that is also the illustration for this Publisher’s Point, and it will be an excellent use of your time or that of someone you love. There’s more good news! The Courageous Event is going to be recorded if you cannot make it live, and will be available early next week.
You will hear inspiring true stories. You will be given an overview of what has been proven over decades to equip people from widely varying walks of life to overcome everything from “garden variety” obstacles to triumphing over severe trauma. You will be introduced to an army of ambassadors whose mission is to help to end trafficking, have the opportunity to become involved if you wish, and to be reminded once again that it is not what happens to us that has the power; it is what we do with what has happened to us that makes all the difference. I hope you will avail yourself of this gift, and I look forward to seeing you on the call. Access lines are limited, so be sure to get on a few minutes early. Go old school and take notes if you wish, or take screen shots of the presentation. Give yourself this gift, and watch yourself become more Courageous this Christmas!
