Beauty in the Chaos

By Layla Groleau

Glorious! What a crazy, yet glorious year! Glorious, you say? No, I’m not delusional. I’m simply noticing the right things. 

What I have noticed, and I’m not alone, is that the pain, suffering, and isolation which so many people are experiencing have prompted self-sacrifice, compassion,  and an outpouring of love — such that this generation has never seen. Light in spite of the darkness. 

Globally, we face health scares not seen in a hundred years. Certainly, the spread of the deadly coronavirus has been voracious, overcoming many in its path. Those who have remained healthy still feel the sting of fear and isolation. Furthermore, the economic setbacks that so many families, businesses, and communities have suffered are daunting. To make matters worse,  the tensions of race, politics, and power have heated to a boiling point. Clearly, we need much more than a  vaccine to cure what ails us. 

Yet the will to fight disease, despair, and divisiveness shines forth all around us. Fierce compassion and courageous acts of kindness impact the world more powerfully than the media-frenzied gloom that threatens to engulf us. Rather than focusing on loss — the loss of so much we take for granted, especially the loss of control — many have asked themselves these crucial questions: What can I do? What can I do to lift others up? What can I do to help others stay healthy? What can I do to help those most vulnerable? What can I do to inspire others? What can I do to heal the divisiveness around us? Some answered these questions with acts of selflessness, ingenuity, and creativity, which have burgeoned and spread like wildfire over this land — the land of the free, and the home of the brave.

All of this is evidence that the valley between darkness and light, despair and hope, is not so wide a chasm as it might seem. And it doesn’t take a superhero to bridge the divide. If everyday heroes-- neighbors and nurses, carpenters and chefs can bridge the gap-- then there is hope for the rest of us. There is hope for humanity. 

When you experience the best of humanity standing against the worst of challenges, you come to feel the light overcoming the darkness. Each of us has our own journey through challenge, trauma, despair, and chaos. Individually and collectively we suffer through them. Unfortunately,  there is no magic carpet to escape that reality. We can,  however, learn from the extraordinary measures others have taken to overcome, uplift, and inspire. And we can take the lessons from our collective struggle to provide strength, hope, healing, and wisdom for the journey ahead.

For more positivity, and to hear powerful stories and life lessons of everyday heroes across our nation, read the Worst Case Scenario Best Life Ever: Stories of Hope and Healing from a World in Chaos. #1 International Bestseller on Amazon.com

Get your copy Worst Case Scenario Best Life Ever

About our Author:

Layla Groleau is a National Board Certified English teacher, writer, and speaker. As a wife, mother of four, and grandmother of five, she relishes her time with people, big and small. Contributing purposefully to the world around her, she enjoys serving in her church community, creating and visiting beautiful gardens, traveling, and connecting to people of many backgrounds.

For media, appearances, and Virtual speaking engagements - Booking Layla Groleau to present insight for your Church, Women's Retreat, University, School, Organization, Company, or Networking Group - Please Contact Luminary Leaders:

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