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Editorial: Let our message be one of love and hope

There is, as plenty of evidence confirms, a darker side of human nature afflicted by hatred, anger and intolerance. We see this played out all too often around the globe with no good end, only suffering.

But there is a brighter side of human nature, too - a giving, loving, selfless side that looks to enhance rather than destroy, a side that inspires hope rather than despair.

Today, let us not tremble. Let us celebrate the people all around us who open their hearts to give to those in need, to lift up those facing difficulties, to comfort those who need strength.

This spirit of generosity is not just a matter of charity, although certainly that's important and part of the essence of who we are.

But it's represented in the worthwhile work so many people do - the educators who change lives, the doctors and nurses who save and extend them, all those who serve and protect and enhance, those who visit the sick and infirm and reassure the lonely and brokenhearted.

It is represented in all the many people who try in their daily lives and professions to make their communities and the world a little bit better place.

Let us recall the story of Carolyn Gable, the founder of the Expect a Miracle Foundation and the benefactor who originated The Believe Project in the Daily Herald a year ago.

The Believe Project is about belief in a better tomorrow, about faith that even in difficult times, things can turn out all right.

Each day in December, someone with a compelling story of need is sent $100 to help another. That may not be enough to change lives, but it is enough to brighten them.

Last year, at Gable's request and with her seed money, we kicked this off on Dec. 1.

The response was so overwhelming, both with suggestions of those who could use the money and in unsolicited donations that came in to keep the project going, that it lasted 136 days rather than the 30 that initially had been scheduled and passed out $14,400 to worthy recipients instead of the $3,000 that initially had been set aside.

It started as such a simple idea about the good that can be done with relatively small gestures and unleashed such a broad outpouring of love and community response in the process that it's impossible not to be inspired by it all.

"I think life is all about hope," Gable told columnist Burt Constable last May while explaining where her idea originated.

Such a powerful observation, so eloquently stated.

Such is the power of giving.

There is, as plenty of evidence confirms, a darker side of human nature afflicted by hatred, anger and intolerance.

Let us not succumb to it.

Let our message be one of love and hope.

Believing is contagious

The holiday warmth of helping those in need

How 1-month Believe Project turned into $14,400 paid forward by 136

How can you use $100 to make someone else's life better? Tell us.

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