MAY 6, 2005

Dear Friends,

It takes courage to be loved. Ok, maybe not for you but for some, and I am one. The truth? When I hurt or I fail, I often shut out those people I need the most, convinced as I am that my situation is, as my capable father often said, "inexcusable." Like many of you, I know better in my head but I'm emotionally convinced that love is the reward for achievement. Consequently, my first reaction to the idea of sharing pains is to crawl under my desk and hide. I'm not alone.

Bard Luippold volunteers his time with REACH by mentoring a 16-year old young man affected by HIV/AIDS. Bard states "mentoring can be a little scary sometimes; but encouraging Anthony in his life the best I know how is so much greater than any fear or insecurity I may have; we are all hungry for someone to love us; to share our darkest of secrets with."

To offer ourselves, even when we are afraid, to share our darkest of secrets with someone who loves us takes great courage. I've been learning about that from the kids of REACH and from those who love me.  Those who are generous with love welcome truth; they challenge our withdrawing and they prove the value of vulnerability and trust.

Even when, as Bard says, things "can be a little scary," God encourages and requires us to not only to love others; but to receive love, for he knows how vital the exchange is.

And so there is REACH, giving and receiving in the difficult circumstances - which is, of course, exactly where Jesus says his followers should be.  We learn, and learn, and learn the essence of love through our children and their families, by loving them in life and death, by experiencing what love takes from us and how thoroughly it gives back to us. 

Today, I write to acknowledge how grateful we are for you, our Supporters. Your volunteering, cheer-leading, financial support, prayers and love are those things that pull us out from under the desks where we might hide; back from our moments of reluctance.  You hold us steady when sorrows overwhelm us.  You are responsible for the many moments of joy that come our way.  

Blessings my friends,

Susan K. Slonaker

P.S. If you are able to support REACH with your time, energy or resources, please contact me for opportunities to serve your children.