What a week it has been! I am not sure about you, but I have certainly been moved by some of the news and devastating situations in the world around us, particularly this past week.

We have seen footage of people escaping the tragedy of war in Europe, and footage of people stranded in floodwaters throughout South East Queensland and North New South Wales. My heart breaks for those who have lost family, friends and possessions in both of these tragic events. As I have watched this footage on the news, I have sat in absolute disbelief at how quickly the worlds of these victims changed.

One moment life was "normal", the next, they were needing to be rescued.

Take a moment to reflect on a time when you or your family may have needed to be rescued. It may not have been from war or natural disasters, but perhaps simpler reasons, such as, running out of fuel, or being accidentally locked out, rescuing a little one from falling from a couch or bed, or perhaps it was for a deeper reason that involved being emotionally or physically rescued from a situation bringing harm.

Whatever the reason for needing rescuing, the gratefulness and relief that follows is the same, and often spurs us on to reach out and help others.

This week, I was incredibly moved by one of our students and her attitude to life. The young lady had faced a rather traumatic experience in her life and had reached out to her safe adults at school, who are supporting her through this. The following day, I was met by this student who stopped me and said, "Miss B…I am giving out smiles today." She then proceeded to give me a smiley face sticker from the roll of stickers she carried. Knowing what she was currently experiencing in her life, and seeing her beaming smile and choosing to make a difference in the lives around her, moved me to tears. She then continued down the walkway, handing out "smiles" as she went.

This incredible young lady reminded me of a quote by a favourite Christian speaker, Christine Caine: "God uses rescued people to rescue people."

It is my prayer this week, that if you are in need of rescue, you can reach out to someone in our school community. May you also look for ways to support and rescue those around you, choosing to make a positive difference in the lives around you. As you move forward into the week ahead, hold onto the following promise from God: "I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." Isaiah 46:4b

Blessings,

Tamara