Pandora's Box

The gods presented her with a box into which each had put something harmful, and forbade her ever to open it. 

Then they sent her to Epimetheus, who took her gladly although Prometheus had warned him never to accept anything from Zeus. He took her, and afterward when that dangerous thing, a woman, was his, he understood how good his brother's advice had been.

For Pandora, like all women, was possessed of a lively curiosity.

She had to know what was in the box.

One day she lifted the lid - and out flew plagues innumerable, sorrow and mischief for mankind. In terror Pandora clapped the lid down, but too late.

One good thing, however, was there - Hope.

It was the only good the casket had held among the many evils, and it remains to this day mankind's sole comfort in misfortune...

...the hope of winning out in the long run still exists.

Hope is our friend when all else has failed.

When we have strength of character and an energetic mind, hope always flourishes. 

We discover that, at the very brink of despair...

...we will find courage to keep trying as long as there is hope for success.

After all, what have we got to lose?

Without hope, we have no chance, anyway.

Our chance for glory comes when we keep trying even though all seems lost.

Our hearts remain strong and brave when hope reminds us that challenges last until a game is over. 

If we were lost at sea, surrounded by darkness pierced only by one distant blinking light, we would follow that light.

As we followed it, it would become clearer and brighter until it brought us safely to land.

Sometimes when we're depressed, we feel as though we're lost on a dark sea.

 But there is always a flicker of light for us. It may be prayer, or the love of a special friend.

When we see that light, we need to move toward it.

 Whatever brings us hope is like that flicker of light. The more we seek it, the clearer and brighter the light will become. 

When we are cold and our bodies begin to numb, we must keep moving. Movement will keep us alive.

When our emotions are numb, we need people or things or places that will warm our hearts.

When no one else is around, hot baths or a favorite treat can bring the warmth of our own self-love into our lives when we need it the most.