Hope and Kindness

Once upon a time there was a camel who became lost in the Arabian Desert. His name was AL AMLY which means, “the Hope”. His caravan had been scattered as they attempted to outrun a band of raiders and thieves. ALAMLY wandered for days trying to find his master and family. Each night as the camel lay down to sleep, thoughts of his master’s kindness brought him comfort.

One day after a long weary haul, AL AMLY came across a man and his donkey traveling in the direction of the setting sun. They were friendly and invited him to eat, drink and rest. He stayed with them through the night feeling quite safe. In the morning AL AMLY ask the donkey if he has seen his clan? The donkey and the man had seen a caravan several days prior, following the Northern Star. AL ALMY was encouraged and after thanking them for their kindness, AL AMLY set out North hoping to soon join his master.

AL AMLY had renewed strength and the next few days he made great progress through the High Desert. As the Sun began to set,  he could see the lights of an Oasis in the distance. AL AMLY knew if he picked up his pace would be able to reach this destination before night fall. AL AMLY began to run. Soon his nostrils were filled with the smells of water and man.

When AL AMLY arrived in the Oasis, he was greeted by a small boy named Inam, which means kindness. Inam  led him to the watering hole his grandfather had dug. He was a kind man and had raised his children to extend kindness to all strangers. So it was not unusual when Inam befriended the camel. Inam led AL AMLY to food and a place to rest for the night. Once again the camel fell asleep to the hopeful words of his master, and now the kindness of Inam.

In the morning the camel was greeted by Inam. AL AMLY ask Inam if he has seen his master’s caravan pass by? Inam was filled with stories of a clan’s visit and soon realized that this is the very camel in which the master of the caravan had been concerned. Inam shared with AL ALMY that his family was looking for him. Inam was filled with joy for the camel and embraced him. AL ALMY was assured that soon he would be united with his master and family in a few days time.

The next day AL AMLY set out with the Inam to find the caravan. The day began to get very hot and the camel was glad that the boy had brought plenty of water and food. They traveled for a couple of days.  At night they looked for the Northern Star to guide them in the right direction. As he was sleeping, the words of the master came to AL AMLY in a dream. The Master said, ” I never gave up hope. Your faith will bring you home”. The dream was so vivid and real. The camel’s hope grew even stronger.

As AL AMLY and Inam, set out to cross a vast stretch of desert the wind began to blow hard creating a dust bowl.  It became impossible to see. They were afraid if they continued, they might get separated. Inam found shelter in an abandoned cave and together they waited out the storm. Inam knew these wind storms can last for days. Their supplies were running low. The wind seemed to be howling discouraging words over their heads. Negativity was swirling in the camel’s ears. AL AMLY could faintly hear his master’s words over the wind as he drifted off to sleep. “Don’t ever lose hope”.

Inam awoke AL AMLY by announcing loudly that the storm had ended. As they emerged from the cave they were greeted by the most beautiful sunrise AL AMLY had ever seen. While they were preparing to leave, they heard a great noise coming from the North. Alarmed that it might be raiders, they looked towards the commotion. AL AMLY was relieved to see his master running towards them. AL AMLY began to run towards his master, with no thought of Inam. Soon the camel could feel the arms of his master around his neck. His family surrounded him with great smiles and love. They embraced Inam and thanked him for the kindness he had shown AL AMLY.

A grand feast was prepared to celebrate Al AMLY’s return and their new friend Inam. Inam stayed a few days and then the camel and his master took him home. Since Inam lived a small distance from AL AMLY’s clan…they were able to visit often. They remained friends for the rest of their lives. AL AMLY and Inam became known for the kindness and  hope they extended to everyone they met.

I am still learning as Al AMLY; to continue to have hope God will lead me in the right direction. I have so appreciated the kindness of others I have encountered along this journey. I believe the Lord sent them to cross my path. Continue to strive with hope in your soul and kindness in your heart.

” My soul wait in silence for God only, for my hope is from Him”. Ps. 62:5

“But now abide faith, hope, love. These three: but the greatest of these is love”. I Cor. 13:13

“For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of the believers”. I Tim. 4:10

” And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience”. Col. 3:12