There's a battle raging in each and every human heart. The battle is between hope and despair and we can tip the balance by embracing the call to become ambassadors of hope.

Many years ago, I was on my way home from work one day and a friend came to mind. It occurred to me that I hadn't heard from him for a few days and I knew he had been having a very tough time. This was before the internet and email. I have no idea what led me to do so, but I drove to his place on the other side of town just to visit him. When he opened the door, he looked horrible. The place was dark and there was trash everywhere. I opened the curtains, let some light in and a few windows to get some fresh air circulating. I suggested he shave and shower while I ordered a pizza and tidied up a bit. He resisted for a moment, but I said, "Come on. You'll feel so much better. And when you're done, the pizza will be here." We sat on the front porch, eating pizza and telling stories. And when we were done, I drove home. The next day I opened my mailbox to find a handwritten note from him. This is what it said, "I was going to kill myself last night, but then you stopped by just to say hello. And I thought to myself, somebody does care. So thank you."

Something like that stops you in your tracks. It reminds you how powerful our actions are and how tragic inaction can be. I knew he had been having a tough time, but I never imagined he would do something so drastic. Today, that man is a doctor. He has a wife and three children, a mortgage, and a dog. On that night, all those years ago, he was just going through a rough patch. We have never spoken of that evening all those years ago, but he knows and I know. What do we know? We know that we can call each other at any hour of the day or night and that we will be there for each other, whatever the need may be. The point is our actions, your actions, my actions can tip the balance between hope and despair in a person's life, in a community, and in this world. That is a power that should be used often and respected always.

Today, I want to challenge you to exercise your power as an ambassador of hope. Become a Dynamic Catholic ambassador today, and let's do something about that. Who are the Dynamic Catholic ambassadors? They're a group of generous people who make the Dynamic Catholic mission possible. They do that in three simple ways. One, they pray for the mission. Two, they spread the word about what Dynamic Catholic is working on in their circle of influence. And number three, they give $10 a month to help this mission reach millions of people every day with a message of hope. So click on the link below and become an ambassador today, so that together we can tip the balance toward hope for millions of Catholics all across America. In many cases, they are your children, your grandchildren, your friends, neighbors, and colleagues. And I believe they deserve one more chance to discover the genius of Catholicism. Thank you. And may God bless you and all those you love.