Hope for the Flowers

I first saw this book in the Kyobo bookstore in Cheonan about two weeks after I had arrived in Korea. The hand lettering and simple but lovely pictures caught my eye, as did the word "hope".

The story is about two caterpillars who get tired of eating and getting bigger. They decide to climb "the pile" of caterpillars that everyone is climbing, only to find that there is actually nothing at the top.

All along, they have this voice inside of them that makes them think there is more to life than just eating and climbing the caterpillar pillar. Finally, they find that the way to find who they really are and their true purpose is to risk their lives by becoming a butterfly.

The story, written in 1972, has been shared around the world as a parable of hope. It gives hope that amazing transformations in individuals and in the world are waiting to happen and that in what seems like an ending, a new beginning is created.

When All You Have is Hope

Before coming to Korea, I picked up this book at the Toronto Airport called When All You Have is Hope by Frank O'Dea, one of the co-founders of Second Cup.

As a young man, Frank O'Dea was sexually assaulted by several people in positions of authority. By 13, he was addicted to alcohol and by 23, was living on the streets in Toronto. One day, he heard a radio ad about a program that could help alcoholics and he decided to get help.

From that point on, his life changed. He went on to become the co-founder of Second Cup and other successful businesses and founded several non-profit organizations including Street Kids International, War Child (Canada), and the Canadian Landmine Foundation.

Frank O'Dea was invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada by the Governor General for his work inspiring others to overcome addiction, and his contribution to the business and not-for-profit world. He now serves on the boards of private companies, public companies, and not-for profit organizations.

Frank O'Dea's message is about hope, vision, and action. He shares about his journey and his spiritual development along the way. He talks about what he feels is lacking in Canadian leadership and the need for Canada as a nation and its leaders (that means all of us, I believe) to develop vision, core values, and the ability to keep promises.

Here's an interview with Frank O'Dea on the Hour:
http://www.cbc.ca/thehour/videos.html?id=734851759