At Sources of Strength, we know schools are more than buildings. They are gardens of humanity. They are places where hope, help, and strength grow. As a new school year begins, our CEO, Scott LoMurray, shared a personal reflection on the power of schools and the opportunities they hold for growth, healing, and connection. We are honored to share his words here.
A Walk to School
This morning our family snapped the yearly first day of school photos and walked together alongside friends and neighbors to the school. Hugging my children tight before they stepped into the building, I was mindful of the incredible power and potential of a school.
Schools are not sterile institutions dedicated only to knowledge acquisition. They are gardens of humanity, where so much growth and flourishing are possible. As I watched my kids walk in, I knew they were also carrying their anxieties and fears with them. My heart was full of love, compassion, and hope, and I was reminded of a loving kindness meditation I once led at a staff retreat. Today, I would like to adapt and share it with you—an invitation to send love to our students, our educators, and ourselves as we launch a new year.
Blessing for the Elementary Student
Picture an elementary school student, stepping into the building for the first time. Nervous, excited, backpack nearly as big as they are. Hold them in your mind as you offer this blessing:
- May you be safe.
- May you find friendship.
- May you be loved.
- May you be met with patience.
- May your brain grow in healthy ways.
- May you have fun.
- May you be well.
Blessing for the Middle Schooler
Now imagine a student on their first day of middle school. New haircut, big feelings, hoping to belong. Hold them in your heart as you offer:
- May you be included.
- May you learn about yourself.
- May you be kind.
- May you be met with kindness.
- May you feel cared about.
- May you have hope.
- May you laugh.
- May you be well.
Blessing for the High Schooler
Picture a high school student, beginning to shape their own identity. Deciding what to hold close, what to leave behind, and who to become. Offer them this hope:
- May you be courageous.
- May you experience a deep sense of belonging.
- May you be peaceful.
- May you be met with grace.
- May you discover your Strengths.
- May you ask for help.
- May you be helped.
- May you make mistakes.
- May they help you grow.
- May you be well.
Blessing for the Caring Adult
Now imagine an educator or any adult working in a school. Entering with hope, or maybe exhaustion, carrying their own human struggles. Hold them with compassion and offer:
- May you have strength.
- May you experience community.
- May you find laughter and joy.
- May you cope in healthy ways.
- May you be peaceful.
- May you be cared for.
- May you care.
- May you be supported.
- May you be well.
Blessing for Yourself
Finally, turn inward. Hold yourself with kindness as you begin again this year:
- May I be joyful.
- May I be peaceful.
- May I be loved.
- May I be strong.
- May I be well.
Beginning Again Together
We are headed into another school year filled with opportunities to feed the world what it most hungers for: peace and strength, hope and healing, laughter and joy, patience and kindness, courage and wisdom, health and wellbeing.
To kindergartners and seniors, to teachers and to one another, may we hold a deep sense of purpose and meaning in the work of caring for our youth and for each other as we begin again.
At Sources of Strength, we are grateful to walk alongside so many students, educators, and communities in this work. Here is to a year of growth, connection, and Strength.