Christiansen receives Sign of Hope Award

December 4, 2003

Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Sioux City recently recognized Marilyn Christiansen with the Sign of Hope Award. This award is intended to honor individuals who represent what is needed to bring forth the best that is within people to accomplish something good for all in society.

The recipients of the Sign of Hope Award are significant leaders within the community who exemplify a quality that radiates from them and honors true value for the dignity and lives of all people.

"Marilyn isn't just a sign of hope, she is more significantly a sign of love and her love for humanity and the dignity of all life becomes a sign of hope for all of us," said Jerry Eaton, executive director of Catholic Charities. "Knowing all the good things Marilyn has done for others is just a superficial knowledge of Marilyn's character. The depth of Marilyn's character respects the sanctity of life, reveres life at all stages of life, and in all circumstances of life.

This is the first year that Catholic Charities has bestowed this award on a volunteer in the community.

"Marilyn stands above no one, and Marilyn stands with everyone," said Eaton. "She does this by living what our faith represents and asks for us. Our faith isn't an image to Marilyn, it is a reality to be lived out daily. As she lives out this faith daily she stands both as a sign of the power of love and respect for life, and also as a Sign of Hope leading the rest of us in the direction we all need to go."

Christiansen has been involved in many community projects. Beyond that, she was described as a loving human person whose quality character stands as a beacon of hop for all to follow.