1.   They could provide a ray of hope amid the general business and economic gloom.

2.   At a time when the people of Eastern North Carolina were suffering from floodwaters left by the hurricane, they provided a ray of sunshine.

3.   More often, Hurst is like the sun, traveling east-west, providing rays of hope for Washington.

4.   The breakthrough provided a ray of hope for millions of Americans suffering from delibilitating and often fatal illnesses.

5.   The people who not long ago provided a ray of optimism in this long-suffering country have suddenly fallen under a deep spell of gloom.

6.   His meeting Grace, a svelte and libidinous Native American, seems to provide a ray of light.

7.   His near-miraculous rescue had captured Salvadorans, providing a ray of hope amid the despair.