The Power of Hope

"Many people seem to think it foolish, even superstitious, to believe that the world could still change for the better. And it is true that in winter it is sometimes so bitingly cold that one is tempted to say, "What do I care if there is a summer; its warmth is no help to me now."

Yes, evil often seems to surpass good. But then, in spite of us, and without our permission, there comes at last an end to the bitter frosts. One morning the wind turns, and there is a thaw. And so I must still have hope." -Vincent Van Gogh

TRUTH

As we celebrate "the most wonderful time of the year" we often find thoughts and conversation turning to hope. Young children and teens are hoping to receive their Christmas wishes, moms and dads are hoping to provide a memorable holiday season for their families, many are hoping that the next year provides unexpected gifts and joys, and some are desperately hoping for needed miracles now.

"Hope" is part of the human condition throughout our lifespan. Per Webster's 1828 Dictionary, hope is "A desire of some good, accompanied with at least a slight expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable. Hope differs from wish and desire in this, that it implies some expectation of obtaining the good desired, or the possibility of possessing it. Hope therefore always gives pleasure or joy; whereas wish and desire may produce or be accompanied with pain and anxiety."

We hope for good in our lives, the lives of family and friends, our neighbors and communities, our nation. And when faced with fierce opposition, we find ourselves at a crossroad: we can choose to capitulate or to hope against hope - hoping very strongly that something will happen even when the future or outcome appears bleak. If you are at this crossroad, choose to hope. Power comes through your choice to hope. BEAUTY

I have always loved trees - hiking among them, watching their shapes change throughout the seasons, eating their fresh fruit, and observing the animals that create homes in them. I especially love the analogies to my life in the stories of trees.

One of my favorite analogies of the beauty and strength of trees is found in Jeremiah 17:7-8 (KJV): "Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit."

Can you envision a beautiful, lush, and abundantly-laden tree with live-giving fruit in a space of darkness, scorched earth, and desperation? I can. And, as I intentionally trust and hope in God, I see myself as this tree - full of energy and light and offering sustenance to those who seek. Despite the darkness that surrounds us at times, if we believe, if we trust and hope in God who is the giver of all good things, we may be as this tree - thriving and offering fruit to all those around us.

GOODNESS

Sue Fox's story of hope despite incredible odds reminds us life is full of happy endings when we believe it's never too late. Turning to drugs as a pacifier to an early life full of loss, Sue spent several years in and out of jail. Yet, with hope and courage to become part of the solution to a problem (drugs) that was destroying her community, Sue became an empathetic leader and mentor for those in similar situations.

EXCELLENCE

Within tragedy hope grows. In 1863 during the height of our nation's Civil War, a widower received the news of his son's serious battle injuries. Two years prior, this man had lost his beloved wife and mother of their 6 children to a devastating fire.

On Christmas Day 1863, as this humbled man sat at his son's hospital bedside surrounded by the reality of his countrymen at war and the harsh circumstances of his personal and family life, he heard church bells ringing distantly. In that moment, this man found hope and truth in the abyss of despair and wrote a poem that later became a beloved Christmas carol - "I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow penned his hope in spite of overwhelming grief and uncertainty:

And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."

I am humbled and filled with hope when I read this poem and listen to this beautiful Christmas carol. I hope you find strength and hope in these inspired words, too.

A FINAL LOVE NOTE

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." (Psalms 42:11 KJV)

Remember - you are divine and loved. You are beautiful, worthy, and strong.

Lovingly,

The Power of Hope

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