Where Is Hope?

“Where is hope” you ask? 

If we listened to the doomsday thinkers of this age, we wouldn’t even look out our windows, for we would be convinced there is no good in this world, no one cares, and we are going to meet our end at any moment.

So, where is hope?

It comes sauntering down the street, smiling, offering to help a neighbor clean up his yard after a strong windstorm.

Hope is found at the end of your wrist as you reach out your hand to help someone in need.  And you respond simply because you can.

Hope is a sack with a hamburger and fries handed out a car window at an intersection where one is asking for a miracle.

Hope is heard in the prayers of a mother offered for her child who lies in the hospital on an operating table.

Hope is found in an envelope containing $100 or $1,000 that is left anonymously with your name on it.

Hope is an encouraging card received in the mail from a friend who just happens to know you are struggling at this particular moment.

Hope is an email with just the right word for you in your moment of greatest need.

Hope is you buying a family in need a sack of groceries.

Hope is a smile and a kind word to someone down on their luck.

Hope is an encouraging word spoken when it is most needed.

Hope is seen when the electricity is turned back on after a devastating storm has ravaged your part of the world.

Hope is a Good Samaritan coming along when your car has stalled on a cold and rainy night.

Hope is a job offer when there were thirty other candidates.

Hope is a doctor coming through the door with a smile and the words “He/She is going to be Okay.”

Where is hope?

It’s found at odd moments, in simple expressions, and offered by a variety of individuals; those who simply want to make this world a better, a more forgiving, grace filled place to live.

How can you give hope?

Love.  Reach out.  Extend your hand of help and your heart of compassion. 

Sometimes you may need to reach for your credit card or cash in order to offer hope.

Sometimes, it’s a phone call, a card, an email. 

Where is hope?

Hope is in the heart of the giver and the receiver.

It is in a quiet cathedral or sanctuary.

It is in the Bible.

It is in a lovely song.

It is in any form where the giver and the receiver connect in love and compassion.

Where is hope?

It is here, now.  It is in you and me.

Hope is two people connecting with human kindness.

My life verse from the Bible contains these words.  “For surely I know the plans I have for you says the Lord.  Plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”  (Jeremiah 29:11)

A future with hope!

                              I like that!

And it is offered to everyone. 

  -No race requirements.

            -No economic requirements

                      -No height and weight 

                       requirements

                                -No age or gender 

                                  requirements. 

A future with hope.

Move confidently toward your future filled with hope!