When Weariness and Disillusion Strike

Reflection from Pam Dixon:
Hope can be many things for many people.  It can be a light in the darkness, a call to action from inactivity, a perseverance in troubling times, calm after the storm,or even a flower growing in the sidewalk crack. 

In my reflection, hope is transformational. Recognizing the presence of hope, calls you to live your life differently.  Hope transforms how you view your life and can help you  see gifts, tools, resources that can help whatever challenges you are faced with..   Hope calls us to be better, to do better, and to open our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds.  Studies have shown that hope can bring motivation, optimism, goal building, resilience, and connection in our lives.  Hope is a powerful gift.  Romans 8:12 shows us that as the faithful we do not need to fear death. 1 Peter 1:3 says we have been given living hope from God through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. These scriptures reinforce the power of hope to give us strength and assurance that despite what we are living through right now, we will be rejoicing with Jesus when our time is done.

When we are confronted with hard decisions, difficult circumstances, pain and suffering; hope’s presence can help guide us.  It allows us to endure this bump in the road, open our eyes to what we can do, and know in the future there will be better times.  It helps us look into ourselves for answers to our challenges. Hope asks us how we can use our gifts, such as faith, strength, perseverance, to help us get through this moment to the next. Maybe someone will show me compassion, share their hope with me and I can find my seeds of hope within. Additionally,  hope can be linked to gratitude.  The gratitude for learning experiences, self-growth, and connection can foster hope towards improved methods for responding or enduring future challenges.