Fred Pratt’s Reflection

HOPE

I can’t imagine living my life without it. I wake up in the morning hoping I have a great day, by the grace of God. I think hope is what gets us out of bed each day.  Hope for our future, hope for our planet, hope for peace and hope for our families.

Some families’ hope unfortunately, is about life and death. One of my grandson’s basketball teammates always seemed so sad.  Come to find out that his little sister, Miley, is battling brain cancer.  I talked to the parents, who of course are holding onto HOPE that one day a complete recovery will occur. For the rest of the day, all I could think of was what if her parents had given up on hope, and therefore had given up on prayer? Fortunately, they have not.

When my son was three or four, we would ask him questions at his level regarding situations that were occurring at the time. Events where we were wishing for a good outcome. He would always respond, without skipping a beat, “I hope so.”

I’ve asked him now that he’s an adult about his response regarding world events and his reply is still the same.  He has instilled the importance of hope and faith in his children, especially his teenage sons.

Hope is often viewed as an optimistic feeling about the future. Hope is more than just wishful thinking. It’s the belief that better days are ahead of us —  like equality, diversity, end of wars, injustices, and the end of hunger and poverty where we can deal and face challenges so that our dreams can come true.

Hope can affect our mental health and well-being. With hope, people often experience less stress and anxiety and possess a positive mind set. Hope can provide the strength to overcome hard times. Also, the will and energy to take action and the courage to face the unknown. Without hope, people are unable to face and work through misfortune and adversity which may cause them to become despondent and desperate with no light at the end of the tunnel.

Hope is contagious. When we display hope, it can have a ripple effect that can cause many people to be happier and encourage us to connect with one another. Hope is a driving force that shapes our lives and the world around us.  For in hope, we find the power to create a world that is better, and empowers us to deal with misfortune to reach our goals and inspire others with endless possibilities.

The bible states that “Biblical hope is a reality and not a feeling. Biblical hope carries no doubt. Biblical hope is a sure foundation upon which we base our lives believing that God always keeps His promises”.

May God be the source of HOPE to fill you with joy and peace through your faith in Him. Then you will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  (Romans 15:13)