“Hope isn't an abstract theory about where human aspirations end and the impossible begins; it's a never-ending experiment, continually expanding the boundaries of the possible.”
There is a book on my bookshelf I come back to time and time again. “The Impossible will take a little while.” It is a collection of poems, stories and essays collected and edited by Paul Rogat Loeb exploring the seemingly tiny and insignificant events in the lives of hopeful people that expand what is possible. It explores landscape of hope from the perspective of many well known and lesser-known activists, idealists, community workers and theologians who somehow, against all kinds of odds, live in hope.
How do they do it? How do we fan the flame of hope within when life and the world outside is harsh and in a culture that too often rewards cynicism and mocks our ideals?
“Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you.” That is what Peter had to say when confronted with opposition which slid into persecution in the early church. Have the words that describe your hope right there in your back pocket, ready to pull out when faced with the challenges you face.
If you were asked, “how do you remain hopeful,” what would you say. What would you write on the back of your hand to remind yourself what lights your flame, buoys you up, keeps you putting one foot in front of the other.
I would love to see you on Sunday and explore the challenging and inspiring landscape of hope.
Blessings, Will