Hope
If I had to classify my relationship with hope, I’d say we’re together, but sometimes it’s complicated. Hope means being expectant and trusting, even in the face of challenges. I understand the term the audacity of hope. To have hope in a world filled with challenges is bold, daring, and even a form of resistance against a world that often feels hopeless. This season has made me reexamine my relationship with hope. And despite its complications, I realize we’re still together—and we need to be.
Hope anchors us, Just as an anchor grounds a ship in the midst of a storm. The anchor doesn’t stop the waves or the sea’s motion, but it steadies the ship, keeping it from drifting. Similarly, hope doesn’t dismiss the storms of life but grounds us as we navigate through them. As Hebrews 6:19 (NIV) says: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hope in Christ keeps us steady. It reminds us of God’s promises and fuels the anticipation of His ultimate fulfillment.
Hope Connects Us
Audre Lorde says there is liberation in community. I, Sheila P. Spencer, say that there is hope in community. Hope rises when we know there are people holding space for us. It reminds me that I do not wait in expectation alone. Hope sparks collaboration and creativity. As Romans 15:13 (NIV) declares: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
When we hold on to hope, it overflows into our communities, creating bonds and connections. This hope has sustained me deeply, especially in this season.
Hope Inspires Action
Once hope stabilizes and steadies me, and once I feel connected to the community that surrounds me, hope inspires me to act. It encourages me to take steps that sustain me and move in the direction of what I hope for. Hope doesn’t just exist—it pushes me toward tangible actions. As Psalm 31:24 (NIV) reminds us: “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”
It’s hope that fuels our actions and inspires us to persevere.
Hope Reminds Us
Scripture says we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Our ancestors remind us of the importance of hope. Our very existence is proof of their hope. Maya Angelou’s Still I Rise echoes this sentiment: “I am the dream and the hope of the slave.” Our lives are the realization of their dreams, their hopes made manifest.
I once heard a beautiful phrase that the stars in the sky remind us of the ancestors who surround us, watching over us and encouraging us.
The first candle of Advent, Hope, reminds us that Christ is the light of the world. In this season of expectation, we trust in the gift Christ brings to the world—a gift grounded in love, peace, and salvation.
The beautiful reminder that caught my attention as I wrote this ….. a sign from hope.
My relationship with hope is still in tact. Despite the occasional “it’s complicated,” we remain connected. It’s the audacity of hope that keeps us going.
As I reflected on this article, a trinket I’d overlooked for years caught my attention—it simply said “Hope.”
Okay, Hope.. I see you.
“Hope, whether a flicker or a roaring flame, is what we need to be anchored again.” Rev Sheila P Spencer