Where grief moves, hope still blooms. These 100 Words of Hope reflections offer strength for the journey.
More Peace in Us
Instead of brooding over threats and mirroring demeaning insults, let’s focus on reflecting the kin-dom values of love, forgiveness and grace.
Jewish writer Etty Hillesum consoled other Jews enroute to Auschwitz. In the midst of these terrorizing times, she helped those around her not lose their humanity and still find compassion. She wrote, “Ultimately, we have just one moral duty: to reclaim large areas of peace in ourselves, more and more peace, and to reflect it toward others. And the more peace there is in us, the more peace there will also be in our troubled world.”
—Loraine MacKenzie Shepherd, Winnipeg, MB
Hope Is Right in the Middle
Participating in this marvelous life, given by our Creator, signifies hope even during times of despair and grief. Embracing the three most significant qualities in the Christian life, ‘hope’ is right in the middle: “So, faith, hope and love abide …” (1 Corinthians 13:13). This hope testifies to the grace of God and assures us that our future is being created by God and not ourselves. Hope, in Christ, develops from us walking with despair and finding a source of hope that surpasses our expectations. A vibrant relationship with Christ produces a lasting hope, strengthened by intimate communion with God.
—Jenny Sprong, Scottburgh, South Africa (formerly Roblin, MB)
We Are Mighty
Bearing the unbearable, hour by hour.
Minute by precious minute, time slipping away, dripping off your fingertips.
The fear of the end, what is the outcome? Will you ever be what and who you were meant to be?
In your search, you find the sacred, the heavenly light of salvation and even though you bask in the glow of love and light… the fear, trepidation and angst of an unknown end makes it impossible to truly be safe and secure.
But know this, sweet child of God, your siblings will always love you, always stand against the foe, right by your side. For we are children of God going forward together and we are mighty....
—Lisa Lane, Edmonton, AB
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The views contained within these blogs are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of The United Church of Canada.