And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.
— Psalm 39:7
I want to start a conversation here about courage and hope — what these words mean to you, ways you’ve seen them lived out, things you’ve learned because of them. If you blog, consider sharing a picture, a memory, a quote, a story — anything — that represents one or both of these words, then link back here so other readers can share in the celebration. If you don’t blog, share your courage and hope thoughts on Facebook and Twitter, using the hashtags #MayB. and #courageandhope. Ten participants will win paperback copies of MAY B.
The contest is open between now and February 25 to US residents. Please mention the giveaway and discussion in your post and link back here, following the steps below, or by commenting on Twitter or Facebook. So excited to have you join in the conversation!
It’s still a little bit too sensitive of a topic to do a full public blog post on, but I wanted to let you know that, to me, when I think of Courage & Hope, my sister immediately comes to mind. In 2011, tragedy left her to raise two young girls alone, and she is doing it with such grace. I think of her courage every day, and I have many hopes for her and my nieces. Thank you, Caroline, for starting this conversation.
Jessica, thank you so much for sharing this. What an amazing person your sister must be.
Dear Caroline, there are many things I could say about courage and hope. One is this: I’ve been frustrated before with the word “hope” — like it doesn’t DO enough, it’s too passive. We can spend our whole lives hoping for something, but what about taking actual steps toward making whatever we want to happen, happen? But. What I’ve learned from my father, who has battled cancer, is that sometimes hope is all there is. Sometimes there’s nothing to be done. And I have seen it extend lives, save lives — including his. And doesn’t it take courage to hope? To believe that one’s circumstances will change, to believe in a better future? My thoughts on hope continue to evolve. Thanks for inviting discussion! xo
Love and more love. Xo
Hi Caroline!
My blog is lying dormant right now, though I think I need to resurrect it for my own sanity and health. However, I wanted to share something that came to me during Advent when I talked to the children at church about the hope candle on the Advent wreath. Hebrews 6:19 says, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul…”
I thought about anchors and what they do – they keep the boat from floating away, being lost at sea, untethered. And if hope is an anchor for my soul, it keeps me from floating away from Jesus, untethered and without mooring. Hope in the Lord and that he is doing a new thing anchors me, that his kingdom is coming and now is, keeps me near to him.
Well, hey there! It was great seeing you in Dallas. I absolutely love this metaphor. So many things make me feel I’m tossed about, but Hope can keep me steady. Thanks for sharing, Kit.