Hope defined

Hope.

It is a word tied to Christian virtues, desire, and expectation. Yet, it is also a word that can be said with some measure of sullen gravity: “I hope so.” In a world with so many uncertainties, ‘hope’ may seem unfounded, unwise, unsafe.

Hope could also be having trust, having confidence, or being in some way assured despite the unknowns. It could be telling your loved one “I hope you will drive safe” before they leave for a trip, then waiting for them to say, “I will.” If I were to say, “I have faith you will drive safe,” it seems more out of place. Perhaps unmatched, unbalanced. Like the reverence in the word ‘faith’ has been sapped away.

If I were to hope for an extra helping of dessert, I may not be confident I will get one. And if time and time again, I have attempted to get one but failed, would I continue to hope for that?

Hope can be built up or torn down by the actions of anyone. At Hope Healthcare Services, it’s built up through the dedication of ordinary individuals trying their best to make a difference in the lives of others.

Hope is the silent prayer prayed before you try your best, knowing you might fail. Hope is the arm you hold out to someone, a silent offer to support them in their walk. Hope is kneeling on the ground next to your injured sibling and helping them bandage their cuts. Hope is given by—and given to—individuals of any background.

Hope is created by fostering trust, respect, open-communication, but hope doesn’t ask for perfection.

Hope doesn’t ask for perfection. Hope asks for you.

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“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for

and assurance about what we do not see.” - Hebrews 11:1

Written by Anna Kvasnik
Editorial Intern, Hope Healthcare Services
Marian University Student