“Hope is a song in a weary throat. Give me a song of hope and a world where I can sing it.”
– Blessed Pauli Murray
I love to walk. Over the last few weeks of reengaging with a regular rhythm of walking, I have rediscovered the beauty of finding God along the way. On my morning walk, which sometimes becomes my evening walk, I frequently haunt a park close to my house. It is a place of tranquil beauty in the morning as the world around it comes alive. I love to hear the sounds of birds creating a symphony of song and to listen to the wrestling of the trees as the season changes. There is a deep spirituality among the trees.
On a recent walk, I saw a woman sitting on one of the familiar park benches engaged in a deep conversation on her phone. Nothing unusual about that, but the look of distress on her face gave me pause. As I walked by, I did the normal head nod and quick smile, which was reciprocated with a wane smile and a forlorn look. I kept going. Nevertheless, something compelled me to look back. I saw tears rolling down her cheeks as her call ended. I was torn between continuing my walk and butting in. I chose to butt in.
“I am so sorry, I couldn’t help but notice that you seem to be having a hard time. If you’d like I’d be happy to listen.” I was fully prepared for her to say some variation on, “Oh I’m fine.” Instead, she said, “I would like that. I need an ear right now.”
I sat next to her and listened to her as she shared that she had just lost her brother from an overdose. They were not close, since she could not be party to his addiction after years of trying. She felt guilt mingled with relief. I listened. She cried.
When she was done, we talked for a few moments and I asked if I could pray for her and her brother. “Yes. Please.” We prayed. “I really needed that, you were the hope I needed today.” I kept walking.
I never got her name. I am yet to see her on another walk. I doubt we will ever cross paths again, but she reminded me that we all need hope in the midst of despair. Hope often comes in guises we would never expect.
Jesus in his ministry often centered on those in need of hope, those who had been marginalized and forgotten. Jesus knew that hope is the powerful force that drives human resilience and fuels the belief in a better future. It acts as a guiding light, inspiring individuals to endure challenges and persevere through adversity.
Hope is contagious. When one person embraces hope, it can inspire others, creating a ripple effect of possibility. As people of faith, we know that hope has the transformative power to mend broken societies, bridge divides, and foster understanding. In times of uncertainty, hope becomes a lifeline, reminding us that even in the gloomiest moments, there is potential for growth and renewal and a cause for hope.
Perhaps as followers of Jesus, we need to rediscover the power of hope. Our world is filled with division, hardship, and despair and we are called to be outposts of hope as we proclaim resurrection.
As long as hope persists, love will find a way.