GREAT HOPE? Really?
Anyone who knows me certainly won’t say I’m a blind optimist. Who is these days? The truth? I’m very optimistic—but my core reasons might not be what you expect.
I keep a close eye on world politics and events. We are living in times of unprecedented change. And even a brief look at things doesn’t always inspire positive thoughts.
Still, I have great hope for the future.
How can I say this? Here are 7 reasons why.
Reason 1: History
Human history is full of end game moments—horrendous wars, natural disasters, attempted genocides, and the disintegration of vast empires. And, still, here we are.
This is a tough time in all our histories, but many of us are making it through—day by day, moment by moment.
There’s a perk to all of this: take advantage of this time to be more thankful for your loved ones. Tell them how much you love them. Show them.
Reason 2: Human resilience
Our race is tough as nails. Many have battled back against all odds. Whatever evil forces (natural or man-made) that try to rub us out better bring their best game.
We won’t go quietly. Our ancestors even survived the Ice Age.
Reason 3: I am writing this. You are reading this.
Even despite the challenge and the struggle, we are here. Alive here and now. This is more significant than we realize since even in the best of times, nothing is guaranteed.
Take advantage of the life you have now and live it to the fullest. You only get one shot at this.
Reason 4: I have a job to do
You are not a victim. You are not helpless. Yes, you might be facing a crisis, but you are tougher and smarter than you know. Even just faithfully completing your day-to-day duties is huge.
Stay focused on core roles. Dad, mom, sister, brother, son, daughter, worker, helper, friend—these are the backbone of the present moment.
Don’t underestimate the importance of staying solid now. You don’t have to be a hero. Just show up.
Reason 5: You can make a difference
Sadly, there’s a lot of nastiness out there. Many of us feel helpless these days. I believe one of the best ways to fight back is to help someone. If you can, step out of your comfort zone and give someone a hand.
When you see them lifted up, it will lift you up too. Be the salt and light of the world. Conserve what’s good. Help shine the way for someone.
Reason 6: Families & Communities
I see families coming together unlike never before. I see churches and communities rallying to get through these times together. It’s awesome and inspiring. I see people stepping up to join a constructive team instead of a mob.
People take the time, give the money, and offer their skills to keep this world from falling apart. They are my heroes.
Reason 7: I know the end of the story
As my readers know, I’m not blind to the tribulations of the world. None of us are. There’s a lot of confusion and hurt out there now.
Still, I know deep in my heart God exists. I know he has a plan, and even if I can’t understand it, I trust him. The Spirit has shown me my smallness in the universe—nothing and nobody should care. But God shows me great tenderness and care.
I believe more people will seek God during these times. I pray for this. We cannot find meaning today without a spiritual component. Without the Spirit of God to guide and anchor us, the world will only continue to appear more radical and absurd.
Jesus Christ is who he said he was, the Son of God. All the pain, suffering, and sin we see now—Jesus took it all upon himself. He died for it all to set us free. And he rose from the dead on the third day.
There’s a deeper meaning to be found here. It speaks directly to your spirit. It says the answer is found in forgiveness, loving, and giving. No power on earth can withstand these things. The lust for control will never fix our world or soothe our souls.
Our plans are limited and many times corrupt. But God exists, and He is good. He sent his Son to show us how to live and love. He cries out to us now to follow him.
This life-giving truth is my greatest hope. It’s unshakable and non-negotiable.
No matter how crazy this world gets, my soul knows where to find rest. In the end, this is really my only hope. Not because the other things don’t matter, but because in Jesus Christ, I have all I need.
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But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9
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I love reading all of your posts. I only wish that I could be so positive as you. I just think that God thinks I’m stronger than I am. I feel like I can’t be strong anymore, I sure try each day. God bless you for everything that you do.
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Hi Jean, Thanks for the kind words and the blessing. Maybe you can lean on God a bit more. Let him be your strength. Just the fact that you try each day is super important. Don’t let that part go. Just keep trying, and let the Lord fill in the gaps. I’ll be praying for you and yours!
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Vincent what beautiful words! They are an inspiration.
Know that you words are reaching far and wide. You are touching hearts and living up to the command that you received from the Lord to proclaim His goodness and mercy. Thank you.
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Thank you for the encouragement Larga Parker. Your words are a great blessing for me today. May the Lord bless you abundantly!
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Hi Vincent,
Thanks, your words are so soul stirring and your work is faultless. You bring such spiritual grace to feed the mind,body and soul like blessed Communion/Eucharist. I hope to be able to cope with my children, their future spouses,daily chores,take rest,work from home,earn, take breaks for tea,cooking recipes,music,dress up at times or I feel unattractive inspite of wishing to prove my nettle that iam dynamic,forthright,glamorous(as I walked the ramp in high school and won contests for singing,acting,etc,(well no matter what I was spiritually driven with my soulful,pious prayers daily,daily mass,reading at the dias,etc.for
Eucharistic celebration or Holy mass on Saturday evenings,etc. After childbirth I felt overworked going to l8ve in a ghetto from my flat as I conceived before marriage and got married to my husband forcefully, ie, he had to be convinced we beeded to settle down or 5he child wouldn’t have a father 9r father’s name. Meanwhile my career as an Executive Secretary/Assistant to the Chief Engineer took a back seat. Even though I was called to attend my job as my position was vacant. I had no house phone,cellphone,television,computer,internet,cable,movieshows,etc. And was largely cut off from social life,gatherings,speaking,communication.
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Thank you Sandra for your kind words. I am so sorry to hear about your struggles. You faith is the answer to them all… it’s the only and best answer we can offer to the trials of this world. I will be praying for you and your family. May the Lord bless you with his loving grace!
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Hi Vincent
As usual you have touched my heart and left me speechless….silence is all 8 have to sing your praiseses!!! I have a question or two for you and if you would be kind enough to respond I would be much obliged… As you know iam already a Roman Catholic and firm faith in Jesus Christ and am a great believer that no matter what faith holds us in good stead. A while back due to my financial emotional and physical difficulties I was on the bed and didn’t have anything to sustain me fir food for almost 2-3 months. However it wasn’t difficult to survive and remain in bed. This was durin the Pandemic. Also a marriage which is a union of s man and woman from different castes,creeds,mother tongues be blessed by our Catholic Church as also the children of this union? Is it held in the same esteem as other marriages? For the most part I think both my sons aged 32 and 25 years of age will be getting married to other castes females. So I would be most interested to know how the Roman Catholic Faith adapts and blesses the couple and trains them for Marriage by counselling or training them through Marriage Course? My elder son is really most stricken with the impulse to keep friendship with other females even though engaged in a serious relationship with his permanent girlfriend. The younger one seems to have become so dependent on his future wife and settled with her in Goa that he hasn’t got the time /inclination to get suitable employment. Iam sure things will work out in future but for the present there is no solution between my elder and younger sons on the issue of the sale of this flat where I stay at present for past 16 years. I haven’t learned to cope and am finding it am facing huge emotional upheaval. Day by day I get overcome and flooded by doubts and panic stricken. All would have been fine if I were married. Alas to get married one requires to date,arrange the correct man and get adjusted to his way of life. It is highly unlikely he is going to adjust or accomodate me in his life. Have a wonderful week ahead. Be safe and well. I look forward to your reply. As always. Sandra from Mumbai- 400072. Best wishes now and for the future. Have a great day.
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Hi Sandra, The issue of marriage between different faiths is sometimes hard to understand. For starters, there are cultural differences where you live compared to other parts of the world. In the Catholic Church, the sacrament of marriage is very sacred of course. Still, we have to be careful about what’s held in “high esteem”. Jesus holds the humble and meek in high esteem. When we go to Christ trusting in his grace and mercy, then we are in high esteem in God’s eyes. I think it’s healthier to focus there. Pray about this. Pray for your sons. God is listening!
God’s abundant grace and blessings to you Sandra and to your family. Merry Christmas!
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Dear Sandra
I am so sorry to know about what happened with you. Have faith in the Lord he will carry us through tough times. I have a very very close friend who went through a similar ordeal as you, which is why reading about your experiences here made me reach out and comment here. With the grace of the Lord my friend is doing much better today. She received help from some kind people who helped her get back on her feet and start earning for herself. There is light at the end of even the darkest tunnel. Take care of yourself and do reach out here in case I can be of any help.
Rosaline
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I needed to read these words today. Christmas is hard for me because of lost loved ones, ill family and friends,my chronic conditions. I want to do more to be a witness to the miracles I have experienced in my life and the people I have prayed for. I tell Jesus I trust Him and surrender to Him when I am experiencing doubt and fear.
You remind me that He will never abandon me. I thank you for your inspiration and hope.
Diane
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Thank you Diane for sharing a bit of your story here and for your kind words. May the Lord bless you with his abundant grace and mercy.
I will be praying for you!
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Thank you! as I read the government want to draft my daughters and the topsy turvy world we live in… thank you I very much needed this perspective.
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God bless you and your family Tina. You are all in my prayers!
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