I've been up since 2:10am with pain that just would not relent...I tossed, I turned, I fluffed pillows, I tossed some more...you know the story. So at this point, I've been up for almost 5 hours and I've had alot of time to think. And here's what I've been thinking about: HOPE. Small word, only 4 letters. But big meaning...huge meaning...so I did some "research" and thought I'd share some with you. With only 5 days to go, HOPE is something very near and dear to me. It keeps me going and it keeps me from giving in. Some days are better than others but I haven't lost it yet (hope, that is!) - Oh I've "lost it" many times (sometimes without warning), the flood gates just open up and out pour the tears. But I haven't lost HOPE. And here's why:
The word: HOPE…“Hope
provides us with an anchor; something to hold onto with our soul (intellect,
emotions and faith). Faith needs hope to sustain it” (The Living Word Library). Having a clear understanding of what God has
promised you gives you hope, “an unfailing expectation in the ability of your
God to fulfill His promise.” Hope is something you think about and
understand while faith is something
you believe and confess even if you cannot understand it. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as: “the confidence that what we hope for will actually
happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see” (NIV).
The place: HOPE…last night, I had the honor and privilege
of experiencing something so powerful and so uplifting that I couldn’t possibly
keep it all to myself. I was, for the
first time in my life, “prayed over,” led by the Pastor of HOPE United
Methodist Church (Jeff), and accompanied by 3 other members of the church who
meet weekly to pray for prayer requests received by them. This was by the far one of the most
uplifting, encouraging and “full of hope” experiences I have ever had. There were prayers for peace (not only for me
but for my husband, children and parents as they go through this with me),
prayers for strength and for successful surgeries, prayers for the doctors and
nurses, just prayers for everyone involved in what lies ahead for me. I was both grateful and humbled to have had
the opportunity to experience HOPE, literally and figuratively, in such a
positive, powerful uplifting and new way.
As I drove away, I noticed I was smiling – and my heart just felt
lighter. I left feeling a sense of
renewal that things will be ok – that I will not walk this path alone and that
with faith and hope and love, all things are possible. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be
afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he
will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6) NIV.
As I settled into bed last
night, I thanked God…I thanked Him for HOPE…literally and figuratively, the word and the place. Last night was everything I needed and more than I expected.
Sheryl Crow: “I Shall Believe”
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