What gives you HOPE?

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things HOPED for, the evidence of things not seen”

The dictionary says HOPE is something we are looking forward to in the future. I believe, HOPE is believing and trusting God with our/my HOPES for the future. We have HOPE for our newborn children when we see their sweet faces for the first time. We continue to HOPE for them and grandchildren for a life of good friends, that they walk with Jesus, have good health, strength, courage, determination, education, the right spouse, etc.

My family and I had a couple difficult years struggling with death of my Mother, my Husband, and my Daughter within a short time frame. In reflection I can see HOPE even in those years. HOPE for renewed life, HOPE for their comfort, HOPE for a miracle, HOPE in their faith in God, HOPE in knowing they are in Heaven. In that grief and sadness, I found HOPE in God’s word, memories, family, friends and continued giving to others by volunteering. HOPE takes patience in waiting for comfort and joy to return.

What does HOPE look like for the Church, for Mount Olivet? My HOPE for the church is to continue to work by Jesus’ example. We do that by giving HOPE to others in supporting our partners in the world through ELCA, Lutheran World Relief, Global Health. We give HOPE in the community with food, clothing, shelter through PRISM, Home Free, Northport Elementary, Loaves and Fishes, our community garden, Beacon, Habitat, and volunteering just to name a few. We give HOPE with freedom of voice in advocacy through writing or speaking to our local, state and federal representatives. We give HOPE in our prayers for and encouragement to our youth. I do see HOPE in our young people today.

In this Season of Advent, we HOPE and wait patiently to celebrate together the birth of Jesus on Christmas. We HOPE, O Lord Jesus, for all to be gathered together with you in Eternity.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal Life” That is our HOPE!

Marlene Stimpson