10 - Hope

Hope is a pleasant word we occasionally inject into our language to suggest we are having positive thoughts about something. Hope is nice, meek, vaguely assuring, and good. But is that all there is to it?

Some psychologists, medical personnel, caregivers, families of critically ill patients, and victims have used hope. People experiencing overpowering tragedies have used the intangible, “wispy” element of hope to help them through some of the most physically challenging and emotionally draining experiences one can imagine. Hope is the key ingredient that lifts the human spirit through the dark passages of illness, financial disasters, and personal family distresses. People who are able to contemplate hope are better prepared to set goals and negotiate the difficulties that attack their well-being.

Hope is as personal as one’s DNA classification. You can hope with others, but you cannot impose, encourage, or cajole anyone else to hope. Hope is a very personal decision made by each individual. It is a determination to survive and to be involved in life. Meeting each new day and each new experience or challenge with hope means being involved in all dimensions of our existence—physical, emotional and spiritual. One of the secondary qualities of hope is a concern for others besides the self.

Hope can change lives. When asked about the psychological factors involved in conquering cancer, over 90% of oncologists rated hope as the most important factor. Science has confirmed its importance in fighting and managing illness.

Hope creates a whole new way of thinking about life. It carries with it a new set of definitions and concepts. Hope requires much trust created when people reach out to others. There are special stories about hope that people must listen to carefully and appreciate. For example, one man was very seriously injured in a farm accident. The only thing that helped him through this agony was hearing gospel songs over and over.

Hope has many special symbols in our society. For example, a cross is a symbol of Hope for the Christian religion; the daffodil is a symbol of Hope for the Cancer Society; the dove is a symbol of Hope for peace; the rainbow is a symbol of Hope that God will not bring another flood to the earth. Sometimes music inspires people to hope by the beautiful melody and the words of the song. Our dreams can provide visions of hope. Certain rituals performed in religious ceremonies or by families watching over someone who is critically ill can bring comfort and hope.

Hope models are people who exemplify hope. Hope models are not necessarily people who are bright, successful, or spiritual. Hope models can be young, innocent children, or even a pet that offers comfort. Hope bridges are experiences from our past that put us on a higher plane and take us to the future with a promise of a better day. Where have you found hope in your life?

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