“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light” – John 1:5 (CEB)
Last year the word “existential” was the Dictionary.com Word of the Year. The word inspires us to ask big questions about “who we are” and “what our purpose is” in the face of various challenges. The word also reminds us that we can “make choices” about our lives in how we answer those questions.
Now this word spoke to events last year, but this word definitely speaks to events that have happened this year. This year has been unlike any year we have experienced. We have experienced incredible difficulties and challenges. These challenges can lead to anxiety and angst. This is why we sometimes speak about somebody having an “existential crisis.”
Now what is ultimately needed in the midst of an existential crisis is “hope.” Hope is defined as “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.” Hope is one element of life that never be taken from us. We can always have hope. World leader Desmond Tutu once said that “hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was known to say, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
We find hope in many ways. For many of us, hope comes through our religious faith and walk with the Lord. For others of us, hope comes through the birth of a new baby or a fresh start at work. Seeing individuals assist neighbors during trying times is always a sign of hope for me.
This month Pastor Kristina and I will focus on a preaching series entitled, “Finding Hope.” We will look at various areas of life in which we find hope.
We will discuss finding hope in the midst of new possibilities, community,
and simplicity.
We look forward to worshipping with you this month. Let us be open to the
numerous blessings that surround us!
Grace and Peace to you! Scott