Fresh hope today

I admit that I have had to keep consciously choosing hope instead of despair at times. When we hold a value dear, it will usually be tested. That’s life. There are shake-ups and changes and disappointments we didn’t anticipate.

I’ve been thinking that it is a really apt time to talk about Fresh Hope. These are the words you can see on my office wall if you come and visit.  I really believe in both words and hold them dearly as values in my personal and professional life. I have been a social worker for just over 20 years. I have been in some places where fresh hope, or any hope, is desperately needed. Even after these two decades and many times of walking with people in some desperate situations, I still believe in fresh hope.

I admit that I have had to keep consciously choosing hope instead of despair at times. When we hold a value dear, it will usually be tested. That’s life. There are shake-ups and changes and disappointments we didn’t anticipate.

Even after the unrest last week, I choose Fresh Hope. Why? Because of what immediately rose up in people during and following the unrest; the unity, working together, the voices that united to say “not in our town”, the voices that in Howick right now and in many other towns are saying “let’s rebuild together.” The generosity, the “otherliness”, the multiple acts of kindness all give me fresh hope today.

The thing about people is that we have an endless capacity for change and growth, where we choose to do so. There may be those that choose not to engage; that is their choice. But I have hope that even those who choose disunity would see the goodness arising and be changed from the inside out. My belief in hope is also rooted in my faith, that if anything has grown over this last week, that God is with us and God is good.

Today, may you see a tangible expression of fresh hope in the world around you and choose to partner with that hope. I would love to know what brings you hope, or even how you’re struggling to find hope at this time. Feel free to email me on [email protected]. Or even make an appointment to come and chat if you need to!

Yours in Peace and Hope,