My mom likes to tell a story on me.

Apparently when I was little I was over at my aunt & uncle’s house. The grownups were doing something in the basement.

I sashayed down the steps and demanded to know if they needed hope or not.

What I meant to ask was if they needed help or not.

I was never big on the details it seems.

Our pastor preached on having a bold hope today.

Sometimes having hope takes a boldness only the Lord can give, in my opinion.

I’ve gone through some really dark days.

If we are honest, we all have.

Having hope that things would get better is the only thing that kept me hanging on at times.

My heart breaks for those who have lost hope.

There is nothing.

Absolutely nothing.

There is nothing that God can’t redeem.

There is no relationship He can’t restore.

There is no sickness He can’t heal.

There is no heart that He can’t make whole & strong again.

And if He chooses not to restore that relationship or heal that sickness this side of glory, He will take things in a new direction & all will still be well.

I was trying to think of a snazzy acronym for Hope.

So far all I’ve got is Hold On.

Sometimes that’s all you can do.

Hold on, the night doesn’t last forever.

Hold on, the storm will cease.

Hold on, the sun will rise. And shine.

Hold on. Help is on the way.

Please don’t lose hope. It’s our most precious promise.

Do you need hope or not?