Week 6 The Next Day - Where Is Our Hope

As we discussed in our workshop, “hope” can be about the last thing you think about when your loved one dies.  Death itself is the opposite of hope. Death is about endings, not beginnings, darkness, not light, stops signs, not green lights, not a future vision, but looking back at what was.

As you move through your grief journey this coming week, make a list of those things in your life that could, over time, lead to hope-filled thoughts. Your list might include the important people still in your life who love you, and who need your love as well; like your children, spouse, brother, sister, father, mother, or close friends. Your list might include a stable job that provides a comfortable life for you and your family. It might include dogs and cats and other family pets that are always there to provide you with comfort and care.

Death can cloud our future and our feeling of hope.  Don’t let it steal your joy forever. Don’t let it blind you to the things you still have in your life that are hope-filled, positive, and unique.  Where is your hope?  It’s right here.  When is your hope? It’s right now. It’s just waiting for you to step back and take notice.

“And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”  Romans 5:5 (NRSV)

By Nancy Hamlin

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