What is Hope?
Hope is more than a fleeting emotion or wishful thinking; it is an optimistic state of mind—an unwavering belief that things can get better, even in the midst of uncertainty and difficulty. It is the anchor that keeps us steady when life’s storms threaten to overwhelm us.
Hope on a Personal Note
For me, hope is not just an idea—it is knowing that there is someone greater than myself in control, capable of rescuing me from my darkest moments. It is the assurance that my struggles—the battles for acceptance, love, and appreciation—are not the end of my story.
I find hope in knowing that I don't need to be the center of attention to find fulfillment. It humbles me to realize that there is a higher purpose behind my suffering and challenges, and that keeps me grounded and expectant.
A Misplaced Hope
There was a time when I placed my hope in the momentary pleasures of this world. I believed that my worth was tied to what I possessed—the money I had, the fame I chased, or the relationships that existed purely for validation. My hope was in a lifestyle that promised satisfaction but ultimately left me empty.
Hopelessness came when I fashioned my life around pleasing others, chasing approval rather than true fulfillment. It led to a deep void, an overwhelming emptiness that nothing I was doing (drugs, alcohol, and other worldly things) could ever fill. I was trapped in a cycle of depression and insecurity, not fully grasping the love of my Creator or the sacrifice He made to free me from a broken world.
Finding True Hope
For years, I struggled with feelings of inadequacy—believing I was less than, never good enough, never worthy of being enough. But that was before I encountered the one who created me and loves me in spite of me.
My hope now rests in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who came to me in my lowest moment—in a place of despair and desperation. It was in handcuffs that He reached out to me, and in that moment, I heard Him say: “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!” What followed was an unexplainable peace, a sense of freedom that washed over me.
Sitting in a jail cell, I surrendered my life to Him completely. And from that day forward, surrendering has become my daily practice, trusting in His guidance as He leads me into a life of peace and purpose. As I write this blog, I am reminded of His faithfulness—how He took me from a place of hopelessness and brought me into a life filled with meaning and hope.
A question for you to ask yourself is in whom, what, or where is your hope?
