Lisa2014_1As the world turns, lives of many… have undergone complete change, not to mention employers (many downsizing), as well as our government that can’t seem to agree on much of anything over the past couple of years; yes… I am referring to medical plans, benefits and immigration problems. The lives of people we know, among those we don’t, have been through a variety of life’s curve balls; lost jobs, pay cuts (including lost benefits), thousands (more like millions) of foreclosed homes leaving so many homeless, have numerous people hanging on to hope.

Hope, Faith and Love are the three most important virtues in Christian theology, and to help others through love, we can give them hope. A past…long time comedian did just that, for our military years ago; Bob Hope. He brought them joy… laughter and hopes for a better future, making them believe that they could make it through anything. This man was undoubtedly one of the best comedians around, and I believe his last name was no coincidence… as he brought so much hope for so many others.

Lately, I’ve been clinging to much hope myself; for better health so I can get back to normal living. There are never any guarantees of the life we will have, but we must believe that being “hopeful” can offer more possibilities; bringing optimism in our life for a brighter future. Hopefulness is necessary for spiritual survival; being hopeful is searching for the positive in our lives, no matter what comes our way. It brings motivation, helps reduces stress, and can enable us to be more productive in our lives; thus making everything more manageable.

Hope is an essential part of our life, and it is a choice. It’s turning a pessimist into an optimistic person, allowing for more positive thoughts instead of the negative; which can easily lead one into depression and so on. I can speak about this because I have lived both sides, and am currently choosing to look on the brighter side of things to come. At times I comment “It is what it is” and just choose to go with the flow. If you cannot change it, then be hopeful. God knows I have shed enough tears to produce a river of my own, but where did it get me…  Nowhere, so I speak from experience. It’s as if you are driving down the road and suddenly someone cuts you off… do you scream and become so flustered you let it ruin your day? Or… choose to pull over for a moment and take a deep breath, being thankful no one was hurt?  Clearly one is a negative choice, while the other is positive; but no matter what … we can all choose to be hopeful. We need to be more hopeful as a nation, in our families and in our own lives. With so much turmoil in the world, we all need “HOPE”… in each and every one of our lives.

Make your week count.