b'SERMONWe Still Need HopeBy Hosea Cannon Jr. Hope puts the hurt and pain into perspective Askwhatpositiveactionsyoucantake.Once and reminds us that things are forever changing.you understand the power you have in life, its When we are at our lowest point, it is hope thattime to ask how you might influence things in a T he year 2020 was quite a year: a global pandem- lifts our head and shows uspositive way. Look for opportu-ic, economic recession, unemployment, politicala path back toward some- nities to take an action which division,culturalupheaval,racialtension,recordthing good. increasesthelikelihoodofa wildfires, floods, and Derechos. On top of all this,2. Hope shows us how to act. positive outcome occurring.some have relapsed, and many are struggling withConnectwithpeoplewho depression,grief,fear,andhopelessness.WecanWhen we have hope, wehavefacedsimilarcircum-even dwindle to a state of hopelessness. My friends,aremorelikelytoseethestances.we need hope.opportunitiesthatcome ourway.WhenwehaveWhateveryouaregoing What Is Hope? hope, we are more likely tothroughrightnowthathas Hope is an optimistic state of mind that is basedchoose a path that leads toleft you lacking in hope, know on an expectation of positive outcomes with respectsomethingpositive.Whenthat plenty of other people have to events and circumstances in one\'s life or the worldwe have hope, we are morebeen there too. Try to find and at large. As a verb, its definitions include: "expectlikely to act in a way thatconnecttothesepeopleand with confidence" and "to cherish a desire with antici- promotesapeacefulandallowthemtobothsupport pation." joyful life. you and guide you. This might Hope is being able to see that there is light despite3. Hope is a motivator. mean following personal blogs, all of the darkness. Hope is closely related to trust.Hope is a source of ener- finding online forums, or going When you have hope, you are placing your trust ingy. It helps us to see some- to meetings in real life.the potential for something positive to happen. Youthing better up ahead andSpeaktoaprofessional.A are trusting that taking the right actions will make ato put one foot in front ofprofessionalhastheexpertise positive outcome more likely than taking the wrongthe other to move forward. Hosea Cannon Jr. and experience to help you tack-actions. When we feel hopeful forletheveryspecificthoughts, When you hope for a better future, you are placingthe future, we wake up infeelings, and challenges in your trust in yourself to make good choices in life. Whenthe morning ready to embrace the day. life. They will be able to provide you with specific you trust someone, you hope that they will act in atools that you can use to change how you think way that embodies that trust. 4. Hope encourages self-belief. and find hope once more.When you jump out of an airplane, you hope youHope not only helps you to believe that some-Work on your self-esteem and self-worth. People land safely, and you trust in your parachute. Thethingbetteriscoming,itgivesyouthebeliefoftenfeeldespondentandwithouthopewhen very act of carrying on and living your life is, by itself,thatyouarethepersonwhocanmakethatthey look in the mirror and dont truly like the a display of hope. It is the trust you have that whensomething better come true. When all we do isperson they see staring back at them. Part of the you go to bed at night, you will wake up to a new daydesire something to happen, we do not empowerprocess of bringing hope back into your life is that is filled with possibility. ourselves to try to make it happen. growing to like who you are and seeing the value We need Hope. 5. Hope combats negative thoughts. you have as a person.There are several reasons. It is difficult to have negative thoughts and be Dontexpectanswerstoallofthequestions.hopeful at the same time. Hope allows us to seeRemember that hope is a show of trust in the 1. Hope heals. light at the end of the tunnel and this light actslikelihood of a positive outcome. If you struggle We all face difficult times and we all get hurt.as a challenge to any unwanted thoughts. Hopeto find hope because you dont know how every-Itsinevitable.Buthopehelpsustoseethatis the opposite of despair. thingwillturnout,oreventhestepsyoure there are many positive possibilities ahead of us. 6. Hope is contagious. required to take, dont worry. You cant know the Peoplewanttofeelhopeful.Theywanttoanswers to all of the questions. You just have to believeto trustthat the future is bright. Hopetrust that things will happen and that something spreads quickly. When the possibility of a bettergood will come of it.future is put forward, people are ready to listen Be a source of hope for others.When you dont Every action you take hasand believe. know where to find hope, look for it in those who need your help. Even when you are struggling, an effect on things. EveryBut How Do Find Hope? you have the power to bring hope to other people Hope is important, what are some of the ways thatby giving your time and energy to their needs. ThismightmeanhelpingoutatCHURCH,a action pushes you toward awe can find it. communityorganizationorperformingactsofRecognize your power. Every action you take haskindnessandgenerositytofriends,neighbors, particular outcome. This isaneffectonthings.Everyactionpushesyouor strangers.toward a particular outcome. This is your power. It is up to you to use this power in a way that is your power.beneficial to your life. Learn to recognize causeAnd finally, let the God of hope fill you with all joy and effect in your life and be aware of the deci- and peace in believing that you may abound in hope, sions you are making. Romans 15:13.BODY OF CHRIST NEWS FEBRUARY 2021 11'