Driving toward Texas, I passed by an exit for Hope, AR. With a necklace that says Faith and a bracelet that says Love, both parting gifts from friends, of course it struck me as valid to take a photo of the sign that says Hope.
On arrival, the spot didn’t exactly inspire hope… actually, the welcome and information center was closed, chained, padlocked, and boarded up. Thanks for visiting, Hope is closed until further notice.
I thought about a blog article: what should be one’s response upon finding hope closed for the season, or indefinitely? A smart person literate in scripture and faith should have an answer, but a compassionate person should add plenty of grace before daring to offer it. After several weeks in Texas, I nearly forgot that I had been considering the question.
After being informed for the third time that I’ve not been selected for a full time job among Deaf folks in a ministry out west, I can’t really think of a suitable answer. Funny thing how your own advice can seem so hollow and trite when you’re in a position to apply it to a current circumstance.
Please understand, I am far from hopeless… Highly discouraged and frustrated, but not hopeless – mostly because I’ve seen what God’s done before on my behalf, and I still expect that He’ll do it again…as soon as He’s stretched my faith, patience, and empathy as far as He sees fit. Or, as soon as He’s aligned all other factors. Or, as soon as whatever angels and principalities may be battling over the answer finally settle up. Preferably before my vehicle registration runs out in a few weeks, but certainly not “too late” on His calendar.
Until then, “my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness” (and that’s not small!).