Hope:

Hope can be defined as an optomistic attitude of mind based on the expectation of positive outcomes related to events and circumstances in one's life or the world at large.   As a verb, its definitions include "expect with confidence", and  "to cherish a desire with anticipation".  Opposites of hope are "dejection", "hopelessness", and "despair".

Hope is a major concept in most major world religions.  In Christianity hope is one of the theological virtues alongside faith and love.  The greatest hope in the Christian faith is that of eternal life.

The Catholic "Act of Hope"

            O my God, relying on your almighty power,

             infinite mercy and promises, I hope to obtain

             pardon of my sins, the help of your grace, and life

             everlasting through the merits of Jesus Christ, my

             Lord and Redeemer.

So, we have confidence that with God's help we can get to heaven.  We also have confidence that God is true to his word as found in the bible.  He will provide for us.  He will help us.  He is our rock and refuge.  

Martin Luther King Jr. states "Everything that is done in the world is done by hope."   When we attempt something, it is because we have a confident expectation that we can accomplish it.  If it were not so, we would never begin.

G.K. Chesterson says, "To love means loving the unlovable.  To forgive means pardoning the unpardonable.  Faith means believing the unbelievable.  Hope means hoping when everything is hopeless".   This is our challenge.

So, be a person of hope.  Confidently expect the favor of God in all you do.  Do not be afraid.  You have a God who loves you and longs to give you all good things.

God love you!