STARTING BLOCK OF HOPE

We've all seen it in the news.  People are always dying – slowly, suddenly, individually, or as groups.  It’s horrifying.  But the media is obligated to inform us of the realities of the world around us.  Since we are constantly reminded of the pain in the world each day, we have no choice but to respond.

One person may say, “I choose not to respond.”  That’s one response, indeed.

Another person ignores it or claims that everything is out of their control, and then goes on to read about Tiger Woods’ every move or Paris Hilton’s cocaine incident.  Headline: Famous Person Makes Another Stupid Decision and Everyone Cares.

Or, one that I personally struggle with… Anger.  Rage at the injustices around the world and the way people treat the poor and crush them.  This is not merely negative, but fuels the cycle of hate.

But we read about hope as well.  Celebrations, inventions, discoveries, creativity and positive change that brings life and dignity to people.
 

We all know that this world has lots of brokenness and pain.  How do we respond?
   

Do we let our anger turn into pessimistic, bitter hate?  Or, do we catalyze it into a positive force that fights for justice and reconciliation?  Do we fail to realize our role in all of this, or can we think and pray until we find a step of hope to take?  Are we aware of the pain we see on the way to work or next door to us?  Do we make choices to go out of our way, even just a bit, to bring peace and reconciliation to the pain near us?  Are we aware that our personal gifts or skills may be able to bring hope and life to lots of people both near and far?

Are we satisfied with the news as an informant, or do we use it as a starting block for creative action that brings hope?
 

For those of us who follow Jesus, how are we responding to our world?  Do we realize that we've been entrusted with knowledge and abilities that we must faithfully steward?  Do we truly believe that the Holy Spirit of God can work through us despite our own brokenness and fear?  Do we realize the potential here?  Do we really follow Jesus’ example of bringing good news to the poor or do we just admire him like he's Shane Claiborne or our favorite professor?  Do we feel overwhelmed by the world’s pain and our responsibility, or do we bring it before the God of comfort who brings relief to places of pain and hope to places of despair?

These are questions I must keep asking myself when I become overwhelmed, afraid or pessimistic, which can happen easily as I work among the poor.  I hope we can all be asking these questions reflectively and prayerfully.