When Everything Goes Wrong
Picture a typical day:
The alarm failed to go off. When I did wake up and jump out of bed, my foot hit the warm, fresh pile of puppy poop next to the bed. Scrambling to get the kids on the bus, I left them alone in the kitchen eating breakfast so I could dress. When I returned, an entire bowl of cereal and milk covered the floor. The kids were entertaining themselves sliding in it. Of course, we missed the bus after cleaning up and re-dressing. So, I had to drive both of them to school. I arrived at work a full hour late. – If you’re having trouble finding hope in this scenario, you’re not alone.
Have you ever had “one of those days?”
When Hope is Lost
When the construction truck came across the center line, headed for our car, the only thing I could think of was my two little boys in the back seat.
I will never regret that split second of action to protect those beautiful children.
The next three years were a blur of medical appointments, tests, devastating results, and an inability to function normally. Also, we could barely pay the bills and the dream to own my own business shattered.
I began to think about how much better off my family would be without me.
Has your life ever seemed hopeless?
How do we get beyond despair?
Finding Hope
The doctors had indeed given up hope on me. Their best suggestion was to send me to Sister Kinney Institute ‘to learn how to live like this.’
Those were and are today, the most hurtful words I’ve ever heard. Any glimmer of hope was destroyed in my heart the day a highly respected doctor spoke those words.
I believe God spoke to me and urged me to call my neighbor, Lois Zimmer, that day. She had recently lost her husband in a tragic plane crash, causing her perfect world to come crashing down around her. When I finally decided to end it all, my hand reached for the phone to call Lois instead. (If you haven’t already, be sure to read my story A Grandfather’s Hope: The “I Can”)
Lois and I cried, prayed, and talked for the remainder of the day. We found strength in each other, in our faith, and in the children we were willing to die to protect.
Where Do You Turn? Finding Hope
“When life turns sour, and I can’t locate the energy to go on, I turn to my God and my Faith.” ~ Arlena, Iowa
“I remember one of my mother’s favorite Bible verses: Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” ~Barbara, Colorado
“I find my hope and inspiration in the miracles of the world which surround me each and every day.” ~ Betty, Minnesota
“When everything goes wrong, and it doesn’t seem like there’s any way out of the abyss, I look into the shining eyes of my child and know I have a purpose.” ~ Tanya, British Isles
“All I have to do is walk through my factory and see the faces of the people who share my success and dream.” ~ Gordon, New York
“I find hope in the face of every child our agency has helped achieve a better life.” Unnamed Social Worker
For a collection of scripture on finding hope, click here
The Heart of This Discussion
You are at the very center of this debate. If you’ve read this far, your doubts and fears must be weighing heavily on your heart today.
I assure you, I am not any Super Hero, but my love for my children and my faith have been cornerstones of my life for as long as I can remember. My inspiration to fight my way back to life came from the heart of my grandfather and others in my life who were the embodiment of strength and courage under tremendous odds.
It’s time for you to take a long and hard look at the things that matter most to you. Those are the tools you can employ to find strength in your endeavor of finding hope in times of despair.
Finding Hope in a Chaotic World
I look back on the days when I’d lost all hope, and I realize my faith and love for my children kept me going each and every day.
The doctors gave up hope.
My husband, the father of my children, lost all faith in me.
In addition, my employer pulled his offer to sell me the business.
I went to bed hungry because there wasn’t enough food to feed all of us.
In the end, we lost the equity in our home.
Eventually, my marriage ended.
Through it all, I was able to hold onto the faith that was such an important part of my childhood and my life. I found courage in the laughter of two small children. I found hope when I thought all hope evaporated at the moment of impact.
No, I wouldn’t change any of it. It’s a huge part of who I am today, and I believe I’m where I need to be today.
Use the comments below and share whatever gives you hope in this life.
