Which Would You Rather Have: Hope or Hopelessness?
Power or Powerlessness?
As I reported in last week’s blog, the definition of spirituality that comes from Dr. Brené Brown’s research is this:
“Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion. Practicing spirituality brings a sense of perspective, meaning, and purpose to our lives.” (p. 64, “The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are.”)
This definition rings true for me and the ways in which I have experienced life’s events. Here is how I would say it: We are interconnected to each other by a force that is Mystery. We live in an intricately beautiful web whose strands are Love, Compassion, and Mercy. When we create something beautiful with those strands for ourselves and others and for that Mystery, we are filled with joy and peace, and we can pursue purpose and hope.
What happens to all that beauty when we’re spiritually abused? Spiritual abuse causes that lovely design to warp and fray, and to lose sight of the joy, peace, purpose, and hope. Dr. Brown learned from her research that HOPE is not an emotion. Instead, HOPE “is a combination of setting goals, having the tenacity and perseverance to pursue them, and believing in our own abilities.” Hope is learned! Hope is a conscious choice! And hope contains a “tolerance for disappointment, determination, and belief in self.” (p. 66)
Do you want to re-invigorate hope from within your heart? Dr. Brown says that the way to do that is to practice it. Set goals and dig deep to find your own perseverance and determination. Believe in yourself! Beyond whatever external events have cast us down. We can find the power that is greater than we are and draw strength from that Mystery. We can use that strength to effect change – change within our own self where our wound is, and change between and among the community in which we live.
The opposite of that would be to give up and let the woundedness rule the day. But that route is unspeakably dangerous because it leads to powerlessness and hopelessness. Who wants that? I don’t!
For those of you who have been reading my blog for several months know that when I capitalize the word “Mystery” mentioned above, you will know that I’m talking about God. The God who is Love. The God who gives us His Spirit with gifts. The God who heals. The God who renews faith and love and hope.
Here are some Scriptures that can help us renew our frame of mind so that faith, hope, and love can blossom again. I invite you to choose one to keep in your heart and mind today, this week, this month. Yes, I invite you to memorize it and practice saying it to yourself.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”. Rom 15:13
“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 a future and a hope”. Jer 29:11
“...we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope”. Rom 5:3-5
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”. Isaiah 40:31
“...He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”. I Peter 1:3
I think it is so cool that “secular” scientific research turns out to be a powerful witness to the God who weaves us together inextricably and offers a groundedness steeped in love and compassion, and who wells up from within us, giving meaning and purpose in life.
I invite you, from your creative heart, to find a way to practice hope and love and compassion. With God’s help, of course.