Defend Your Hope

I research, think about and write about hope. 

"Defend your hope,"  became an accidental mantra whispered among friends when hope is fleeting.  

Do you struggle mightily to keep hope? You're not alone. 

You won't be surprised to hear this, even hope is a divisive concept.  

Some people see it as being overly future focused, taking us away from the present moment, or downright delusional.

I see it as soul food. I see hope as revolutionary, even defiant, requiring getting your hands dirty type of courage.

Loads of people think hope is a lie we tell ourselves, even I questioned whether hope is real.

Times are cynical, but here's where I landed on the realness of hope:

Hope happens within us, and we can make more.

We can actively create it.

Creators of hope require courage, it's not for the faint of heart.

Hope sees the brutal truth of the now, and also sees the promise of a better world.

The presence of hope is evidence we've known joy and grace. Seeking those virtues is a worthy cause.

Hope is not misplaced focus on the future. 

Hope doesn't mean you're giving up the present. Hope is manifestation of the present. Hope inspires action and love. 

Survival is dependent on hope, we need it to evolve, renew.

Defend your hope.