What is a Heart for Hope?
What does a Heart for Hope look like? The first thing that comes to mind is my mother and father. As I reflect on their lives and choices, three aspects of a Heart for Hope come to mind.
1. A Compulsion to GO
When my parents decided to follow God in their 20’s, their instinct was to become missionaries in China. World events at the time ruined their plans. However, that desire to go where needed most teaches us a valuable lesson. Our actions reveal our character.
Our society is full of critical phrases for this truth. Hypocrite. Talk the talk but don’t walk the walk. Practice what you preach.
Whether we like it or not, that act of examining one’s actions is an easy way to determine values, desires, shortcomings, sins, triumphs, etc. A Heart for Hope is known through their actions. Where do they spend their time? Can you see their passion?
17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Matthew 17:17-20
2. An Anchor in Chaos
Many times, our home became the sanctuary for someone in need. A member of our church fell deep into addiction, their life and family at risk. They came to my parents. After a few nights with us, my mother and father drove us to the City of Hope (now called The Foundry) and enrolled them in the program.
Our world is full of boats adrift. We are desperately lacking in anchors.
My parents cannot say no. When there is a need, they will meet it. I cannot tell you the number of tragedies my father has had to endure with others—sudden deaths, suicides, illness, divorce, heartbreak, and pain, to name a few. For those people, he was an anchor.
I have to ask myself a question. Am I an anchor for those in need through the chaos of life?
10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrews 16:10
3. A Heart for Others
A Heart for Hope is someone who prays and thinks of others. My mother is not an emotionally fragile person. I cannot ever remember her crying over something I would consider silly or insignificant. She did cry, though—a lot.
Her heart for others was so deep that she would share their pain. And she wouldn’t shy away from sharing that pain.
Our lives are full of reasons to isolate ourselves from others. What would it take for us to give our thoughts and prayers away?
I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. Luke 16:9
Our Hearts of Hope event is a gathering of people like my parents. Full of love and hope for those suffering from addiction, they can’t help but be there for them. They HAVE to take action.
Be an anchor to women in need. Let your actions prove your heart.
On March 2nd, we will gather together at our Hearts of Hope Event and speak with one voice. “Addiction cannot have these beautiful lives.”
To learn more and support our Hearts of Hope event, please visit www.foundryministries.com/hoh
