When first I heard about this topic for a short essay, it intrigued me greatly:
The opportunity to write about something that I am passionate about is a great gift, and possible subjects whirled instantly through my mind…the farmland my family still holds, NMSU Aggie Basketball, good coffee, chocolate, the desire to succeed, capitalism, responsibility to one’s community, etc, etc, etc. All worthy subjects, but none struck me as my true passion.
I filed the topic in the back of my mind to let it churn and develop on its own, without conscious interference from me. Passion is described as a powerful feeling or emotion equivalent to love or hate. None of the previous thoughts qualified under that definition!
Yesterday, I was fortunate to hear a man speak of his recent experiences in a small village in Liberia, West Africa. His message was that of Hope. Hope that springs from deep within, nurtured with care and shared with others. While I listened to his account of the incredible, unfathomable hardships endured by the people of this village and how Hope allowed them to not only survive a 14-year civil war, but to thrive as human beings, the realization that Hope itself is truly what I am passionate about began to dawn on me. Hope.
I rely on Hope. It is something that has gotten me through the darkest of times. It accompanies me wherever I go, sometimes beneath the surface, yet strengthening me always. It makes me feel good when I get to give a little of mine to someone who needs a boost. Hope grows stronger and is more powerful when shared with others. It gets abused and tossed around carelessly in ad campaigns, politics and other ways…yet it does not lose its strength. It persists. Hope is more powerful than any individual, calamity or nightmare – real or imagined.
Hope is ingrained in the human spirit. Perhaps it is in all conscious beings, as without it, life itself does not seem possible. Without Hope, we cannot endure even the smallest of all difficulties; we cannot begin to seek solutions or dream of greater things. A sports team cannot strive for a championship, a child cannot wish for a puppy or to grow towards the next mark on the kitchen wall. It provides delight, enhances the spirit, strengthens character and sparks, creativity and progress.
Last year, seeing the need for Hope in this time of economic challenge, I urged other professionals in this industry to focus on helping people in their own communities. Even though there weren’t any responses on the website created for people to share what they are doing, the belief that my colleagues are doing just that puts a smile on my face and a good feeling in my soul. Homes4Hope was created, not with the thought that it was anything other than a place for people to tell of their good deeds, share the good feeling and inspire others with their ideas and thoughts.
Hope. That, Dear Diary, is what I am passionate about. Something we all carry within us, depend on and by sharing, it is stronger and more useful for everyone. Alone, it is the last knot at the end of the rope…coupled with other qualities, it is a springboard to rejoice over.
Here's to Hope - let it flourish with our collective passion.
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