ENDURING HOPE

Since we have such a hope, we act with great boldness. 2 Corinthians 3:12 

Against all odds the tiny but mighty Verdins boldly build their nests among the imposing spines of the Argentine Toothpick Cactus! It is quite an acrobatic feat to watch as they flit in and out at top speed navigating the long, deadly spikes of this giant cactus as they cheerily “chip, chip, chip” all along the way. That nest is an image of resilience, strength, will, and courage!  

This amazing accomplishment of the Verdins gives me hope thinking of the imposing challenges we face in the church and in the world. Yet we have a small but mighty thing called hope to arm us with the resilience and courage we need to act with great boldness sharing a nest of peace, love, and mercy in a harsh world that often offers the opposite. We can also be encouraged by the Apostle Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthians who struggled mightily and faced many challenges. With faith the size of a mustard seed, we can move mountains together. With the hope we have in the risen Christ and our community of faith, we have all we need to face the challenges and build a future for the church together. Hope never gives up. And if you feel short on hope these days, I hope to inspire you sharing Emily Dickinson’s bold poem: 

“HOPE” IS THE THING WITH FEATHERS BY EMILY DICKINSON “Hope” is the thing with feathers -That perches in the soul -And sings the tune without the words -And never stops - at all -And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -And sore must be the storm -That could abash the little Bird

That kept so many warm - I’ve heard it in the chillest land -And on the strangest Sea -Yet - never - in Extremity, It asked a crumb - of me. 

Hang onto hope, Pastor Andrea