Last night at Pursuit, where the crew and I go on Wednesday nights for worship and fellowship, we listened to the message given by our friend and pastor. He talked about light in the darkness and being that for others. But the one thing that stood out to me and that I’ve carried in my heart today was when he {perhaps accidentally} “verbed” a noun.
He was talking about holding onto memories and moments and how they can give us hope–only he started to say, “That hopes me–that brings me hope.”
I am not sure if he meant to use hope that way, but I have to tell you, I’m glad he did.
I know I’m going to give away my rapidly increasing age with this, but today as I pondered over hope as a verb, I recalled the SNL skit from my college days with Dana Carvey and Kevin Nealon as Hans and Franz. (Funny I don’t remember watching SNL much, but I remember those two vividly.) They would introduce their characters and say in unison, “We are here to pump {clap} you up!” In each skit they’d share that this is what they were called to do. It would seem that this was their sole focus in life. Pumping others up.
In reflecting on the words from last night, I’ve thought about how we are called to be light in the darkness. There has been so much blasted darkness that has crept in and wrapped itself around people whom I care about and our world in general–it has weighed heavily on my heart these past few weeks or so. In the midst of what our friends and family and even strangers in the checkout line at the Kroblixmart are going through–most of which WE HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT–we are called to hope others up. (You can even add the clap for nostalgia if you’d like.) In much the same way as Hans and Franz did, we need to make it a focus of our lives–to encourage and listen and stand close with those who feel like they are drowning in the darkness. They don’t owe us the story of all their pain and turmoil–just jump in there and care anyway. They’ll tell us when and if they’re ready. In the meantime, hold fast with grace and love and prayer and the power of a gentle touch in the midst of hurt, doubt, pain, sorrow and the jarring, harsh crushing of one’s dreams.
I’m so thankful for the words I heard last night, whether they were intentional or not. As the hours of light grow fewer and the shadows grow longer, I fervently pray that in the coming days I can hope up those I walk alongside and share their load. Perhaps we all can do that. Fervently, urgently, fiercely surrounding those in pain with love and grace and hope–hope that gives the strength to see folks through to tomorrow.
And if when life catches us off guard and sends us spiraling, may we all find the strength to find someone close by, grab tight to their hand, and say–even if only a whisper, “Please. Hope me up.”
I am reminded of this truth I heard years ago–“Hurting people hurt people.” I like this new twist to show the beauty and power of our new verb–
Hopeful people hope people.
May we all make tomorrow a day of hope. Finding it, giving it, doing it.
Hope me up, y’all.
Love to all.
*****thanks, TH. For your words and for the inspiration.
I Might Need A Nap 
Thank you, Tara. New day, new reason for hope.
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Thank you so much for reading and for always encouraging me. A new day indeed–let us be glad in it!
I am crying right now…What a lovely and inspired insight! (AND I just discovered this “well kept secret” of a blog!!!!) Many and rich blessings as you continue to bare and share your heart with the world around you–It’s making a difference for good 🤗
Thank you for your kind words and for reading. Your light shines brightly through all you do and through your sweet daughter.
I am new here and, my goodness, am I glad I didn’t miss this!!! I am a nurse and I realized ONLY as I read your words that my very favorite part of being a nurse is “HOPING people.” Early in my 40 year career, it used to hurt so much to feel so helpless in helping people feel better or to be cured. Over time, I believe God compelled me to change my focus, change what you can and what I could change was to bring HOPE. I have been with many patients who suffered so much with pain, fear, isolation and anger and shared many last minutes here on earth. Because I can offer HOPE, I don’t feel helpless. Reading your blog tonight, I got to experience a God wink. Thank you for what you do!
Shannon, I am so thankful you are here! Nurses are some of my favorite people. In the journey through both of my parents’ health issues and working for Hospice years before that, I’ve come to appreciate those who give their energy, minds, hearts, and compassion to helping and caring for not only the patients but their whole family/support system so much more than I ever did before. You are a gift in this world. Thank you for sharing your heart. I’m so glad that these words were a God wink for you–and I appreciate you taking time to read them. I needed to hear what you’ve shared here, so thank you for being a part of that God wink for me. Best wishes until we visit again! –Tara