Hopeful People Eye The Bigger Picture + Go Through

Last week I began this series on Hope. I wrote about the difference between true and false Hope. True Hope is eyes-wide-open-hope. Being honest about what is before us, so that we can make a plan. It tells us we have the power to endure whatever comes our way.

I will be straight with you; reading the harrowing stories about the front lines in New York Hospitals makes me wonder where there is Hope? I'm concerned about my brother, his wife, and my niece and nephew who live in the heart of NYC, and my sister and her family are just over the Hudson in New Jersey. Reading about the possibility of rationing care to treat only those who have the best chance of recovery is really scary when you love people with chronic illness. I've found myself wondering what the heck I'm doing writing about Hope. Even so, I'm determined to continue this series. Because despite it all, there is Hope to be found.

I can tell you this because I have lived it. I have lived in the foggy unknown and found Hope there. So I know that we, as families, communities and as a country, can find it too.

This week my message is that hopeful people look at the bigger picture, and hopeful people go through.

They make small adjustments in their lives to work towards a broader vision. There are two places we need to be looking in. One is in our homes and families. What does the big picture of Hope look like there? The other is much larger - what does Hope look like for our communities, country, the world - our humanity?

Right now, in my house, a big picture hope for me looks like keeping my kids safe, preserving our jobs, and finding ways to lead and grow through this experience. This looks like making adjustments that we don't necessarily want to make and being creative in the process. We are asking ourselves how we can contribute and be helpers and healers? How can we help our kids grow? How can we comfort them as they too are feeling anxious and missing friends? I want to come out of this better than I entered it. I want to expand my thinking and my heart. I know it will be and is very uncomfortable, but my life tells me (and you) that's where the growth and transformation happens.

Holding on to Hope has asked me to readjust my expectations many times before. Erik and I are having tactical conversations about work from home schedules and what we will do if one of us got sick. Even, where will we find the chicken strips all our kids agree to eat (since it appears people are hoarding chicken)...I know...but these are the things...We are talking about what we can readjust, make work, and do without if needed. I bet you are having similar conversations in your home.

This is also an opportunity to look at the bigger picture of our country, our world, and our humanity. This virus shows us literally how we are all connected. It's inviting us to come together in ways we did not expect just a few short weeks ago. It has forced us to think of us as a human race. It's asking us to care for the vulnerable and showing us we are all vulnerable. I can't help but think that this is not just a physical virus, but a spiritual one as well. We prioritize so many things that do not matter. We make gods out of prestige, power, position and our political leanings. We are being asked, I believe, to make a cultural shift. I love this video on Oprah's Instagram, sharing the same sentiment.

We can learn to love this space. Hope in the unknown. Pivoting to the next thing. Reworking what we've got. But to do this, we have to be relentless in our pursuit of growth. We need to lock arms with our people (both physically and virtually). It takes people like you and me who are willing to make this work. To rise to the occasion - which sometimes means significant changes and sometimes just shifting our thinking in one moment. It means we need flexible minds and hearts.

And the only way is through. I know you've heard that before, probably even said it yourself. I'd like to add, the only way is through the discomfort. No one wants to listen to that, but that is my experience. Like the crushing of grapes to make wine, or the squeezing of lemons to make lemonade and the pressure involved in the creation of diamonds. The only way is through. Here's the silver lining, you collect so much wisdom as you are going through and you become lighter, brighter, and wiser in the process. IF you choose to grow through it.

Let me add here that many days this looks like me opening my hands in prayer and meditation and saying - use me and show me. A simple prayer that reminds me there is always something bigger at work.

I believe we can do this. We can be hopeful in the unknown. But it will take people like you and me to lead the way. Will you join me? Will you hold the lantern of Hope in the discomfort? Will you show up for your families, your communities, and your world? Will you be willing to change your mind and readjust your hearts?

The best part of it all is we are all in this together. We are all struggling with very similar things right now. Let's not waste this time and experience. While we cannot see entirely clearly, that doesn't mean we aren't being guided. I encourage you to take some time for quiet meditation and prayer this week. Pay attention to what ideas and thoughts come your way. Write them down. Sit with them.

Don't lose Hope. Be bold. Take action that makes sense. Don't be afraid of making adjustments and sacrifices that seem hard. There is so much potential for growth during this time. Let's get to work. I believe in you. And I believe in us.

Stay safe and healthy,

This is a beautiful video. The last frame as the word HOPE lit up!

We're allowed to scream, we're allowed to cry, but we ARE NOT allowed to give up... We will Rise Up!