Emily Dickinson wrote, “hope is a thing with feathers.” A thing with feathers. I like that analogy. I think of feathers and hope. Our hopes are in a continuous cycle of flight and renewal. They can be lifted and carried on the smallest of dreams or dashed by the winds flying from the mouths and bodies of others. Hopes can transport us from here to there (wherever there may be).
I also consider the feather. A feather has one main vein running through it with many wispy offshoots. The feather sheds moisture, picks up air, offers protection, and when working together, makes flight possible.
And, so our hopes are quite similar. We may develop one hope that spans out toward others. That one hope may serve as the bloodline or source of strength to other hopes that follow along. Our hopes can be strong and resilient to the elements. They can offer safety and strength of mind and spirit. And, yes, when we put our hopes together, why they become stronger and able to endure so much more from outside sources. Hope can give flight to our dreams and goals in life.
I wonder about the poor soul whose hopes have been plucked. Sometimes this is visible through the eyes and actions of a person. I wonder at our ability to help or hinder the rebirth of hope.
I’d like to believe that more often than not, that I spread hope, encourage hope, and bolster it up. We can do this through our words and our actions. At times, even a simple smile or just the presence of a friend can reignite the spark of hope.
Jesus said that we could move mountains if we just had the faith the size of a mustard seed. I believe that faith and hope are interchangeable. So, think about this. What mountains in life have you moved that began with just a tiny bit of hope?
Well, then, go move some mountains.
