By Laura Valentine

Psalm 25:5
“Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”

The year 2020 will likely go down in world history as one of the worst for many. From a world wide pandemic that continues to wreak havoc, to the killing of multiple unarmed black people, murder hornets, and the deaths of multiple influential people, this year is quite literally: THE WORST. 

My 2020 hasn’t been so different. Multiple losses and personal tragedies, some of which I’ve shared with friends, family, and social media. Others, I’ve kept close to me- only letting a small circle of minds in on the events. Still, I know those who have suffered far worse than me. 

These past 349 days have been hard. Hope has been a thing in short supply. Even when “good things” have happened this year, the overwhelming weight of current times has had me feeling sadness, anger, confusion, and anxiety regularly. Admittedly, I have turned to prayer less and less as the days have crept by. 

Despite it all, I’ve kept going. It’s nothing special about me. It’s a human thing really. God designed us to keep pushing forward even in the lowliest of circumstances. To grab ahold of the tiniest glimmer of hope we can find and hold on for dear life. For me it’s been the sweet smiles and laughter of my daughter, the afternoon walks with my dogs, the caring (and delicious) breakfasts prepared by my husband; Music, running, and late night trips for ice cream. These are the things that have carried me through this year. For me, these are the things that make up Hope. 

Dear God, Be with us each day, in everything we do. Guide us through the dark and troubled times. Lead us in your ways to joy and gladness. Reveal  the Hope you’ve placed in our lives’. Amen.