Hope Works: the journey to transformation

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

--Romans 5:3 - 5

I have a strong affection for dragonflies. The semblance of one dangles from my key ring; another is pressed into the blue glass ornament that hangs in my kitchen window, while others are imprinted on my porch cushions. Seeing dragonflies flutter about my flower gardens is a feast for my eyes. So what gave birth to this insect attraction?

Don't Be Afraid of the Rain

In the shadow of your wings I will take refuge,

till the storms of destruction pass by.

—Psalm 57:1b

The Weather Channel reports severe weather along the east coast.

Severe thunderstorm warnings scrolled across my TV screen. Meteorologists pointed out the makings of tornadoes. They directed viewers to the safest places to ride out the storms. My church canceled its regular Wednesday night activities.

I called my daughter Emma to make sure she was safe. She answered on speaker phone, and I could hear my two-year-old granddaughter Layla in the background, “It’s storming, Grandma.”

“Yes, it is.”

“Grandma, you’re driving your car?”

“No, I’m home.”

She must not have heard me.

Hope Blossoms

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.   And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

—Romans 5:1-5 

I glanced over as I always do when I pass by—at the driveway lined with gorgeous cherry trees. This time I did a double take. What was that? What did that sign say? It looked like “Free Cherry Trees.” 

But I couldn’t go back. I would be late. I’ll check the next time I drive by. 

As I approached the home later in the week, I lifted my foot from the accelerator and zoomed in. Surely that’s what it said. “Free Cherry Trees.” 

How could I pass up an offer like that? I remembered the breath-taking beauty of the trees in bloom. 

I want them! I’ll take them!  

Naked and Afraid

Disclaimer: The following reference to Discovery Channel’s TV series “Naked and Afraid” in no way  indicates my endorsement of the program but is used for comparison purposes only.

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."—1 Peter 4:12-13

Remember the peacock from my previous post…standing in front of the glass door, gazing at his reflection, his beautiful four-foot-long plumage gone.  Does he feel naked without that gorgeous train that was once a part of him—his identity even?  I mean, what’s a peacock without a fan of blue-green feathers, each marked with that distinguishing feature, the all-too-familiar eye.  Without it, does he feel afraid—naked and afraid?

The truth is that all mature peacocks shed their tail feathers every year in late summer.  The shedding process is called molting.  If it happens every year, then the peacock shouldn’t be surprised, right?  Doesn’t he know this isn’t something strange happening to him—that his feathers will grow again and he will be beautiful in time?