Hope for Christmas
Hope for Christmas
No, the word ‘hope’ in the title of this piece isn’t a typo. But it is closely tied to the word we usually associate with the phrase. Christmas is all about hope. Hope that loved ones will be home for Christmas. Hope that everyone will get along and it will be the joyous season we all so want. Hope that next year will be a better year for us. That our relationships will be smoother. That more peace will be in the world. That we’ll find someone to love and who will love us, if such a someone is lacking in our lives.
It’s been my privilege this year as in years past, to be associated with folks who seek to provide hope for others. A service club I belong to has helped a shelter for abused women called Hope House. When her situation becomes intolerable enough, a woman can go to Hope House, with her children if she has them. She can stay, receive counseling and help to get on her feet in order to set up a life free of abuse.
We also helped another organization, not associated with the first, but also called Hope House, which helps girls and women with problem pregnancies. This Hope House provides a safe haven, away from abuse and pressure, for girls and women to stay, have their babies, and train to care for and support the child. Or if it seems best, allow their baby to be adopted by loving parents who long for a child.
The word ‘hope’ in my area seems to be a favorite one for names of helping organizations. We also have Hope Haven, which began as a place to help restore homeless men to productive lives. Over the years it has grown and now has facilities for women and children also.
Did you know there are whole familes who are homeless? Or how many live on the edge because they are only one paycheck away from homelessness? Yes, sometimes, maybe often, it is caused by personal irresponsibility, lack of wisdom in use of credit. But consider this. Many of us, even with insurance, could be devastated by a catastrophic illness. What about someone who works at a minimum wage job with no insurance? Medicaid, community organizations help, but often the family still drowns in debt. And many times, I know this from the personal experience of a family member, recipients of this aid are made to feel ashamed, unworthy. How can they find hope?
In this season when all, or at least most of us, seek peace and good will, let us not forget to sprinkle hope in with our giving to others less fortunate. A friendly smile, a handshake can make someone feel like a worthwhile person, one who is deserving of our largesse. And hope that someday they, too, will be able to give to someone else.
©2006 Sylvia Nickels
