Lived Hope - How Do You Live Hope?

As we wrap up the Into the Deep writing series on Lived Hope, we pray that our writers have inspired your Easter season to live hope in your own life and to bear witness of this hope for others.

Over the past six weeks, our writers shared their personal stories of lived hope. We read about sharing hope with the stigmatized, finding hope as Jesus meets us along our journey in big and little ways, trusting hope for outcomes that remain unseen and unknown, experiencing hope in the ordinary moments of life as a parent, holding onto hope in following Jesus and boldly saying ‘yes’ to wherever God leads, and finally, strengthening hope by claiming we are all made in imago Dei.

Our writers deeply inspired me in this series. I learned something from each blog and was able to carry a little of their wisdom into my prayers for hope in my life. Many of you know that I am walking with my husband on a journey of cancer; therefore, hope is vital and yet can feel elusive. I didn’t realize it when we created this series, but I know now—the timing and the wisdom shared were providential.

In this series, Jean Heaton reminded me that hope multiplies through the witness of others. Beth Knobbe assured me that, in the messiness of life, hope begins. I prayed with Monique Jacobs’ words: “This is the Jubilee Year of Hope. Seize the grace offered. There is a way forward for each of us, beyond personal righteousness and justice. Hope is a work in progress, so is sanctity.” Such sheer wisdom in these words. Stephanie Clouatre Davis inspired me to look for Jesus in the ordinary moments—grocery shopping, washing dishes, driving around town. Jesus is there. This brings me deep comfort, especially when I feel like I’m “walking through a fog.” Mary Ann Gessner’s words were like God standing in front of me and speaking to me, telling me to let go of all the “not enoughs”—not good enough, not young enough, not smart enough. Through Mary Ann, God reminded me that I am enough. And then, Lori Stanley underscored that message with the simple truth that I am imago Dei.

How about you, readers? Which reflections and words inspired your walk through our Lived Hope series? I encourage you to take some time this week to reflect on these profound blogs and ask God to show you what God wants to say to you through our writers.

I also invite you to inspire us with your stories of lived hope. How do you live with hope? Who is a witness of hope for you? In what ways have you witnessed hope for others? Please share your stories and reflections in our comment section. As always, we will hold what you share in our hearts and in our prayers.

Going Deeper:

• As we conclude our Lived Hope series, take a moment to reflect on the words and stories that have shaped your journey.

• Which reflections spoke to your heart? How has hope revealed itself in your life?

• We invite you to share your own stories of lived hope—whether through personal experiences, witnessing hope in others, or offering hope to those around you.

Photo by Kim Scott

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Kim Scott

Kim joined the Ignatian Ministries team in September of 2024. Kim has enjoyed a 20-year career as a Human Resources executive. As she transitioned into mid-life, her desire for finding a deeper meaning and purpose for her life led her to the grace of adoption and then to begin a new career in church ministry. For almost 20 years, Kim walked with countless souls as a spiritual mentor, helping others discover their inner life and unique meaning and purpose. Kim describes her life’s purpose as being a force and a voice for hope and healing. She lives in Henderson, NV with Gary, her husband of 30+ years and Kiara, their young adult daughter.