What is hope? Anja Ringgren Loven, an aid worker from Denmark would know more about hope than anybody else.
Few months back, Anja rescued a dying and naked child that was abandoned by his family. Photos of Anja feeding the emancipated child went viral. Subsequently, Anja adopted and nursed the child back to health. She gave him the name Hope . Below is a picture of Anja with Hope a few months later.
According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, hope is defined as a belief that something you want will happen, something that you wish for, or a person, thing or situation that will help you get what you want.
That to me is a highly inadequate definition which is more academic than anything else. For what is life without hope; hope is that fibre of life in us that keeps us alive and strengthened our zest for life. As human beings, we hoped against hope that things will work out, the worst is finally over and that tomorrow will be better.
As the above story beautifully illustrates, a human being can give hope to another. There are limitless ways one can give hope to others. Even those who are poor or in difficult situations are able to give hope to others. I hope (pun intended) that my poem below succinctly define the true meaning of hope.
My Name Is Hope
My Name Is Hope
Hope is a word of encouragement
To motivate the weary and heavy laden
To move on with a smile
My Name Is Hope
Hope is a listening ear
That understands our woes and sorrows
For there is a better tomorrow
My Name Is Hope
Hope is a guiding light
To show us the way
Leading us from our darkest moments
My Name Is Hope
Hope is an act of kindness
Shown to perfect strangers
Without expecting anything in return
My Name Is Hope
Hope is happiness returned to sender
For we reap
What we sow
If you enjoy this poem, do read “Life Is Simple” which is also written by me.
Giving and receiving hope
Charles