Keep the Hope
Image Courtesy: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/664140276329797989/
This morning on my walk to class I passed an older woman. We were both wearing all black, almost in mourning of what could’ve been. She gave me the most knowing look and a warm smile as I passed her. Although the interaction was brief, it was a moment of solemn connection — it felt like she was telling me everything was going to be alright
Sometimes words fail. Now feels like one of those times where no matter what I feel, I cannot write or say anything that begins to externalize it to a comparable degree. So instead, I’ll rely on the well-written words of others.
“At times the world may seem an unfriendly and sinister place, but believe that there is much more good in it than bad. All you have to do is look hard enough.”- Daniel Handler
My mother has what my family calls a Disney sense of virtue. She believes that good always perseveres. She has always instilled in me a deep sense of hope. It may be naive, but because of her, I truly believe there is far more good in the world than bad. There are some days we may just have to take out a magnifying glass to find it.
“Hope is the only thing stronger than fear”- Suzanne Collins
This current climate, to some, may feel a bit like a dystopian novel. That notion is scary. However, it is important to remember that the thing that has always kept revolutions alive is hope. The hope of many. Do not lose hope. One person in power cannot strip away your power to maintain hope.
“I have been bent and broken, but -I hope- into a better shape.” -Charles Dickens
In a roundabout, scatterbrained, scared, but hopeful way what I’m trying to say is that if you’re upset with the results of the election, don’t let that be the end. Hope is a muscle we must maintain so that together we can move forward. Give yourself grace during these trying times. Let yourself mourn a future you may have been hopeful for, but after you wipe your tears away let yourself start hoping again.
Strike Out,
Blake Witmer
Editor: Madelyn Launer
Athens