Hope: More Than Christian Positivity

Interview Series

Photo by Chelsey Shortman

Christians are called to be people of hope. Hope is a theological virtue in the Catholic tradition and appears as a theme numerous times throughout the Old and New Testaments. It clearly holds a place of importance in the spiritual life but knowing what exactly that place is can be a challenge, especially with the variety of ways that the term “hope” is used in our day-to-day. The hope of “I hope this email finds you well” is clearly a different sort than that of “this [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul, sure and firm, which reaches into the interior behind the veil” (Hebrews 6:19). 

Hopefulness as we think of it is oftentimes more like positivity with a focus on seeking the good in any given situation. Though it’s good to not dwell on difficulties, the Christian life is not meant to be a one-dimensional, endless string of positive experiences. There is real struggle, frustration, and heartache to be felt. While an appeal to positivity may say, “look on the bright side” in the face of these issues, the Christian call to hope says, “look to the Light.” Jesus wants to offer the sure and firm anchor of hope in the midst of difficulty, not once we’ve figured out how to handle it ourselves. He knows our pain, whatever it may be, and wants to confront it with us through all the mess and confusion it may bring. To skim over the struggle in favor of positivity may leave us in denial of our true self where Christian hope transcends mere positivity and brings about true freedom and peace. 

Hope is so much more than a fleeting sentiment. In his book Interior Freedom, Fr. Jacques Philippe explains that, “hope...is not vague and dreamy, but confidence in the faithfulness of God who will fulfill his promises” (94). Positivity wants to change our attitude while Jesus wants to change our hearts. In order to grow in hope we must first grow closer to Jesus, for how can we have confidence in One whom we do not know? As we come to know Jesus more and witness His faithfulness again and again, hope strengthens and steadies. Difficulties will come but we learn to look confidently to the One who we know will care for us. We need not look for the “bright side” when we are led by the Light.

This interview series was compiled and edited by Michelle Rash

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A Remedy to the Mundane

Interview with McKaela Laxen

“As I dig into it, and as much as I’ve tried, I can’t separate hope and trust. Because this hope for a better, more fulfilling life cannot be separated from trusting that the Lord will come through.”

Finding the Hope of Christ Amidst Severe Depression

Interview with Kristen Deasy

“Hope has given me the comfort and truth that I do not simply change my circumstances by having a different attitude but rather a person, Jesus Christ, is with me in my circumstances and can change my heart through them. Hope has allowed me to truly experience the range of emotions that come with great suffering instead of writing off my emotions. Hope has comforted me and strengthened me in times where it could have been easier to fall into despair at unanswered prayers and it has renewed within me the promise that the Lord hears and answers all things in His time and in accordance with His will.”

Transcending the Litany of “At Least I Still Have”

Interview with Mariana Pimiento

“When my own optimism left me without light, hope unveiled the reality that my Father is never, has never, and will never be an arbitrary God. Hope opened my heart to the impossible, that even if the unthinkable were to happen, I could have faith that it was all to be done for my good. Hope in the person of Christ allowed me to keep going, to remain steady, at peace, and perhaps even joyful in the face of suffering.”

Not By My Own Might

Interview with Rachel Herbeck

“Reading scripture has been one of the most effective practices in helping me grow in hope. I read a portion of scripture each day so that I can soak myself in the promises of God. To grasp onto hope in a way that is meaningful, I need to continuously remind myself that hope is not dependent on how I feel, it is totally and completely dependent on what Jesus says and who He is, which is completely true, trustworthy, faithful, and constant.”