HOPE Changes Everything
Every Sunday morning, my husband and I arrive at church just a little before our kids. It’s become our quiet ritual—walking into the familiar sanctuary, finding our regular pew, and taking those few moments to settle before the service begins.
As we slide into our spot, I always glance to the front of the room. Above the baptistry, there’s a sign we’ve seen a hundred times: “HOPE Changes Everything.”
It’s been there for as long as I can remember. So long, in fact, that I think many of us barely notice it anymore. It blends into the backdrop, like the pews or the hymnals. But on certain mornings—especially when life feels heavier than usual—I really see it.
And I’m reminded: it’s not just a sign. It’s a truth. To me, hope does change everything.
Not the kind of hope that’s passive or wishful. But the kind that’s rooted in something deep and unshakable. For me, that hope is grounded in my faith—in a God who knows me, loves me, and shows up with strength even when I can’t.
My faith has always been an anchor. It’s what gets me through the hard things. It reminds me to keep loving, even when it's difficult. To keep showing up, even when I’d rather stay still.
And over time, I’ve come to see hope not just as a feeling, but as a framework. I call it the system of H.O.P.E.—a way of living that helps us move forward when we don’t feel like it. It’s about simple, consistent actions that align with our purpose and values.
It’s the kind of hope that says:
"Keep going."
"Try again tomorrow."
"You’re not alone."
That system of H.O.P.E. isn't just for the easy days. It's for the messy ones. The tired ones. The days when you're questioning everything. It helps us show up not only for the people we love—but for ourselves.
And that matters. Because when we show up for ourselves, we begin to grow. We reflect. We course-correct. We build belief in who we are and who we’re becoming.
For me, that reflection often comes during quiet, intentional moments—reading my Bible, listening to a podcast, or simply sitting still and checking in with my heart.
In those moments, I ask myself:
Are my habits and routines serving me well?
Am I showing up with love and purpose?
Is what I’m doing today helping me become who I want to be tomorrow? For myself, for my family, for those I serve.
And now, I want to ask you something:
Where do you want to be in one year? Five years? Ten?
Are the things you're doing now—your mindset, your habits, your rhythms—pulling you toward that future or holding you back?
Because this life we’re living? It’s the only one we get.
So let’s fuel our passion. Let’s stay connected to our purpose. Let’s lean into hope—real, resilient, action-driven hope. And let’s make this life not just good… but great.
Let’s Spark HOPE Together!
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“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails”. — 1 Corinthians 13:6-8
Yesterday morning, my husband and I visited my dad for Father’s Day. He’s 78 now. Parkinson’s and dementia have taken much from him—his mobility, his words, the ease of simple daily tasks. But not his spirit. Not his love for us.
He still knows us. And when we walk into the room, his face lights up in a way that says, “I remember.” I brought a video I’d made—just a simple loop of old photos. Him, younger. Strong. Smiling. Standing beside me and my brother. Moments frozen in time. His grandchildren’s faces filled the screen. And though his body stayed still, his eyes lit up, and a soft smile spread across his face.
We watched it play over and over on the television in his room. We talked about the people in those photos—some still with us, some long gone. For a little while, we were all together again. That room became a time machine. Not flashy or dramatic. Just full of love.
Family is everything in this life. Don’t let the moments slip by unnoticed. And if you’re lucky enough to still have the people you love—tell them you love them today!
"Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." — Albert Einstein
It’s almost that time again.
Next month, I’ll step back into the “classroom” at church to teach Children’s Church on Sunday mornings—mostly 4th and 5th graders. I’ve done it before, but somehow, it always feels brand new.
Each week, we dive into stories about Jesus. We laugh, we ask questions, we do hands-on activities that make the lessons come alive. It’s loud. It’s messy. And it’s absolutely one of the highlights of my week.
But here’s what always surprises me—what begins as me serving them quickly becomes them shaping me. Their wonder. Their honesty. The way they see God without overcomplicating it. I go in expecting to give, but I always walk away with more than I brought.
Serving shifts the focus off ourselves and puts it where it belongs—on others, and ultimately, on Him.
I’m grateful for the chance to do it again. July can’t come soon enough.
#LeadwithHOPE
If you're ready to lead with purpose, serve with passion, and build habits that align with who you’re becoming—Spark HOPE EDU is here to support you.
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Let’s lead with love. Let’s live with intention. Let’s spark hope—together.
