Experiences of pain, conflict, and failure are not uncommon for humans. Sometimes, we can give up hope and start believing that pessimism and darkness are our only destiny. The more we assume that nothing is going to improve and that what awaits us is solely frustration, rejection, and failure, the more our lives become miserable, in a self-fulfilling prophecy. Therefore, we must invest in narratives of hope[1], particularly when situations seem dark and dismal.
What is the investing in hope narrative? Investing in hope narrative means that we choose to look forward that our stories, which are perhaps depressing and hopeless now, will have bright and graceful outcomes and endings. We do not have to imagine the worst outcome when faced with painful and adverse situations. We can think, courageously and creatively, how our hopeless situations can turn into blessings, priceless lessons, and means of growth. The more our stories have narratives of hope, the more calmly and courageously we can face what lies in front of us. The narrative of hope offers direction and fuel for our stories to move forward toward desired and hopeful completions. The lack of hope narrative can make us apathetic, cold, stuck, and resigned to despairing and excruciating situations because we can lose sight of why and where we should be moving. Whereas, knowing what miracles and joy can happen to us, empowers us to make every effort to move out of the depressing situation; even when nothing seems to improve, we can wait with patience for life to unfold.
A seed fallen into the soil, pressed down by weight, and without any light, knows that the current seemingly hopeless and soul-splitting situation will change. This narrative of hope empowers a seed to courageously face, and even embrace the pressure, darkness, and particularly the breaking of itself. The seed knows, in the core of its being, that there will be a time when it will transform into a mighty lush green tree, full of flowers, fruits, and medicine.
In situations which are dark and dismal, it can be hard to be hopeful, however it is these situations that necessitate the narrative of hope. Can we invest in narratives of hope?
John Baptist OFM Cap. | Clinical Counselor & Psychospiritual Resource Person | Pensylvania, USA
Thank you very much for your invest in hope narrative. However I feel that this hope becomes healthier with the touch of God and when a person surrender our such native narratives to the lord. It becomes wonderful. So without touch of God it's not easy.
ReplyDeleteYes.Your advise in troubles darkness,hopeless situation to have narrative hopes wonderfully explained.Thank you very much.God bless you.
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