April 27, 2016 – Hope

Hope

“My friends, do not lose heart.
We were made for these times”

Clarissa Pinkola Estés (1945- ) American writer, Jungian analyst

I cannot remember any time, at least in my lifetime, that so many people seem so bewildered and appalled about the state of affairs in our country and the world. Daily we are amazed at what we see and hear; at times we are understandably enraged.

Here are two documents that have helped me cope, and have given me hope:

The first is a letter to the world from Clarissa Pinkola Estés, who is quoted above. She issues a beautiful and powerful invitation and encouragement not to “lose heart.” She speaks from a strongly spiritual point of view.

The other, very different in approach, is a longer piece by James Fallows in The Atlantic Magazine (March 2016): “How America is Putting Itself Back Together.” He introduces it by saying, “Most Americans believe the country is going to hell. They’re wrong.” He gives examples from across the country of people and organizations which support his conviction and form reasons for hope.

Both pieces are saying we are not alone; there are many people who have the same concerns, who are successfully trying to do something about it. Don’t lose heart!