Hope. That incredible giver of peace and security.

Imagine you are tipping over the edge of a cliff, falling to your doom, and suddenly a firm hand grabs your arm. That emotion you immediately feel is called hope. Even before you know who saved you, the feeling of hope will flood your system with relief. That's one instance of the emotion, but there are certainly others as well as others equally strong or stronger.

Filled with hope for their future, youngsters leap into the world and expect the universe to bend to their wills. Sometimes it works, other times not so much. But, because of hope they try. Hope gives the prisoner the will to survive until the end where they see their freedom. Hope provides peace, comfort, security, and relief. Without hope, people perish. Without hope, people suffer. Without hope, people despair. Hope brings new life to broken things.

The neat thing is we can give hope to each other. It's easy to tear someone down in life, at work, or at play. What's tough is giving that same person hope that builds them up, encourages them to be better, and provides a sanctuary. That is difficult. I'm certainly no expert, and have sadly done my full share of tearing people down, but I do strive for better and to provide that hope. My goal is building up the hopes and dreams of others, for a better world and a better life.

- M