Hope can sometimes be the most difficult feeling to create within ourselves. I would be remiss to not recognize the countless events in the last year that would make us feel anything other than hopeless: a global pandemic, racial injustice, political strife, and an increasing polarization of our communities. As a young adult about to graduate from college, I feel the pressure of these events each day. I have constant anxiety about when things will get better, how I can help, or if I am doing enough to enact change. Throughout the last year I have faced challenges that left me questioning my strength and the possibility of a better day, yet I have remained hopeful that the day will come when I am surrounded by joy. As Christians, we are called to remain faithful and hopeful to God. There is hope in the resurrection. There is hope in His forgiveness. There is hope in trusting His plan. But what if we want to remain hopeful about our lives, right here, right now? What if we don't need or want to wait until we reach God's kingdom to experience joy? The modern world is filled with immorality, oppression, and conflict–much like the ancient city of Corinth. Corinth was the capital city of a large province and, much like today's cities, was home to greed and illicit activity. Despite being dubbed the city least likely to convert, one of the largest first century churches was established there by Paul. Several years later the church and city had reverted to their old ways, prompting Paul's letter 1 Corinthians.

What I love about Paul's writing is his honesty. He writes beautifully, but never fails to be direct with his message. In writing to the Corinthians, Paul is "writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children" (1 Corinthians 4:14). He is disappointed yet hopeful that they will learn from their mistakes. Paul's hope rests in his faith that God has provided him and the Corinthians with all they will need to return to the church. Before anything, Paul gives thanksgiving in his letter to the Corinthians:" I always thank my God for you because of his grace given to you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way – with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge – God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed...God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 How beautiful and encouraging to hear that we have all we need in ourselves through God. We were created with strength, intelligence, empathy, and kindness already inside of us. We just have to learn how to use these special gifts to create a joyful world here on Earth while we wait for the coming of Christ. This is exactly why I have learned to remain hopeful in the face of so much darkness this year. If I am created with curiosity, patience, and determination, then so is everyone else. Maybe they just haven't learned how to use their gifts yet. Therefore, I can live by example and share God's grace with everyone I meet. I can be a kind face, a patient ear, a helping hand. I can be the vessel on Earth through which God's light and hope shines. I have everything it takes to make real, positive change in our world and I'll always have God to fall back on when I need–and so do you. Paul's patience and gentle guidance turned a city of 700,000 idolators, adulterers, and thieves into a strong and successful community through Christ. So who's to say that you or I can't do the same today?

Kristin Guglielmo | 2020 Program Manager | Logistics Coordinator