“Active Hope is waking up to the beauty of life
on whose behalf we can act.
We belong to this world.
The web of life is calling us forth at this time.
We’ve come a long way and are here to play our part.
With Active Hope we realize that there are adventures in store,
strengths to discover, and comrades to link arms with.
Active Hope is a readiness to discover the strengths
in ourselves and in others;
a readiness to discover the reasons for hope
and the occasions for love.
A readiness to discover the size and strength of our hearts,
our quickness of mind, our steadiness of purpose,
our own authority, our love for life,
the liveliness of our curiosity,
the unsuspected deep well of patience and diligence,
the keenness of our senses, and our capacity to lead.
None of these can be discovered in an armchair or without risk.”―Joanna Macy & Chris Johnstone, Active Hope
Active hope is so much more than a reaction to the world—it is a proactive approach to stepping into the world in which we find ourselves—whatever it currently holds—with boldness, resolve, love and compassion. Regardless of the election and whatever associated events follow, I think Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020, is an excellent day to recommit ourselves to active hope.
And for those who might like a soundtrack for the day, I’m including a link to Carrie Newcomer’s video of “Lean in Toward the Light.”
Praying for us all to find the courage to lean in toward the light with hope and resilience!
—Jenifer Hanson, Prairiewoods director