Heavenly Hope

“We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It’s an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us in the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 6:18-20 (MSG)

Do you have hope?

We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

It’s not the same hope as, “I hope the weather is good.”, “I hope my team wins.”, or “I hope things go well.” IT’S DEEPER THAN THAT.

Faith makes me reflect on past miracleshope keeps me clinging to Jesus with both hands for what’s to come. HOPE is what motivates me to continue to share the light and love with others who are suffering. HOPE keeps me grounded on truth. HOPE keeps me praising God even in troubled times. Are you expecting the worst or the BEST?

Many names in history came to mind when I thought of people with hope. From missionaries to presidents, scientists to prisoners, athletes to every day heroes next door–how do people overcome troubling and tough times with hope?

The devastation in Texas spurred so many emotions (and discussions). Also, questions, anger, and uncertainties. In a world that is easily divided, how is solidarity achieved? We can agree that the loss of life is horrific. Situations in which we can relate cause a common grief. What about tomorrow? Will the grief turn to hope? hard-heartedness? cynicism?

I’ve watched story after story of faith-filled individuals hanging on to hope. There was a clip of a tearful dad sharing how his daughter was swept away from their van. He watched her swiftly float away on her back, singing her favorite praise song. He was grieving. Yet, he shared hope.

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.

Helen Keller

I can’t imagine the grief of trying to move forward after these horrific losses. It’s easy to ask, “Why God?” His ways are above me and although I don’t understand the mysteries, I still have hope. I CLING TO IT. It comes from a power higher than me, friends. It’s a peace that passes all understanding. As another blogger shared, it’s the “eye” in the storm–the center where Christ resides.

“Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future.”-Nelson Mandela

Let’s share the hope of the goodness that can be found in the NOW and in the future. Do you believe in an eternity of a renewed Earth and complete restoration? Have you experienced moments and miracles that have strengthened your faith and “thickened” your rope of hope?

You are no saint,’ says the devil. Well, if I am not, I am a sinner, and Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. Sink or swim, I go to Him; other hope, I have none.

Charles Spurgeon

“My dream is of a place and a time where America will once again be seen as the last best hope of earth.” -Abraham Lincoln

“There is no hope for any of us until we confess our helplessness. Then we are in a position to receive grace.” -Elisabeth Elliot

“Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” Romans 12:12

My heart and prayers are with those who suffer with loss. My heart aches for those who don’t have hope for the promised future. Could we agree that the world needs more love, kindness, and generosity? I sure …HOPE.

Do you know how loved you are?❣️

Hope has a name…Jesus. 💚

Have HOPE. Keep the faith, friends. 💚


Have you heard of NET, yet? 🦓

These last few weeks have provided much soul-searching (along with wonderful memories!). I’d like to dedicate today’s “Hope” post to a fellow friend who passed away peacefully on Monday, July 7th, 2025. Steph Hruby was a beacon of hope and light. Her attitude and resilience were contagious. Her 5 year journey with NET cancer connected many of us to her–we will forever be impacted by her grace, wisdom, and zest for life (and laughter!). My continued prayers for her husband and two daughters and many family members and friends. To all who have suffered loss–may the hope and promises of God settle in your soul. I pray that you invite Jesus into your grieving; know that you are not alone.

My infection is better and continued treatment will keep the lesions and cancer stable (I have HOPE!). My hair is gone–but NOT my hope! I’m blessed beyond measure to be here.

I’m sending love, light, and laughter. Thank you for being part of my journey. Let’s keep hiking with hope (even if our steps are slower, fewer, or sometimes, painful). ❣️


More from Flannel with Faith 💚

©2020-2025 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.

Then Came the Morning

Seven beautiful people were tragically killed in a plane crash on Friday afternoon: Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband, Jason, and daughter and son-in-law, Amber Nelon Kister and Nathan Kistler, Assistant Melodie Hodges, pilot Larry Haylie and his wife, Melissa. They were traveling to join the Gaither’s Alaskan Cruise.

Surviving daughter, Autumn Nelon Streetman, and husband, Jamie thank people for their prayers and support for them, their soon-to-be-born baby boy, and Jason’s parents.https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna163931

May we all honor and remember their beautiful music (I’ve listened to them for many years).

In honoring this gifted family, we can pay tribute to those in our lives that have journeyed home~and those that remain in our immediate midst.

The brevity of life braces us for the brutal, breathless, breathtaking, and brilliant.

Do you know how loved you are?💚

One of my favorite songs ❤️

Find faith. 💛 Keep the faith.❤️

©2020-2024 Flannel with Faith.

All rights reserved.

 

Never Forget



One Fall Day

In 4 days it will have been 20 years since the tragedy of 9/11. Over the weekend I watched several documentaries. Remembering what we were doing on that day is something I’m sure we all share in common. Many of you are old enough to remember other tragedies; some of you too young to remember the impact of this one. There’s a sense of guilt I feel that I became absorbed in watching these personal interviews of survivors. To all of the victims and their families, my heart still bleeds for your loss. The aftershock and waves of sorrow that still impacts these victims are indescribable. So many died as heroes. And many heroes still live.

I was only 31 and responsible for leading a primary school. One teacher had a husband working at the Pentagon. Several parents had pilot spouses. Parents were coming in droves to pick up their children (including the preschool we had about 550 students). That night, probably like you, I couldn’t wrap my head around the attacks. But I hugged my boys very tight as I was glued to my T.V. Praying to God for leadership direction in the aftershocks. The fall of the towers and the vulnerability felt led to major personal changes. How did your life change?

My space here is not to create political or religious division. The poem I wrote below this past Saturday was not born from anything but love. For in the end that’s all that matters. Love.


One Fall Day

Religion became hate
and violence their norm.
The Cold War had ended,
new terrorists formed.

The West gripped their greed
and lived life based on things,
an enemy was planning
their terror using wings.

We all watched in horror
as the towers burned and fell.
We were stricken with grief.
It was a living hell.

Sisters, brothers,
husbands, wives,
Mothers, Fathers,
So many lives.

The shock of the loss
and the vulnerability felt,
made us close to our maker,
on knees we all knelt.

My tears wouldn't stop.
I hugged my sons so tight.
In my own tiny world,
that's all that felt right. 

Borders are created
by skin and beliefs,
religion, and politics,
is there any relief?

Terrorism since then
has been even homegrown.
Attacks on each other,
some alone and unknown.

Our weapons of choice
can be held in our hands.
In a text, hug, or wave
we declare our own lands.

Don't forget the days
that our innocent have died.
Turn your trust to God,
it's the only right side. 


K.L. Hale 

I’m taking a two week heavenly hiatus to spend time with family. May peace, health, and happiness find its way to your hearts.🤍 As it is written it’s all going as planned. But there’s hope in each day if we all extend a hand. Find the joy in the right now. And give hope and a hug to those who don’t know how.

Have faith 💚

Photo credit-9/11memorial.org