In Others’ Words: Looking for a “handout”
In the Fellowship of the Ring, the first movie in the Lord of the Rings trilogy by Peter Jackson, the hobbit Bilbo Baggins describes how he feels to Gandalf the Gray Wizard this way:
I feel … thin. Sort of stretched, if you know what I mean. Like … butter scraped over too much bread.
Thin. Stretched. Scraped. All perfect descriptors of life when hope is worn out. You’re leaning hard on your faith, wobbly that it is, and straining to see more … to see whatever cavalry you’re looking for to come riding into view.
I’ve been there, looking for a “handout,” hoping against disappointed hope that something — or someone — will change. Unable to see past the mess, the discouragement, the pain of the situation — but choosing to stand in faith. Not a “wish I may, wish I might” childish kind of belief based on wishing upon stars and waiting, waiting waiting … No. Faith isn’t about me and what I do or don’t do. My faith is firmly anchored to God and who he says he is — unchangeable (Hebrews 13:8 ESV) and merciful (Hebrews 4:16 NASB) and one who listens to my prayers (1 John 5:14 NASB).
In Your Words: When has your hope felt thin … stretched … scraped? What helps you dare to have the faith to hold your hand out in the dark again, believing God is there?
With thinks to my writing friend (and walking buddy), Mary Agius, for sharing this quote with me.
In Others’ Words: Looking for a “handout” #lifequotes #inotherswords #faith
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“Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark.” #quotes #faith #inotherswords
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