Volatility and uncertainty are becoming norms. Nothing in life seems to be certain. We are unsure of institutions we have come to trust in our lives. We have little reason to be confident that jobs that provided for our living will be here in the future. Whatever our foundations were, it is easy to wonder if they will still be there in days ahead.
The warning signs were there if I am honest with myself. The bubble supported by intentional ignorance, willful greed, and acceptable blindness has finally popped. I knew this time would come, but the magnitude of the correction is overwhelming! Even as we work to build the correcting mechanisms, I wonder if we are fighting a battle that has already evolved into something different.
In this context, it is easy get distracted by what is and is not happening. Many have felt depression’s touch, myself included. As I reflect on how we are responding, I find that there is a common driver to our lives. It is fear.
The power of this emotion often exceeds our disciplines. It is not new, you can see it changing the shape of history. Communities as well as individuals have found themselves driven by the emotion. In one circumstance, “because they were dependent on Judea for food supplies, they couldn't afford to let this [conflict] go on too long” (Acts 12.21) so they made a deal with an evil man. Today, fear pushes us to compromise our values, change our priorities, and abandon our dreams.
I never want to underestimate fear; however, I continue to find that Hope is the one emotion that trumps. Hope allows me to move beyond my fears. Hope gives me the courage to step out and do what needs to be done. Hope provides the opening for compassion, trust, and relationship.
I do not see volatility and uncertainty going away anytime soon. Each day brings a new variation that feeds my fears. As I embrace Hope, I find myself in the midst of wonderful opportunities to make this world a better place.
