As we drove through the countryside, there was a common denominator in every village. The repeated observation was that there was at least one vacant and abandoned building. Often there was more than one but in every case that I can think of, an empty and decaying shell of man’s construction was there to be seen. In many cases, the signage on the building spoke to hope and aspirations that had now been lost, abandoned, or changed.
In the flow of the drive, I found myself struggling to deal with the conflicting emotions. On one hand it was a compelling picture; stark, contrasting, and haunting. There were so many details that triggered an emotional response with me. At the same time, my mind drifted to the question of the different situations that were metaphorical repeats of the observation.
People injured on the street in India with the rest of the world rushing by, too busy or frightened to act on compassion. Children struggling to believe they are part of a family and community. Even the relationship between worker and employer has changed to one that few dare to trust. In each case, the shining hope for the future is tainted by the harsh reality of the present.
In my life and yours, it is a difficult struggle to stand after yet another blow from life. Deserving or not, the reality of the pain, anguish, and most of all, loss of hope is overwhelming. It numbs one’s senses. It blinds one’s ability to see into the future. Even the hand of Courage seems to be slippery.
I do not have a complete answer. I can give witness to the underserved helping hand of others in my life. There are enough examples that are playing out today that I cannot deny the Hope which in turn gives me faith. The psalmist said that “God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet.” (Psalm 103.6) In my case, the individuals in my life has validated the premise. This enduring hope is something I can share.
