More Than The Weather

I met Sam, the Hope Chronicles founder, at my coworker’s bachelor party.

We talked about hope.

Sam shared with me a bit about his project, The Hope Chronicles, and I was instantly intrigued with the idea. Later that night, I went home and checked out all of the videos posted. It was inspiring and entertaining.  Honestly, I cringed a few times too.

It hit me that these were real people. They weren’t actors. They were like people at work, in the store, or in my group of friends who had bigger cares than their favorite sports team, the weather forecast, or rehashing last night’s episode of the Jersey Shore.  It bothered me that because of my self-centeredness I didn’t know the hopes of even my close friends.

That night I wrote, “I hope to place others needs above my comfort, prosperity, and security.”

I want to care more about people than to talk about the weather.

With that, I brought a Flip Camera with me on an already scheduled trip to Washington, DC to collect some hopes. Walking up to total strangers and asking them what they hoped was pretty scary in itself.  My introduction kind of evolved into the first sentence out of my mouth being, “No, I’m not asking you to buy anything.”

My trip being three or four months ago I still remember those folks I talked to, and I think about them often.  I remember sitting with a man on a bench talking about his community. Another bench of tourists, and I talked about Christ for a while. I ate overpriced hot dogs with two elderly ladies on the mall. I latched on a family on a tour of the Bureau of Printing and Engraving. By the way, that’s a lame DC tour.  Skip it.  I don’t think they’ve changed it since 1970. Some people I asked if they would go on camera. Others I just hung out with for a bit. By listening, our responses, prayers, and concerns for that individual are informed.

It was a pretty interesting day, and it was a trip that was different than waiting in line at the Smithsonian to look at some old stuff.

What stuck with me after that trip was the last “hope” that I collected outside of the Jefferson Memorial. She said something along the lines of your hope not having to be something huge like you yourself curing cancer. It can be something small like a smile that might encourage someone who is curing cancer.

I took from her statement that even during the routine and mundane seasons of our life, we still live purposefully. I believe that comes from something serving something way bigger than ourselves.

I want to care more about people than to talk about the weather.

- From our Community Listener Eric Dunlap

From Washington.

Our Community Listener Eric spent a short weekend in Washington, DC, and got to take a few moments to talk with some of the people hanging around the city. Take a look at some of the things they hope for.

“My hope is to enjoy the beautiful day.”
- Anonymous

“I hope to stay with the same person forever and get married like we are planning.”
- Allexus – Washington, DC

“I hope for the time of being with the perfect person”
- Amanda and Drake – Washington, DC

“Christ is the hope of the world!”
- Elizabeth – Washington, DC

“My hope is that everyone comes to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.”
- Mary – Washington, DC

Colors of Hope.

Take a listen to “Colors of Hope,” a little ditty our friend Chad Hines wrote for our Urban Plunge Community Listening event in May 2010. Enjoy!

Comic Con 2010: Part Two

Our Community Listener Beth spent a weekend at ComicCon 2010 in San Diego, California and got a chance to ask some folks—including a few super heroes and comic artists—about their hopes. Take a look!

(Click any image to enlarge)

Comic Con 2010: Part One

Our Community Listener Beth spent a weekend at ComicCon 2010 in San Diego, California and got a chance to ask some folks—including a few super heroes and comic artists—about their hopes. Take a look! (Click any image to enlarge)