Be a Dealer in Hope                          John C. Maxwell

Hope gives us the strength and the courage we need to make the most of life.

What does hope do for mankind?

• Hope shines brightest when the hour is darkest.
• Hope motivates when discouragement comes.
• Hope energizes when the body is tired.
• Hope sweetens when the bitterness bites.
• Hope sings when all the melodies are gone.
• Hope believes when the evidence is eliminated.
• Hope listens for answers when no one is talking.
• Hope climbs over obstacles when no one is helping.
• Hope endures hardship when no one is caring.
• Hope smiles confidently when no one is laughing.
• Hope reaches for answers when no one is asking.
• Hope presses toward victory when no one is encouraging.
• Hope dares to give when no one is sharing.

“Optimism is the belief that things will get better. Hope is the faith that, together, we can make things better. Optimism is a passive virtue; hope, an active one. It takes no courage to be an optimist; but is takes a great deal of courage to have hope.”    Jonathon Sacks, The Dignity of Difference

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.   2N 31:20

And now as I said concerning faith–faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.   Alma 32:21

Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.     Ether 12:4

Wherefore, ye may also have hope, and be partakers of the gift, if ye will but have faith.     Ether 12:9

The Prophets and Apostles are messengers of hope.