The Proof of Hope
Monday, November 17, 2008
At this moment, I am alone outside, watching the sunrise over the ocean on the north shore of Oahu. A quick calculation reveals that I have personally experienced more than 18,000 dawns in my life. Of course, most of them occurred without my presence! Nonetheless, I have "gotten up and gotten started" more than 18,000 times.
Many of those mornings have been spectacular. Just like you, I know what it is like to wake up full of joy and gratitude. I remember my first morning as a husband and my first new day as a father. It was only five years ago that I sat in my living room and watched the "Good Morning America" team on ABC reveal The Traveler's Gift to the world. I have awakened with my whole family in one bed, giggling at me as I snored. I could go on, but you understand my point: personally and professionally, I have had some awesome mornings.
Also lurking in my memory are some days that did not begin well. And many of those days very quickly got worse. The mornings after my parents died were tough. Waking up under a pier or in a stranger's garage is not fun. Three and a half years of rejection by 51 publishers was a discouraging start for The Traveler's Gift. Just like you, I know what it is like to wake up full of doubt and fear, achingly despondent and demoralized.
I have "begun again" the day after a hurricane destroyed our house. I have gotten out of bed the day after my gas and electricity were cut off because I couldn't pay the bill. I have started mornings hungry because I didn't catch anything and couldn't quite bring myself to steal. People have broken promises, business plans failed ... I could go on, but you understand my point: personally and professionally, I have had some wretched mornings.
Yet, one tiny string of thoughts has kept me calm enough to function even during the worst of times. First, the acknowledgment that tough times are normal seems to help. Tough times are nothing new and they aren't exclusive to one person or group of people. We are all in a crisis, coming out of a crisis, or headed for a crisis.
In addition, I have discovered proof of hope that has consistently lifted my heart, mind, and spirit to a point of forward motion. Very simply, it is this:
- Even in the worst of times, I must remember that I am still breathing.
- If I am still breathing, that means that I am still here.
- If I am still here, that means that I have not completed what I was put here to do.
- If I have not completed what I was put here to do, that means that my very purpose has not been fulfilled.
- If my very purpose has not been fulfilled, that means that the most important part of my life has yet to be lived.
- If the most important part of my life has yet to be lived, then it doesn't really matter how old I am or how broke I am, how long I've tried or how depressed I might be ... Here, at last, is proof that the best part of my life is ahead of me! Without a doubt, there is more laughter to come, more success in my future, more children to teach, more friends to influence. There is more.
There is more ... and the promise is proven by the simple fact that I am still breathing. I am still here.
Of course, I must confess that my greatest aggravation with God is that He never seems to be under any obligation to tell me what He is doing in my life. We will talk more at some point about the purpose and benefits of tough times. For now, no matter what you are experiencing, it is enough to take a deep breath and remember:
I am still here. There is more.
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1. Michael S. Hyatt - November 17, 2008 @ 5:40 PM
2. Robert McGee - November 17, 2008 @ 5:46 PM
3. jan burch - November 17, 2008 @ 5:51 PM
4. Rebecca Miller - November 17, 2008 @ 5:53 PM
5. Jeff Herring - The Article Marketing Guy - November 17, 2008 @ 6:05 PM
Thanks for your message - The Traveler's Gift, both the book and the audio CDs kept me alive and hoping during the worst time of my life almost 3 years ago - hope to tell you the story some day.
This blog post gives the same message - I know some folks that could use it now and I will be forwarding it to them.
Thanks Andy!
Jeff Herring"
6. D Hays - November 17, 2008 @ 6:14 PM
Your perspective is always welcome and somehow comes at the perfect time, every time.
Keep on keeping on...
D Hays"
7. Karen Williams - November 17, 2008 @ 6:20 PM
You touched my heart when I read your message today. Through these tough times, small blessings can be found - even if is a smile from your child and a wonderful 'I love you' hug from your spouse. Yesterday we had 25 people for dinner - our children and their extended families. I may not have much in the stock market but I feel like the richest woman in the world knowing that all my children are blessed with wonderful spouses and with family that loves them.
Thank you for your books and your wonderful insight on what is important.
Karen"
8. Jared - November 17, 2008 @ 6:25 PM
Looking back on things, I have come to understand that things have to NOT work out, in order to sometimes force us in the direction we need to go. Only after we go through some "tough times" do I now say, "Oh... that is why I had to go through that." The "going through it" process is now something I have come to understand that "being sick and tired of being sick and tired" is what gets me to DO something about the direction I REALLY need to go."
9. Janet Erickson - November 17, 2008 @ 6:31 PM
I love reading what you have to say. It is really hard for me to read other books after reading your's. I can't even seem to finish a book unless it has a logical beautiful message. Thank you for sharing your message. I have lent your books to my friends...all they can say is Wow!!"
10. Jenny - November 17, 2008 @ 6:31 PM
11. Drew Akridge - November 17, 2008 @ 6:47 PM
Last year my former employer did away with my job and for the first time in 25 years, I had to go on interviews with people I did not know and who had no idea just how charming and funny I am! My life didn't end when I lost my job....I'm still here and each day is a blessing! God Speed to you, Polly and the boys. I pray for you often. Drew Akridge Mobile, AL (the Gateway to Prichard)"
12. Shirley Bates - November 17, 2008 @ 6:54 PM
13. John A. - November 17, 2008 @ 7:01 PM
Awesome message! I'll keep a copy nearby in case I want to have a pity party or am feeling like "oh whow is me".
Thank God that I am still here, and there is more!"
14. Brian Campbell - November 17, 2008 @ 7:05 PM
15. Eva Ulian - November 17, 2008 @ 7:08 PM
16. Joan Clark - November 17, 2008 @ 7:39 PM
I've been through crisis before and I know we'll come through this one.
I'm 75 and the mother of four, grandma of six and a great grandma. Thankful for all but very worried to find out how they will weather this storm about to descend on us. JC"
17. Alexandra - November 17, 2008 @ 7:55 PM
18. Barry - November 17, 2008 @ 8:17 PM
19. Lisa - November 17, 2008 @ 8:33 PM
I am a counselor and I think I am going to read this to my group of offenders and maybe shake them up a little bit maybe they will be more grateful for being free. I love your blog and your books they have made a difference in my life."
20. Jason Elkins - November 17, 2008 @ 8:41 PM
Great and needed message today. My wife had a myelogram this morning to find out where she will have a surgical procedure to relieve some chronic back pain she has been experiencing for the last several years. I was feeling somewhat defeated and a bit helpless this morning, and your message was well received!
I am usually a very positive person and have a strong spiritual grounding, and yet, I was troubled today. Thanks for giving me a shot in the arm, and reminding me how truly blessed I am to not be 'finished' with my mission.
Jason Elkins
Editor
TransparentChristianMagazine.Com
(I absolutely love Traveler's Gift and The Lost Choice and keep giving away my copies to my friends. Thanks for writing those books!)"
21. Randy - November 17, 2008 @ 8:43 PM
22. Frances Kranik - November 17, 2008 @ 8:50 PM
I'm going to venture a guess and say - You, have many more words to put to print. God has blessed you with the ability to inspire. I'm not sure how I'm going to use your words with my students, but my emotionally disturbed high school students will be inspired!
Keep up the good work and God Bless."
23. Randy - November 17, 2008 @ 10:15 PM
~randy the photographer on Maui"
24. Mark Whitlock - November 17, 2008 @ 11:28 PM
But the last few mornings have been tough. I've seen a business end. We kept our pants but lost our shirts.
I've seen the economy scare my clients into putting projects on hold -- projects I was slated to work on.
So now, each morning brings a foreboding straight out of a Dean Koontz novel.
Thanks for your reminders. They hit the spot better than an ice cold Coca-Cola after mowing the grass.
I will look at tomorrow "morning" differently."
25. Tim Thielen - November 17, 2008 @ 11:38 PM
Thanks for the reminder that there is more to come. I have been through a lot the last 15 months and I am sitting at the precipice of my tomorrow's wondering why the light is dim. Is it my murky eyes clouded by the loss of my only child one year ago September 1st? Thirty-two is much too young to go and I miss him so. Is it my fledgling Commercial Real Estate and Development Company of less than two years that is at a decision point or better put, a crisis point in an economy that is waning? Is it the self doubt that has crept every so cleverly into my every thought taking advantage of my depression? Whatever it is your message does appear to bring hope where my foggy vision sees a lot of question marks. Funny thing is that I have another little company attempting a rise from dream to reality as a motivational speaker and find you as sort of a mentor. I have watch you close and read and listen to most of your publications. You have seen and been through much worst than me yet keep getting up everyday grateful and full of expectations of a great blessing. I am truely blessed in many ways with a large family each delightfully co-dependent on each other to the point of laughter. My marraige has been on real shakey ground since my sons passing but we are finally being civil to each other which is in itself a blessing. Even though she was not my son's mother I had forgotten that she was close to him as well and a large part of his growing up since he was three years old. I can say it is not the same loss as mine but that hardly seems relevant. I mean the degree of loss doesn't really matter, the hole in the heart still brings pain and we all deal with that pain differently. I am rambling so I will leave you with this thought. My tomorrows are much easier for me than looking over my shoulder very long giving me only a hope in the days to come knowing that as long as I am breathing in and out I have life and that is enough for today. Enough to be grateful to a loving God that He has me in His grip and will never let go. Please join me in prayer that He loosen the grip just enough I can breathe, live, love, laugh but not enough that I fall.
Tim"
26. Colin Long - November 18, 2008 @ 12:47 AM
27. Andy Pike - November 18, 2008 @ 3:25 AM
Welcome to Hawaii. I hope you're enjoying the Aloha we've come so accustomed to. You spoke to First Command a couple of years ago and I was inspired and loved the Traveler's Gift...what an awesome book. A lot of what you say in this message is right on target.
I can truly appreciate (and will share) your "never say die" approach to things. When I'm in "valleys," I also always like to remember that God will never give us more than we can handle.
I think being in "the fire" is not only a character-builder, but a true life teacher...as long as we take something away from the experience.
Mahalo for all the wonderful thoughts and words...
Andy"
28. Bobbie Ashley - November 18, 2008 @ 7:42 AM
I remember when I was little, we didn't have too much. There was a week where all we had to eat was wheat biscuits with wheat gravy. I am still not very partial to wheat biscuits (grin). I remember my Dad always had a way to make us feel better by always repeating his favorite saying. He would say "Kids, it's not shameful being poor, its just downright unhandy". My Mom and Dad never had a mansion, never drove a new car but I would see them give their last dollar to another person because they felt they needed it more than they did.
I also remember once when it was a particularly hard Christmas season and we were at home baking cookies and Dad walked in with a family of missionaries whose car broke down in the winter snow. The family was from Denmark and had no money for repairs and Dad took Mom aside and when they were through talking they had given half of their Christmas money to repair the car. None of us complained, we just felt grateful that we had it to give. We also felt confident that one day that family would pass on a little bit of that Grace too!!
Thank you for your words and for reminding me of those days Andy. May you feel the blessings of the lord each and everyday!!!
All My Best,
Bobbie Ashley"
29. Brenda - November 18, 2008 @ 8:24 AM
B. Lynn"
30. kevin kilgore - November 18, 2008 @ 8:49 AM
31. David Kingsbury - November 18, 2008 @ 8:51 AM
I heard you speak in Nashville about 3 years ago and your talk was amazing. We spoke briefly following it and you were so gracious. I have followed your works ever since. It was also then that I realized my dream is also to be an inspirational speaker. I am on that path now. I look forward to speaking with you further one day. My goal in my speeches is to touch the heart of at least one in the audience to remember their gifts and go after them with passion. In that talk you touched my heart... and you have done that for millions more! God bless your work!
Until we meet again, all my best, David"
32. James Ryle - November 18, 2008 @ 9:13 AM
33. Charissa - November 18, 2008 @ 9:35 AM
34. Patti Kidd - November 18, 2008 @ 10:48 AM
I am really glad you send out these emails. I go way back with you to the early 90's, with people like Bubba Pratt and Todd and Brenda Rainsberger. I have moved up to Michigan since those days and live a different life. I enjoy seeing your name and hearing your thoughts as much now as I did then. Thank you for being you and staying true."
35. Kelly Krei - November 18, 2008 @ 2:57 PM
Thank you so much for this post; great reminder and just in time.
My best to you and your family.
Kelly"
36. Susan - November 18, 2008 @ 5:21 PM
Mary forwarded your blog to me this morning. We have met a couple of times in my tea shop. As I have told you before your story is an inspiration to me and I give your books out to others all the time. You have a way of lifting people up out of the muck and mire even as you're giving it to them straight. I really appreciated your words today. I have had a rough time since Bruce and I divorced over my God thing not going away. I am still having to live in his house due to my financial circumstances and he has moved on and is dating already. There are days when I find it really painful to draw in a breath. But your story reminded me of a time when things were far worse for me and I was putting my children to bed hungry. God strengthened me through that time and continues to mold and shape me even now. My purpose right now is to model unconditional love & forgiveness to a man who doesn't see God. It is a painful choice daily, but one that Christ made for us long ago. Sometimes it's easy to get lost in the fog when circumstances don't move forward fast enough. Thanks for reminding me that every breath, even the painful ones, is a gift and for being a light bright enough to get through the fog. I needed a new perspective. God Bless you and your family."
37. Kitty Fooshee - November 18, 2008 @ 5:25 PM
We have heard many, but YOu were my favorite thus far. So many things yousaid hit home with me ( maybe because we were cut from very similar cloth, I think ).
I especially liked the story of you being a 'noticer'. POke your eye IN instead of OUT has to go down in history. I love humor and I feel it is the best way to get a message across.
I just read 'I am still here' and really enjoyed it.
When you have nothing better to do, ponder this : Is there any such thing as a half of a hole ?
Respectfully, Kitty"
38. dduncan - November 18, 2008 @ 8:32 PM
39. Ken C - November 18, 2008 @ 9:53 PM
40. Ray - November 18, 2008 @ 11:30 PM
"I love you too! Thank you for sending this. I am sure that I don't have any idea what God wants of me, but I'll figure it out.... I do believe that He meant for you to be at The ______ Group, to keep them on the right path and allow you to grow in a whole new way. I think He meant for us to go through this so that we always remember just how bad it can be and, how bad it is for so many with little hope for a better tomorrow. We really are so blessed."
Thanks Andy. When God closes a door, we just have to find the open window. It is there and He wants us to find it."
41. Natalie Norton - November 19, 2008 @ 1:19 AM
42. Melanie Foster - November 19, 2008 @ 12:46 PM
It's Melanie and Scott from days long gone (early 90's)! I truly enjoy reading your blogs. They are warm, heartfelt and very inspiring. You just have a way with words to touch peoples lives. I also enjoy your books and Tales from Sawyerton Springs will ALWAYS be one of my favorites! Thank God Andy that you are still breathing because I can't wait for what is next!
Take care,
Melanie Foster"
43. Bob Settle - November 20, 2008 @ 8:28 AM
I plan on sharing this with others in similar situations. It really spoke to me and to my friend so it will certainly help others. I have come to expect that from Andy Adnrews. That is his gift - to uplift others. I hope God continues to use him."
44. Sharon Murry - November 21, 2008 @ 2:52 AM
45. Jon Price - November 24, 2008 @ 9:48 AM
Many times I will measure the impact of a statement on the "tattoo worthiness scale." If a statement is powerful enough to tattoo it to my body, then that's saying something. "I am still here. There is more" is tattoo worthy. Thanks for your posts."
46. Alisha Alligood - November 28, 2008 @ 12:23 PM
Your messages are always so uplifting! I look forward to reading them. Thanks for your words of wisdome. Even when times are tough and unsure, God is good!
My love to you and your family!
Alisha"
47. HeatherO - November 28, 2008 @ 11:35 PM
Ironically, I woke up absurdly early this morning and during the dark quiet hours, I sat down to journal. I asked myself "what can I do to help others? What do people need right now?... Hope".
That was my answer. Not a new one, I've thought and even said it several times in the past few months. But, sometimes the same old thing just "lands" differently. And this morning that felt very profound. How can I give people hope? How can I use writing and speaking to give the gift of hope to the massive number of people who need it right now?
You commented on my blog today, which gave me hope. Hope that what I have to say means something...that it matters. Which led me to your blog and this message. Your gift of hope.
Thank you!"
48. Donna Holmes - December 1, 2008 @ 8:25 PM
Just read this, and needed it. Just another one of the many 'miracles' that occur in my blessed life.
Donna
PS. also, really enjoy reading your replys from others- which are equally as inspiring!"
49. John J. Saldana - December 27, 2008 @ 7:28 PM
I just had the time to read your article in full, and it really hit the mark. Your such a inspiring writer. I'm 63 years young, I really needed the uplift this article targets. I'm still striving for a feeling of contentment. I sometimes wonder why, and I continue to search for the answer. "Like a Ship Lost at Sea" fit's perfectly. I always try to recharge myself, but I still have a feeling of not making the right decisions, and a sense of non accomplishment. I hear people asking what do others need, and I respect that, but in introspect, I feel I'm missing something. I'll continue to search and with your continued uplifting
writings, I'll pull things together and succeed. May God bless you and all others in need of faith & help.
Respectfully,
John S."
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