In previous posts there has been an attempt to share with you the Five Habits of a Flourishing Life, and the Hope is for future opportunities to share practical suggestions for how to cultivate these habits. However, no matter how many books are read, studies perused, or conversations shared, it currently seems that human flourishing, in its simplest form hinges on two ideas. One, there is a direct correlation to the meaning and purpose found in our lives. Two, flourishing is greatly dependent on the mindset, or attitudes, we choose to embrace. Repeatedly this quote from Holocaust survivor and author Viktor Frankl appears in my studies, which I believe captures these two ideas on flourishing: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.”
There are so many things in this world for which we have no control, therefore, it’s not uncommon to be fearful about the future. Nevertheless, we have the benefit of gaining wisdom from the past, especially from Scripture, which may not alleviate all the fear, but has the potential to transform that fear into Hope. In the Good News and Good Tidings series, pastor Eric Gilbert reminds us of the best news humanity ever received, and the passage in Luke 2 that shares the proclamation of this news, given to the lowly shepherds, could be visualized with a road sign informing us that there is Hope Ahead. Just as the shepherds were instructed to “Fear not” (Luke 2:10 KJV), so are we. When future circumstances are unknown, we are asked to replace fear with faith and to lean into the fact that the gospel is centered around this idea that there is Hope Ahead.
Even if we aren’t provided with a road sign stating outright Hope Ahead, we are often given glimpses of what this feels and looks like. Gilbert shares a story of hope that occurred in Berlin in the late 1940s, when as an Air Force pilot, Gail Halverson, dropped candy to German children surrounded by Soviet troops. When asked how the kids would know which plane was his flying over, Halverson replied, “I’ll wiggle my wings.” Captain Wiggle Wings gave children a sign of Hope that they were not forgotten, just as the angels provided Hope, to replace the fear, to the shepherds.
Whether it’s the story of a Holocaust survivor or a military pilot, shepherds in a field watching over their flock by night or navigating the unknown future of how AI will impact our lives, we are inspired to Fear Not. When addressing persevering through trials and hardships or the unknown, David Carlson points us to the book of Philippians because in it Paul looks both backwards and forwards to provide Hope in the present. “If our ultimate destination is unity with Jesus, the end of every tear and the joy of eternal fellowship with God, we have an enduring Hope through and every circumstance. It is a Hope that cannot be defeated, because the worst end for our physical bodies, death, results in the fulfillment of our greatest Hope (Php. 1:21).”
Circling back to the two ideas above, It’s a Choice we have to find our meaning and purpose in a living Savior and it’s a choice to transform our mindset to one that seeks to find the Hope Ahead in our lives. Are there any stories you’ve heard that come to mind when considering where we can find Hope in this world? Would you consider sharing them in the comments below as an encouragement to all of us?
References:
Carlson, D. (2025). Jesus is in the room. Discover from Our Daily Bread Ministries. Retrieved from https://discoverodb.org/articles/jesus-is-in-the-room/
Frankl, V.E. (2014). Man’s search for meaning. Beacon Press.
Gilbert, E. (2024, December 22). Good news to bring. Good Tidings series. [Audio]. 3Trees Church. Retrieved from https://www.3trees.com/episode/good-news-to-bring-good-tidings/
GNN LLC. (2018, July 17). ‘Captain Wiggle Wings’—The US pilot who dropped tons of candy for kids in Berling after fighting their country. Good News Network. Retrieved from https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/70-years-ago-today-american-pilot-became-berlin-candy-bomber-for-airdropping-sweets-on-kids-in-need/
Flourishing @ Life 
Hope can always be found in small acts of kindness and in tough times. A story that stands out is Corrie Booms. She survived the holocaust and still chose to forgive and trust God. Even in a concentration camp, she found hope in faith. This shows that hope isnt about our situation but about our mindset and belief. Just like Captain Wings gave children hope, we can share hope through kindness and encouragement. Even when life feels uncertain, we can choose to believe that there is always hope ahead. Trusting in that can bring us strength and piece.
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Many people are afraid of what the future will bring. But here are two examples from the Bible why we should not be afraid: In Jeremiah 29:11 it says that God has plans of peace and hope for us, and in Matthew 6:34 we are encouraged not to worry about tomorrow. For me, this is a reminder that when I worry about the future, it shows I do not fully trust Jesus. But Jesus always showed that He is in control.
Story: During World War II, Corrie ten Boom and her family in the Netherlands hid Jews from the Nazis because they believed it was God’s will – to stand for life and justice. For their faith and courage they were sent to a concentration camp. Even in the terrible conditions, Corrie spoke to others about hope in Christ and that light can shine even in the darkness. After the war she told her story all over the world and became a symbol of hope and forgiveness.
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