Snapshot: Easter Hope

“Hope” - Dirk Hudson, Ireland dirkhudson.com Used with permission.

When life feels like it is in shambles,

when it feels broken, tattered, and torn,

when we feel perched on the edge

wondering what is next, 

if there is a tomorrow…

hope is always cradled within,

resting secure,

held by love,

held by the promise,

of new life.

Hope breaks free

from the limitations of life,

inviting us to rise up,

to be renewed,

for we walk with our Savior

into the resurrected life.

God of Easter,
your love never dies
leading us through the valley of death
into an authentic new life.

As we begin the festival of Easter
may our hearts know 
they are always cradled 
where hope lives
and that we too
rise to new life
for your love 
holds us secure 
forever.
Amen. Alleluia!

unknown artist – Sacred Heart Church, Red Deer

Reflections on “Hope”:

When I first saw the sculpture “Hope” in my friend’s office I was breathless. It struck a deep chord in me. 

The eggs were glistening, they felt warm and safe even if they were teetering on the ledge, amongst brokenness, rust, steel, and harsh conditions. My eyes immediately saw the broken pieces of the nest in the bottom of the container and I thought, “this is life, even in the brokenness, hope is here.” There is something about the nest that feels majestic and yet tattered – maybe another image for life. The container/box – although rusted and rough speaks of being given to its most, and yet has a warmth to it, not a tiredness. 

I can see the crown of thorns in the nest, and the broken pieces reminiscent of the blood of Christ. From the container/box holding the nest, I feel as if the nails that pierced the hands and feet of Christ have been cut. From here comes life – new life and hope.

The way the light cascaded across the eggs there was an invitation to be. To sit and gaze and be ready for them to hatch. To be present for this moment of transformation. It was only as I was processing all of this that my friend told me that this piece is called “Hope.” I paused, “well of course it is,” my heart said, “that is why I am drawn to it.” I live in hope; not an idealistic, fantasy illusion of well-being, rather in a hope that is beyond me yet lives within me. Hope that is gifted to me and yet also something I am able to gift. 

It felt like my heart was on display, cradled safely, being allowed to hatch open in truth, goodness, promise, freedom, and authenticity. This is where hope lives and how I try to embody it in my living, and encounter the Risen Christ. 

Life, it speaks to me of life and life is hope.

Easter Blessings