"Hope: Why I refuse to give up" - Rev Dr Neil Cazares-Thomas
Rev Dr Neil Cazares-Thomas
It wasn’t enough for me to tell my story of what hope means. So I have reached out to people around me in the community to get their take on what hope means to them, and why they think it is important for people to hold on to hope.
I had the pleasure to sit down with Rev. Neil, of Cathedral of Hope, and get his input on this subject.
Who are you?
I am Reverend Dr Neil G Cazares-Thomas and I, among other things (like a brother, an uncle, a father and a husband) am the Senior Pastor at Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ. Located in Dallas, Texas; some would say the largest predominantly LGBTQ congregation in the world.
What does hope mean to you?
Hope is being certain of some things even when you can’t see them. Scripture calls us to desire something good for the future and expect it to happen. It is a certainty.
Why do you refuse to give up hope?
Because I have witnessed this kind of hope in my life.
What is one piece of advice you would give to those that are struggling to hold on to their hope?
Don’t give up. That is easy right - it is not meant to be trite, or cliche. It is relying on those around you and those who are able to come alongside you in times of struggle - to be vulnerable (which is a strength, not a weakness by the way - to allow other to carry yo until you are ready to do it for yourself - and perhaps offer this same kind of hope to someone else who might struggle in the future. We are in this together and we are stronger together. The world teaches us self-sufficiency but we are not supposed to be in this alone. We are supposed to be in this together.