"Hope: Why I refuse to give up" - Lonnie Parks
Lonnie Parks
Look toward tomorrow with inspired hope. It does you no good to dwell on the past, for there is nothing you can do to change it. Learn from the past, but live for tomorrow. Make the decisions in your life that will lead you down the path that inspires you and gives you hope for a better experience in this life.
Who are you?
I am a father, a minister/servant of God, singer/musician, lover of God, lover of people and seeker of truth.
What does hope mean to you?
To me, hope is a positive expectation, an anticipation for the manifestation of something good that is not yet visible/understood. It is my air, when my breath has been taken away by the cares of life, disappointments, fear or heartache. It beckons me to try once more and teaches me that it is not over, there is yet another opportunity and not to give up. I could not live without it!
Why do you refuse to give up hope?
I refuse to give up hope because hope is my life… It is my a part of my foundation. Without it, I would not be able to live; I would not not try. I would have given up long ago, if I had no hope. Hope teaches me that every dark cloud has a silver lining. Sometimes it is not easily seen but it is there. What I mean is that hope has taught me that in the worst of situations, the darkest day, the deepest pain, the strongest fear, there is a glimmer of light or a ray of expectation (hope) present, and if we search for it, we will find it and it will give us what we need to move forward.
What is one piece of advice you would give to those who are struggling to hold onto their hope?
Never give up… Never ever give up! We cannot predict what comes to us in life, neither the good nor the bad, but with hope, we will always get up and give it another try. The conclusion may not be exactly what we want, but it’s something that equates good to you. And even when it seems that there is no strength or no reason to continue, hope says give it another try… you are not the only one who has gone through this ... you are not alone and YOU CAN DO IT! To throw in the towel is not an option...I BELIEVE in YOU!!!