The following words passed from friend to friend over the years. Stephanie, friend of our daughter, Rene’, shared these words with her during her recovery after surgery for stage III ovarian cancer in 2014, and they are still relevant today. Originally Joan Chittister penned these words on hope or despair in “The Psalms: Meditations for every Day of the Year.”
Cut from the Same Cloth ~
“Hope and despair are not opposites. They are cut from the very same cloth; made from the very same material; shaped from the very same circumstances. Most of all, every life finds itself forced to choose one from the other one day at a time, one circumstance after another. The only difference between the two is that despair shapes attitude of mind; hope creates a quality of soul.”
“Despair colors the way we look at things, makes us suspicious of the future, makes us negative about the present. Hope on the other hand, takes life on its own terms, knows that whatever happens, God lives in it. Hope expects that, whatever its twists and turns, it will ultimately yield its good to those who live it well.”
We Stand at the Crossroads Between Despair and Hope ~
“When tragedy strikes, when trouble comes, when life disappoints, we stand at the crossroads between hope and despair – torn and hurting. Despair cements us in the present; hope sends us dancing around dark corners trusting in a tomorrow we cannot see.”
“Despair says that there is no place to go but here. Hope says that God is waiting for us some place else. Begin again in this stage of life.”
I pass these words on to you to share when tragedy strikes, when trouble comes, when life disappoints, and we stand at the crossroads between despair and hope.
Circumstances around us cause circumstantial despair. Clinical depression comes from within.
As a side note, there is a difference between clinical depression and circumstantial despair. Clinical depression comes from within and sometimes lingers over several years and needs medical treatment wrapped in prayer to treat it. It’s not a matter of choice or circumstance. Whereas, circumstantial despair occurs when a tragic situation happens around us such as: one is diagnosed with cancer; or the stock market crashes causing a financial crisis; or a marriage crumbles. Circumstantial despair takes a proper perspective to choose how to respond – either cemented in the present or dancing around dark corners in hope.
The psalmist says, “Why are you cast down (in despair), O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me (anxiety and worry)? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.” (Psalm 42:11)
Despair or hope? Panic or calm? Hopeless or hopeful? Rise up in the 
strength of the Lord, and be steadfast in His faithfulness to carry you through the valley. Choose hope.