As we entered this new year, did you notice that no one spoke of last year in positive terms? As a matter of fact, there was vitriol coming from the news media. Even the televangelists found themselves struggling to use any terms more positive than “challenging.” We began to look forward to this new year as though when the clock struck twelve, 2021 would be magically transformed into a new, shiny year with balloons and celebration. But when the celebration ended, it didn’t take us long to find ourselves still embroiled in the continuing pandemic with its mutant strain, reports of vaccine missteps, presidential power struggles, and the prediction of even more deaths.

My purpose for this episode is to remind us that despite the circumstances we see, the thoughts we think, the actions we take or wish to take, the feelings we have — we cannot give up hope! We’ve got to hold fast to our anchor, the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, that solid Rock — our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. So let us delve into this topic on hope and encourage one another, through the scriptures, to hang on to our hope, and to refuse to give up in 2021 — no matter what!