I have been musing on the word HOPE since meeting last Friday with Mark Laret, the President & CEO of UCSF.

HOPE is defined in the Online Etymology Dictionary as…

hopian “wish, expect, look forward (to something),” of unknown origin, a general Low Ger. word (cf. O.Fris. hopia, M.L.G., M.Du. hopen; M.H.G. hoffen “to hope” was borrowed from Low Ger. Some suggest a connection with hop (v.) on the notion of “leaping in expectation.”

I really identify with the notion of HOPE as “leaping in expectation”.

Mark Laret describes HOPE as a primary motivator that encourages patients at every turn of their hospitalization.  He comments that HOPE gets redefined along the way depending upon the patient’s diagnosis and prognosis.  He describes patients who have HOPE of feeling better, HOPE of healing, HOPE of not experiencing pain, HOPE of being discharged, and so forth.  Mark affirmed that HOPE combined with FAITH are a powerful combination.

Lauren and Caleb Murray, with their 21 month old son, Rowan, visited Irene and presented her with a PRAYER & COMFORT QUILT.  There were many “conspirators” to this loving and gracious surprise including…

• Kathy & Kacey Cook
• Andrea Palmer
• Susan Bernal
• Sue Hasty
• Caroline Kirchner
• Betty Fairhurst
• Jan Messini
• Marsha Hesketh

The quilt is PURPLE Irene’s favorite color, displays beautiful HEARTS, and has her favorite verse sewn into the fabric…

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23

Anecdotal …. Many years ago Lauren taught sewing and worked with Irene at Monte Vista Christian School.  At that time Lauren and her class presented Irene with a Christmas theme quilt completed by students …. that we still use to this day!!

Scripture uses HOPE in abundance .…

May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

Blessings of HOPE from God were delivered through the hearts and hands of Lauren and the team of prayer intercessors who lovingly displayed the Body of Christ at work.  This Prayer & Comfort quilt will be a constant reminder to Irene as she uses it not only at home but three days a week at dialysis treatment.

We are “leaping in expectation” as we eagerly HOPE in Him on Irene’s Journey of Faith ….

Caminando con Fé

Dave