Heart colored with HOPE. (a painting by my gorgeous sister Dana)

I was innocently reading the books of Hebrews and James in the New Testament today and I came across several stunning somethings. One day I will sit with the writers of those books, drink some heavenly tea, and laugh really outlandishly. They pitched a fast ball with a lot of their sentences and I can still hear the “SMACK” as the Holy Spirit hits it out of the park. HOME RUN.

“We must hold on to the hope we have, never hesitating to tell people about it. We can trust God to do what He promised.”

(Hebrew 10:23 ERV)

“All of them had great faith. And with that faith they defeated kingdoms. They did what was right, and God helped them in the ways He promised. With their faith some people closed the mouths of lions. And some were able to stop blazing fires. Others escaped from being killed with swords. Some who were weak were made strong. They became powerful in battle and defeated other armies.”

(Hebrews 11:33-35 ERV)

“You must be patient too. NEVER STOP HOPING.”

(James 5:8 ERV)

"AMAL" - that's "hope" in Arabic and it makes me thirsty just looking at it. Thirsty for heaven on earth.