Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

David’s wise son, captured this great nugget of wisdom long ago and it rings true today more than ever. Our country has been known as a land of opportunity and a promise land of sorts for generations. Today many young people feel heart sick because hope is in short supply. We often forget that hope is one of the big three impacts of our relationship with Christ remember, faith, hope, and love.

There are many people walking around with heavy hearts because of job loss, health concerns, the stress of life and seem to be looking for something to fill the void. This verse is clear that often time the only thing that can bring life and hope is to see something we long for realized.

The question now becomes, how do you engage someone who has given up hope and not only invite them to dream again, but work to see that dream fulfilled. We have been wrestling with that question for many years and are starting to see some folks walking out the desires of their heart for their family and community.

We have found a special mix between asset based community development, neighbor organizing, relationship building, and walking out dreams together. I can tell you that seeing something materialize breathes life into a group of people, they learn to dream together and new life fills the room as hope returns.

The question for those who have lost hope and feel despair is, what is your dream and what do you want to do about it.