Archives at Zinester: ""Hope in Jeopardy". "I Believe in You!".

Subject: ""Hope in Jeopardy" - April25, 2007

"I Believe in you!"

A message of Hope...stories from the road.

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Mid week and my first story. Boy, am I behind or what?

Hope this finds you well and happy.

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Perks Pearl of Wisdom

"Do better than expected, give more than you should and

you'll begin to understand how much God believes in you." Bob Perks

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Appreciate what I do?

Here's how you can help me:

This link will take you to my web page for more information,

shopping, and ways you can help.

I humbly thank you in advance...

Love always and all ways,

Bob and Marianne Perks

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"Hope in Jeopardy"

Empty. Stagnant. Dark.

That's how she described herself to me.

It was not only a series of events in her own life that brought

her there, but an attack on all she valued personally in life.

We can all find things that need extra attention in our lives.

Little things and big pile up so high they sometimes block the sun.

These days we need not look too far to see the darkness in the world

slowly creeping in on whatever we consider to be a normal life.

Mistrust. Fear. Deceit. Lies. Death. Anger.

"Words you see in newspaper headlines, Alex"

"I'll take hope for $100."

Sorry, hope may be in jeopardy, but you can't buy hope.

I would have bought some for this woman.

I stopped at a restaurant this morning and had a little breakfast. I purchased a local

paper hoping to get away from the national headlines. It's impossible. When I was finished

I approached the man at the register.

"How was everything?" he asked.

"What do you sell?" he asked me.

My coffee hadn't kicked in yet. I didn't understand what he was asking.

"Sell? What do I sell?"

"You look like a salesman," he said. "You must sell something."

I looked around for a second, sighed and said, "Hope. I sell hope."

It just came out of me. Now he looked confused.

I smiled and walked to my car.

I sat there for a moment thinking about what I just said. I glanced over to the

seat next to me and saw the headlines again. "...Lied...Cover-up...9 died..."

No one can sell hope, but there is a crisis of hope in this world. In a nation built on hope

it may appear to some that we have become hopeless.

The dictionary defines hope as, "the feeling that what is desired is also possible,

or that events may turn out for the best."

It also includes the phrase, "hope against hope." To continue to hope, although the

situation does not warrant it.

Hope, I believe, is woven into the very fabric of faith.

Faith, in the religious sense, no matter the doctrine, is a combination of hope, belief and trust.

One cannot be hopeless and have faith at the same time.

So, if I cannot sell hope then I must give it.

That brings up the other challenge. If I had hope to give, how would I do it?

One might argue that you can't see hope, you can't touch hope, you can't hold hope or surely one cannot

To see hope, rise up early in the day to watch the sunrise. It is a promise kept.

To touch hope, take the hand of the elderly and listen to their story. They will give you hope.

To hold hope, cradle a baby in your arms. Babies are a confirmation of God's vision for tomorrow.

To taste hope, weep for those who mourn the loss of a loved one. God is in your tear drops. God is hope.

So how would you give hope?

Help...those blinded by the darkness of despair to see the light of this day and point them toward the

promise of a better tomorrow.

Offer...your hand to someone who needs lifting up and your time to someone who thinks their time

has run out.

Profess. Share your faith. Faith and hope are the life blood of humanity.

Example. Be the hope you want to see in the world. Live a hope-filled life and the lost and hopeless will

follow.

"Hope in jeopardy?"

"I'll take faith in God, Alex."

"Correct!"

And so I Helped that woman by Offering my hand, Professing my faith in God and served as an Example.

"I Hope you had a good day." Charlie Gibson ABC news

I encourage you to share my stories but I do ask that you keep my name and

contact information with my work.

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Have a comment about today's story?

please write to "2 believe @ comcast .net"

(spaces were placed between words in email address for security)

Bob, your insights are so refreshing , and the manner in which you relate them is a delight!

Thank you for sharing!

Carol Ann from Cabot, Arkansas

Bob,

I loved your story "Smile!" I got a much needed chuckle or two. But I must admit that I had my

biggest chuckle when I saw your fun picture. When I saw it, I couldn't decide if I was looking

at a Texas cowboy, an Hawaiian vacationer, or Robert Conrad in his 'Foster Grants' in one of his

roles as a cop. (The one role that comes to mind is his character in 'Jingle All The Way.') It's

been a long time since I played dress-up. Maybe I should go see what is in my closet! :)

Kathy

Jonesborough, TN

Good to have you back and I really liked the picture for Spring. For
some reason, my system only showed me a half of you. One dark lens and
only half a beard
I moved my house plants outside and here in Colorado that is usually not
done until well after the first of May. May get to 34 or 35 tonight. I
am praying they will not freeze. My carpet needed a good cleaning and I
can't do that with 30 plants on stands. Now if that wind doesn't blow
them apart and they won't freeze, this time next month they should look
good as new.
My hair has split ends and my wrinkles are not too deep yet and my nails
are chipped and my fingers are cracked, but I am healthy and I feel
blessed.
God does Bless you.
helen l,.. in Colorado (home of the Royal Gorge)

Dear Bob,

You not only me gave me a smile, but you also gave me a good laugh this morning!!...

("Even if the temperature drops to sub freezing, the snow falls by the foot and yes, hell

freezes over, I will not wear another winter coat.") LOL...that sounds just like me. I too

have had enough of winter!! It is a beautiful morning here for a change. The sun is bright

and the birds are singing. Thanks for making it even brighter!!

I am going shopping today in my sandals and lighter clothes and my new sunglasses.

I think spring is finally here!

Have a great day,

Robin

P.S. Loved the picture!!

Bob, Your absence from my AOL has saddened my days. I didn't realize it was AOhell!

LOL So glad your back! Missed you so much! And I'm sure Smiling now! : )

Hugs and Belief in you and Marianne!

Sami

I love somebody willing to be silly just for the enjoyment and encouragement of others. Thanks

and Happy Spring to you. I feel warmer already. Gladys

Thanks for spreading the sunshine Bob---We have a weatherman on the news in B.C. Who always

wears a Hawaiian shirt when the weather is nice---He has quite a selection and many people have

sent him one. He rates our weather on whether it will be a one shirt, 2 shirt, 3 shirt or 4 shirt day. :-)

I applaud you for standing up; you look smashing in your Hawaiian wear! Blessings, Sheila

That's the spirit bob- ( i saw your picture)!!!!- spring time cometh

yours in Christ

gerry

Hi Bob,

Loved your picture - it made me smile!

Welcome spring. Although I am one of your friends who live in a warm climate - I remember

my NY winters when I was growing up and how welcome spring is there. Here, we love spring too -

but it is different from the cold parts of the country as you have such a contrast of weather and

probably appreciate spring even more than we do. Enjoy - even if it is only in your mind at this time!

Hello to Marianne from me.

Bev

Bob,

Love the picture! It made me smile!

Donna

Hi Bob,

What a cute picture of you in that cowboy hat, flowered shirt and lei! But the best thing you're

wearing is that mega-watt *s*m*i*l*e* of yours!

It's good to know that many of your AOL subscribers are back in the fold. I read Kate's

comment with great interest when she remarked that reading articles from your archives is not

quite the same as receiving them in one's inbox thrice weekly. She echoed my sentiments

when she said it felt "different" and "not personal."

You're like my Wheaties for breakfast...a kind of spiritual, good-for-you, happy nourishment!

Keep on keeping on,

Sandi in FL.

Bob,

Loved your comment (I weep daily with those who are in pain. It is my mission in life to lift you up,

give you hope and make you smile when you feel you cannot. The world is in shock. The images

horrifying. Not just In Virginia, but Iraq, Afghanistan, Darfur and the streets of every major city of the world.)

and after a few days of the media's view on the tragedy at VA Tech I'm really ready for your story today

and for your view of hope. Thanks for the smile. BTW, really liked your silly, spring photo.

Barbara in Ohio

I'm with you Bob. Great minds think alike. I did the same this morning when
I looked in my closet. Picked out a spring shirt and went to work without a
coat!!! I have to say, I'm a little chilly!!!! Even turned the heat down
in my office. I'll consider this my period of "hardening" - like those
seedlings we adjust for planting! Thanks for making my day...again!
Think Spring!
Alice

Bob,

You did make me smile - thanks

viewed the picture as well - was expecting long johns LOL

thanks again for the smile

Kathleen

In case you missed the photo:

http://www.bobperks.com/Spring.htm

"I Wish You enough!"
� 2001 Bob Perks

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."