Hope That Cannot Be Contained

Beth Knopik was the keynote speaker at a Dial Hope event that we sponsored in Sarasota last month. She and her husband Steve lost a daughter at age 16 to a rare heart virus. It is hard to even begin to imagine the pain of that loss. Beth wrote a book about her experience with the idea that she might help others. And it is really quite touching. It’s called, Beyond the Rainbow.

There was one particular moment in the book where Beth describes a turning point. She writes: 

“Little by little, there began to appear in my dark, dismal cave a tiny sliver of light. One evening, several months into our loss, Steve and I sat at the kitchen counter, having dinner. There was nothing remarkable about that day or that moment, but suddenly, out of nowhere, a mysterious feeling began to wash over me. My body warmed. I felt the hair on my arms and the back of my neck raise. It was as if my heart, grown so heavy these last few months, felt lighter. Every cell in my body breathed a moment of total, utter calm.”

“At the time, I had no idea what was happening. Now, I know that what I felt was the pure presence and gift of grace. A moment of true clarity. I turned to face Steve. My voice firm with conviction, I declared, ‘We are going to be okay. We are going to get through this. I knew it with everything in me.’”

Reflecting on Beth’s story, I’m reminded that I’ve heard other stories too about how just when life seemed to be falling apart, something deep inside started to grow: a hope that couldn’t be contained, a hope that they would see a loved one again; hope that tomorrow doesn’t have to be the same as today – things can change – that there can be a new start. 

I’ve had others tell me that just at that moment when they thought they were just about beyond their ability to cope, a strange peace came over them, or an inexplicable sense of joy that arose out of the darkness…

I’m reminded by these stories, that God is a God who can bring strength out of weakness, a God who can use our brokenness, even our failures and our shortcomings to make something new – even something beautiful. 

I’m deeply grateful to Beth, and her willingness to share her story. Even in the midst of all she has gone through, God has given her a heart to help others.

Let us pray: We thank you, O God, for your grace that sustains us, and compels us. I pray today that you would draw near to those who need you most. Bring healing, comfort, and hope. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.