Youth Address – 42nd National Leadership Prayer Breakfast
Life is a tapestry – woven with threads of joy and sorrow; triumphs and trials. Yet, amidst and despite the circumstances of life the call to “choose hope; arise and build” resound as a relevant encouragement.
Life’s challenges can often seem insurmountable, still, it is in the face of such that the choice to embrace hope becomes paramount.
The cry, “arise and build” echoes with a sense of urgency and purpose. It is an invitation for the individual to develop a sense of resilience which propels one to rise above adversity and actively participate in the fight for the betterment of our society.
The themes of choosing hope, arising and building finds resonance in the scriptures, particularly in the story of Nehemiah whose city – Jerusalem – was without a wall. Though saddened, Nehemiah’s hope was undaunted and through divine providence the situation played out in such a manner that the necessary resources required for the rebuilding of the wall were supplied at no cost to Nehemiah or his people. Yes, there were challenges along the way – both internal and external, however Nehemiah charged forward overcoming every obstacle through prayer and supplication.
One thing I find quite outstanding about Nehemiah’s story is his strategy. It was a collaborative effort; each man built a section of the wall next to his property. This underscores the power of collective determination and the transformative impact of a shared vision.
Life is replete with challenges, and at times, despair may seem like an unavoidable companion. However, the choice to embrace hope is a powerful act of defiance against despair. Choosing hope in the face of delays and disappointments is an affirmation of faith, a declaration that the journey is not over, and the destination is worth the struggle.
Choosing hope involves anchoring oneself in a foundation of faith. Psalm 33:20-22 beautifully captures this sentiment: “We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. In Him, our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. May Your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in You.”
Building with hope means entrusting our endeavours to a higher purpose, knowing that in faith, we find the strength to endure and the assurance of a steadfast foundation.
Hope is not a passive sentiment; it is a force that transforms and carries us forward. Isaiah 40:31 encapsulates the extraordinary power of hope: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”
Choosing hope is an invitation to experience renewal, resilience, and the ability to navigate life’s challenges with unwavering determination. The secret for choosing hope?
The secret for finding the strength to arise and build? Trust in God and seek Him daily, hourly, minutely. Yet another thing I find outstanding about Nehemiah’s story is his proclivity for prayer. In everything that man prayed and it was certainly prayer that brought his work to completion. True hope is rooted in our faith in God.
It is when we choose hope that we will able to effectively answer the call to arise and build. And, what a call… especially for youth. It is no secret that the Jamaican society is riddle with a myriad of social and economic challenges. It is discouraging. But, despite the discouraging circumstances, the invitation is to embrace hope as a guiding force. The choice to rise above challenges and actively contribute to the building of a more prosperous future is not just an idealistic notion; it is a resilient response rooted in the strength and determination of the Jamaican community. The call to “arise and build” encourages a collective effort to construct a society that reflects the unwavering spirit of hope, transforming discouragement into a catalyst for positive change