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Beyond your families, and perhaps communities, how would characterize the state of hopefulness in America today? Are you sensing or feeling the existence of a shared, collective hope?

Do you sense there is a common dream on a macro level for what we want life to be in the future America? A year from now? Two years, five, ten, and beyond?

We want our kids to be hopeful and work to have a good life, a better future. Are we pausing to give any thought to what that might or could look like?

How would you characterize the state of hopefulness in America today? Does it even exist at a level of abundance that can energize enough of us to continue to work toward achieving greatness?

If not, what do we tell and pass on to our children and future generations? What are they to work for to advance humanity and society?

Many may feel that the state of hopefulness in America today is weak and teetering.

Admittedly, if we just focus on or be consumed by all of the negativity, vitriol, divisiveness, political and partisan infighting, hate speech, racial discord, and the perpetual blame games throughout our public discourse — what appear to be interminable attempts to steal our hopefulness will prevail.

State of Hopefulness in America Today
(Photo by Adrian825/iStock Images)

But these are signs and things that should bolster our hope and our resolve to continue to work for what we believe is good for our communities and our nation.

We also must remind ourselves that changes — good and bad — more often than not evolve slowly and often the signs elude or escape us because we are caught up in the moment or too preoccupied with the drama happening around us.

As we assess the state of hopefulness in America today, we will do well to remember this.

The seeds of progress and thorns of destruction, alike, are sown sporadically, often simultaneously in drips and drabs. They take roots to be extracted or harvested. Any gardener, farmer or landscaper knows if the weeds, grass and thorns are not removed, they will choke out the good — whether vegetables, flowers, or fruit.

Are we even aware, let alone watching all of the signs — the weeds, thistles and thorns being sown to choke out what is good about our lives as American citizens?

No doubt, as you think of the state of hopefulness in America, you have a list of concerning signs. In addition to the negative speech that consumes our airways, there are others that have been occurring with increasing fervor in recent years. They include, among other things: attacks on the press, growing censorship of books, revisionist history, villainy against racial and ethnic groups, violence against those who are upholding and carrying out the rule of law. To name a few.

They are signs, and like puzzle pieces, together they create a picture.

Is it a hopeful picture?

Our hopes are not formed or realized in isolation. Our hopes, dreams and work have far-reaching impact and are inextricably tied to the lives of our family, our communities, and our nation. We must do all we can to impact the state of hopefulness in America today.

As America goes, so go our hopes.

What America are you hoping to live in? Are you willing to put your work and actions where your hopes are?

Portions of this article first appeared in the Missouri Independent

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