“But hope has an astonishing resilience and strength. Its very persistence in our hearts indicates that it is not a tonic for wishful thinkers but the ground on which realists stand.”
In this quote, Kathleen Norris reflects on the concept of hope and its significance in the face of challenges. She points out that hope is not merely a tool for wishful thinking, but rather a foundation upon which realists rely.
The author suggests that hope is not just a fleeting feeling or a naive expectation of good outcomes, but a powerful force that sustains us through difficult times. It is a quality that gives us the strength to persevere and remain resilient in the face of adversity. Norris emphasizes the enduring nature of hope, highlighting its ability to persist even when circumstances are bleak. Ultimately, she suggests that hope is not just a fleeting emotion, but a necessary element for facing reality with courage and determination.
In our fast-paced and often uncertain world, hope can seem like a fleeting emotion. However, Kathleen Norris reminds us that hope is not just for dreamers, but a necessary foundation for those who face the challenges of reality. This quote underscores the importance of holding onto hope even in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder that hope is not just a passive emotion, but a source of strength and resilience that can help us navigate the complexities of life. Today, more than ever, it is crucial to remember the power of hope in staying grounded and pushing forward in the midst of difficulties.
"But hope has an astonishing resilience and strength. Its very persistence in our hearts indicates that it is not a tonic for wishful thinkers but the ground on which realists stand.” - Kathleen Norris"
In this quote by Kathleen Norris, the idea of hope as a resilient force is explored. It challenges us to consider the true nature of hope and its significance in our lives. As you reflect on this quote, consider the following questions:
“Laundry, liturgy and women's work all serve to ground us in the world, and they need not grind us down. Our daily tasks, whether we perceive them as drudgery or essential, life-supporting work, do not define who we are as women or as human beings.”
“True hospitality is marked by an open response to the dignity of each and every person. Henri Nouwen has described it as receiving the stranger on his own terms, and asserts that it can be offered only by those who 'have found the center of their lives in their own hearts'.”
“This is another day, O Lord...If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely.If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly.If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently.And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly.”
“Many people are just waking to the reality that unlimited expansion, what we call progress, is not possible in this world, and maybe looking to monks (who seek to live within limitations) as well as rural Dakotans (whose limitations are forced upon them by isolation and a harsh climate) can teach us how to live more realistically. These unlikely people might also help us overcome the pathological fear of death and the inability to deal with sickness and old age that plague American society.”
“Poets are immersed in process, and I mean process not as an amorphous blur but as a discipline. The hard work of writing has taught me that in matters of the heart, such as writing, or faith, there is no right or wrong way to do it, but only the way of your life. Just paying attention will teach you what bears fruit and what doesn't. But it will be necessary to revise--to doodle, scratch out, erase, even make a mess of things--in order to make it come out right.”
“Both liturgy and what is euphemistically termed 'domestic work' also have an intense relation with the present moment, a kind of faith in the present that fosters hope and makes life seem possible in the day-to-day. ”