INTENTions
AND HEART
INTENTIONS
The original intention behind Hope Hour was to create a loving and safe space for conversations about beliefs between loved ones.
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The hope behind sharing stories this year is that they will show the love and kindness of God as experienced by all kinds of people in all kinds of places.
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In the future, the hope is that we can continue to learn more deeply about each other by building an encouraging environment in which there can be an exchange of ideas & experiences that includes faith sharing.
A VIEW ON QUESTIONS
Hope Hour works from the basis that all questions are honestly asked, i.e. they are asked with the intention of wanting to understand further. They are not asked to cast doubts or put people under pressure, but because there is a genuine curiosity to learn and know more.
LEARNING AND GROWING
Hope Hour has been a journey in which there have been lessons and growth over time and with every conversation. The intention is to continue to learn, grow and improve as the project moves forward. Thank you for your patience and understanding as it does so.
For the absolute avoidance of doubt, a few words on what Hope Hour is not about:
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Being forceful or domineering in our beliefs and opinions.
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Being judgemental or dismissive of people and their beliefs.
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Being superior or arrogant in our beliefs.
HEART
At the heart of Hope Hour there is a desire to nurture more understanding when sharing about faith and beliefs.
There is a link between feeling heard and feeling loved. It is because being heard makes us feel truly seen and, therefore, understood. Behind Hope Hour is the idea that we can love one another through sharing across our differences and by making the time to listen.
"Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable." David W. Ausberger
Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV)
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
So what does this practically look like? For me, this began by arranging dinners with my friends with the pre-discussed intention of sharing my Christian faith on a 1:1 basis. I am so grateful for the way my friends listened to me as I tried to express how my faith is central to who I am. I am also grateful for the way they openly shared with me in these conversations.
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In sharing, the expectation is not that everyone will agree or that beliefs will change. The expectation is to become closer by learning more about one another and the way we all see the world.
Thank you for joining Hope Hour as we explore this further!