Anchored in Hope

By Karen Romestan

As the clouds roll across the sky, the winds blow, the trees sway, the squirrels are cuddled in their nests. All hope rests in the perfect movements of the universe that usher us along our journey. Through sunshine and storms, through smiles and tears, when we are filled with fear or standing courageously, hope is our strength.

Hope calls me to live in the movement of divine order trusting that all is well in this very moment, and this movement, and this moment also. Hope builds evidence of this movement of divine order as I watch the seasons move from the brilliant blooms of spring, to the sunny days of summer, to the colors of fall as the earth prepares for the oncoming winter, only to return ablaze with life once more come spring.

Hope calls me from the depth of sadness when I hear the cries of the world rage against itself. Hope enlivens me to loving-kindness as I witness compassion, one for another. Hope instills possibility in my heart with the cry of a new born babe, the playfulness of young pups, and the dawning of each new day.

Hope grows and faith emerges. Albeit a blind faith, I see the hand of God in the working out of m days and hours and the spreading fingers of grace over the years of my life. The kind of gracious hand of God that answers prayers and gifts my heart assurance in those moments of seemingly unanswered prayers.

Hope grows rooted in Truth, hope grows beyond the field of unknowing, and again emerges as the exquisite picturing of God’s law shaping our world.

Hebrews 6:19 reminds me, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” I anchor my soul, firmly and securely, in hope.

Anchored in Hope was written by Karen Romestan and originally published in House of Hope, a publication of Retreat House Spirituality Center. Purchase a copy.

Born and raised in a small town in southwestern Pennsylvania, Karen seized the first opportunity for a move to city life at age eighteen. After living in Pittsburgh for her college years, she then moved to South Florida. There she thrived, rearing a family of three children with her husband.

As life happened, the vows of marriage were dissolved and after thirty years of South Florida living, Karen moved to Texas for what she thought was a position as a corporate marketing director. In her early years in Dallas, a call to ministry came and she said “yes.”

Karen is now an ordained Unity minister and serves the welcoming and inclusive spiritual community of Unity on Greenville (345 Greenville Avenue). The foundation of small-town values remains a vibrant part of Karen’s ministry. Karen is also a spiritual director.