It has been more than four years since the pandemic hit us. Of course, there were many people to whom we said goodbye to. Many people were displaced financially. There are still many people who are dealing with mental health: depression, fear, anxiety, worry, and even anger. Yet, there are far more people who never ever lose hope. Deep down in their hearts, “Makakaraos at makakaraos din.”

In a Gospel story, a blind man never loses hope. He could have become angry at God, he could have been a grouchy person. Yet when he was asked by Jesus, “Do you believe I can do this?” Full of hope he responded. “Yes, Lord.” As such, he got healed. 

That is why when it seems to be at the end of the line, three things we can do to remain hopeful:

1. Prayer. God is just a prayer away. Jesus said, pray unceasingly not to change the will of the Lord but to know the will of the Lord. After all, it is the perfect one for us. “What Lord are you telling me in times like this?” Remember storms in life are not meant to destroy us but to clear our path. 
   
2. Talent. All of us have a mission from God. The times may change, the situation may change, but the mission remains. Hence find the silver lining in every difficult situation by using our talent. 
   
3. Generosity. Times are hard, times are difficult, but we do not have a monopoly on these difficult times. There are other people in more difficult situations. When we reach out to others even when we have our storms, we bless other people’s lives. These blessings will always come back, 30-fold, 60-fold, and 100-fold. 

We must always remember that we cannot predict life. When the storm clouds come, always be hopeful. It can get us through the darkest moments.