So what is the dictionary definition of hope? " Hope means to have a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. Catherine Pulsifer said, "Never give up. Have hope, except only the best from life and take action to get it." In the times of tragedy in the news and all around us. We can have hope for greater things. We can be the change the world dares to see. We can't give up when bad things seem to be happening all around us. Someone needs to see your light and your smile, to feel the hope of God and the hope of prayer.

In times of tragedy, things can rebuild. People come together from around the nation just to lend a helping hand. Thoughts and prayers being sent up from all around. People drop their small problems to go out and help. It's encouraging to me to see people come together in the times where the nation is hurting. Instead of grumbling we lift one another up in encouraging words and thoughts. We don't say you did this wrong, but we are just there. This is important for any kind of rebuild. Not just in the physical things but in the mental and emotional rebuild. God comforts us so we can go and comfort others in times of need.

When bad things happen, physical things can be fixed and re-built. However, the bond between people that happens in the midst of pain and hurt when tragedies happen is strong. We have hope in God, hope in prayer, hope in the community, and hope that things we be brought back to life. In the midst of the Gatlinburg wild fires, people are praying all across the country and sending a hand of help to those in need. I look at things like the animals being safe in Ripley's Aquarium, and find hope in those things. There is always a bright side, it is just our job to find it and work from there.

We can always better ourselves together. We can always learn, we can always better prepare. . That's what will make the change when we need to feel encouraged.

"No matter the number of times you fail you must be determined to succeed. You must not lose hope. Don't stop in your storm. Don't give up so easily." Tony Narams, Top Secret: You Fly Like an Eagle. Granted, this is easier said than done, but it's something we can all strive for.

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." We have hope that God will give us a future and restore anything that is broken. And that we can comfort each other in times of need. This is not the end, just a new start, and a fresh beginning to learn.