New Hampshire leaders find hope in variety of places
March 31. 2013 3:54AM
The message of Easter is one of hope and redemption. But it seems like there's a lot to be discouraged about these days, from the still-sluggish economy and governmental dysfunction here at home to wars and other crises around the world.
So we ask: Where do you find hope?

Many things that discourage us in day-to-day life are things controlled by other people; limited, sometimes misguided, sometimes self-serving, sometimes sinful people. If we put our hope in people alone, we are bound to fail.
So where do I find hope? From the Psalms: "I find my hope in God my strength. He is my Rock, my Fortress, my Deliverer, he is my God in whom I trust." And from the book of Job (who really suffered): "I believe that my Redeemer lives. And on the last day I shall rise from the dust and in my flesh I shall see my God and Savior. My very self shall see Him — my own eyes!"

I find hope in the myriad ways around us that God is doing new things. It seems the "mainline" churches are finally setting aside their need to fortify the high walls that in the past defined them as denominations.
I see signs that we are recovering the ancient wisdom that God's glory is displayed when we practice God's presence in loving service to our neighbor.... For me, an undeniable sign of God's glory is when we choose (physically or in other ways) to wash each others' feet, including those of the stranger, the poor, the homeless.
Jesus always shows up in those moments in a sense that there is a Presence that is stronger than death and greater than the sum of us breaking into our awareness. In fact, it's with such actions as these that God has chosen to save this fallen world.

I remember once when Ben's wheelchair broke a wheel, a problem that can be extremely difficult and time-consuming to repair. When the students in the technical program at the high school heard, they sprung to action, went to work and fixed Ben's chair themselves, restoring his mobility and independence in a matter of hours instead of what would have been days.
I know stories like ours, where Granite Staters pitch in and work together to help one another, happen across New Hampshire every day, in every town and city. And that always gives me hope.

Our church is not merely a "human institution" Rather, it is divinely founded and divinely guided, and if we attune ourselves to that presence, we really are not alone in this journey. That is a great comfort to me.
New life is indeed a possibility ... and each of us is in need of new life, of reform and renewal. Easter renews that promise.
I also believe that the election of a new Pope is for all Catholics a sign of "potential promise" of renewal. I see this as a pivotal moment for renewal and "hope" for our church.

Just this week, I had the opportunity to team up with the New England Patriots' Vince Wilfork to raise diabetes awareness at a middle school in Derry and also read to students at Seabrook Elementary as part of Read Across America. The energy of students was contagious. Seeing their smiles and that excitement in our young people is a sight that never gets old.

Their support allows us to continue to provide for the basic needs of the over 143,000 New Hampshire neighbors facing hunger daily through food distribution and also helps us continue to fight the root causes of hunger through our innovative educational and empowerment programs, enabling more people to become self-sufficient and improve their quality of life.

And I find hope in the donors, volunteers and professionals who make up the vibrant network of charitable organizations that make New Hampshire work. Hope is the driving force behind those who give time, talent and treasure to help others they will never meet — or who may be born long after they are gone. So my hope comes from knowing they are there and having the privilege of working with them every day.





It is easy to despair after I hear all the negative comments made against immigrants and the prospect of an immigration reform. ... I use that frustration to fuel my passion for justice for my fellow immigrants.
I find hope in the certainty that we are all connected by spirit and will do the right thing once we can tap into that force.
The central figure of Easter, Jesus, was once an immigrant. His family fled their land looking for safety and better conditions just like our present-day immigrants.
Jesus encouraged us to forgive, as He forgave those who took His life. In the spirit of Easter, I pray that legislators find compassion in their hearts to support a path to citizenship for our immigrant brothers and sisters.

I also draw hope from my new colleagues in Congress — both Republicans and Democrats — who share my commitment to finding common ground and working together to move our country forward.

And for some people, hope is hearing, "Yes, we will help," and walking with you as you regain your life through mentoring programs, support groups and assistance through Parish Community Services....
And for those who have lost their way, hope is seeing your life getting back on track when all seemed lost.
