Cope or Hope?

A year after 9/11, my friend Ann VanHine – who lost her firefighter husband Bruce in the World Trade Center – first shared her story at our Ladies Tea. I was most impressed by Ann’s message of hope. She received many letters from the City of NY informing her of ways to cope. So she looked up the word “cope” in the Bible to see what God had to say about coping. And she didn’t find the word “cope” anywhere in God’s Word. What she did find was the word “hope.” Over and over, through trials and tribulations, God’s people are urged to hope. Hope in God. Hope in the LORD. Hope in His Word. 


Bruce was an avid outdoorsman and often hiked the Appalachian Trail, leaving Bibles in the shelters along the route from Maine to Georgia. Both Ann and Bruce quietly and faithfully shared their message of hope. 


Ten years later, Ann was featured in a story on the Today show. She is volunteer at the WTC Tribute Center and led a group of children born on 9/11/2001. Her message is the same now as it was 10 years ago – “You can’t lose sight of the good.” 


Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23


Here is the clip from the Today show:






And an added bonus:
Here is a clip from a friend of some friends of mine. His song commemorating the 10th anniversary of 9/11/01 is exceptional, and is a perfect complement to Ann’s message of hope. Enjoy!


 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLlJj9Aynq8

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2 thoughts on “Cope or Hope?

  1. Hi Susan,

    Thank God for Ann's message of hope going out over the airwaves. What an emotional time, this 10th anniversary of 9/11. I've been praying that God will use this time to reveal Himself and touch hearts in a mighty way.

  2. Susan,
    This is awesome. Thanks for sharing. Today of all days we praise God and thank Him for our never ending hope.

    BTW…I have friends who are friends of Dave Pettigrew! Small world.

    Blessings,
    Kelli

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