Well, here goes: Storm & Stars’ very first post! What better way to kick-start the blog than with an introductory series on what we hope for this platform? Not in terms of unguaranteed projects and plans—though we are quite excited about what the future may hold—but the values we wish to cultivate and share moving forward.
First up, hope.
A Time of Darkness
Life isn’t easy. Disappointments turn bright days dull. Pains and worries roll in like storms, blotting out the stars. Ever felt like the weight of it all tries to snuff the flame of hope and convince you that better things don’t lie ahead?
It seems the psalmist felt something similar when he asked, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” (Psalm 42:11 ESV).
Sadly, all too many stories written today echo only despair. By the end of the final chapter, you don’t look back with a smile but with a weight on your heart. Yes, there is value in storytelling that is relatable and realistic, but the ones I refer to end with relatable and leave out the realistic. The truth. The hope.
Beyond the Gloom
The reality is, the storm that rolled in will pass. The stars will shine again. Yet even they will fade, giving way to glorious, golden dawn. The best is yet to come.
The psalmist may have written a relatable question, but listen to his realistic answer:
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.Psalm 42:11 (ESV)
There is hope, always, even in the darkest night, whether it be a hope rooted in eternity to come, the confidence that there is goodness in this life (see Psalm 27:13), or the knowledge that even the times of darkness will be used by our glorious Creator for good (see Romans 8:28).
Glimmers in the Night
In response to the toughness of life, some write stories to provide distraction. Escapism rather than relatability becomes the goal. But does that rescue us from troubles? Does it inspire the hope needed to face life?
Not every story needs to be a blazing beacon of hope. There is room for fun, fantastical, or thrilling tales that do nothing more than entertain. But if such stories are candy, then let us not make that the staple of our diet. We can write (and be sure to read) stories that remind us of the truth rather than ones that end in despair.
Show the storm. Then show that it isn’t the story’s end.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13 (ESV)