I just posted the following on my other blog, Local Tourist, which documents my adventures in LA and surrounding areas--the new and the new-to-me.
This is the first entry about the revolutionary LA-based organization The Hope Chronicles, which aims to make people more aware of their neighbor, whether locally or across the globe, by asking the simple question: “What is your hope?”
I was admittedly a bit skeptical at how well this idea would work, especially in cities like LA. Is a stranger really going to tell someone his or her hope? And if so, will it make a difference?
Since The Hope Chronicles' recent launch, it has already documented some stirring accounts of hope around the world. It is a refreshing surprise to see people open up, and the more they do, the more it encourages me and gives me HOPE that the cynical world I assume I live in is filled with people eager to share their heart’s desires, some of which are not so different from my own.
We, especially in large cities, often shut ourselves off or substitute false communication for true connection. I think it has really been a ripple effect: We project closed body language and other indicators as a wall to keep out the person next to us at Starbucks or the Metro (yes, public transit in LA), who then does the same to keep us and others out as well, so we create a society of people who rarely think of talking to a stranger because we all assume we are hardened and closed-off. But often a whole other side exists.
Now, I understand the value of privacy and safety, especially as a woman. I also know that talking to strangers usually requires getting out of one’s comfort zone, even if you’re an extrovert. I thrive on being around people, but also enjoy working in a coffee shop alone for hours or taking a solo stroll in the sun. We all need time to reflect and just be.
But we also need to sincerely express ourselves and LISTEN to each other. Not just “like” a facebook status, or say “Hi” to that person waiting in a long line with us, but have an honest-to-goodness conversation. I realize that can’t always happen with everyone we encounter and I believe we can’t have a truly deep relationship with everyone we meet since we only have so much time and emotional capacity, but I’m over-thinking the process. START WITH HOPE.
This simple focus makes The Hope Chronicles innovative because we all have hope, whether we acknowledge it or not. Political thoughts aside, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the current U.S. President ran on a slogan of “Hope and Change”.
The term “hope” is ambiguous, but it inspires and unites people because it knows no bounds. Prosperity. Love. World Peace. There is no end to what we can hope for, regardless of our age, ethnic, social, or religious background and so forth. Maybe it’s just making next month’s rent payment.
We are not asking for something and analyzing whether it is a realistic request or what it will entail. We are hoping. The sky is the limit. And who wouldn’t want to take part in that?
Go to The Hope Chronicles site to read different hopes, see hopes documented on video and find out how to help the movement. You will discover that the face of hope is all around you. What is your hope?
I will be getting more involved with The Hope Chronicles and look forward to sharing people’s hopes as well as what this sometimes-jaded LA girl learns about the community around her.
