By: Barbara Prinzi
A written transcript of Barbara’s talk, from our Advent by Candlelight on December 2nd.
Good evening. I was honored and deeply grateful to be asked to speak about Hope tonight. Hope has many definitions, so much meaning, and appears in Scripture between 130 and 167 times, depending on the version. Isaiah says: But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles: They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint.
Fifty years ago, I took the Dale Carnegie course on public speaking. I had just taken a position that required speaking before large groups of people and I had zero training or experience. I was terrified. That course helped me conquer my fear and taught me so much more. One of the most important lessons I learned was that when facing fear or anxiety, ask yourself “what’s the worst that can happen?”. Accept that it will and consider what that would mean. Of course, the worst rarely happens, but what stayed with me is expecting the best. Does it always work? Of course not….life’s just not like that, is it?
We have all heard “Hope springs eternal”. This phrase comes from a poem by Alexander Pope, and means that people always hope for the best, even in the face of adversity. Two of my brothers dropped out my life for four years. There was no argument, no conflict. I was bewildered, heartbroken and so very sad. I was the big sister to the three youngest and practically old enough to be their mother! I never saw it coming and for a couple of years, I couldn’t let go. I finally did, but I never stopped hoping and praying. Always in my mind…..
Hope springs eternal!
Psychological studies have identified hope as a key factor in resilience, recovery, and mental health, highlighting its role in coping with adversity. Chances for survival rise exponentially when you have Hope. Hope is a Choice. So is Optimism. These choices can improve mental health, lower anxiety and improve the lives of others. John, my hairdresser, had a serious illness a few months ago. His brother-in-law was so negative, John asked him not to contact him for a while. He created too much anxiety. Imagine a world where every problem is seen as challenge, where unpredictable events are seen as adventures, and where there’s a belief that things will turn out well. That doesn’t mean they always do.
But in my world, that’s my first thought. My boys have always called me the eternal optimist. I just can’t help it! Remember, Hope springs eternal. This past July, I was diagnosed with Lung cancer….stage 4, inoperable. I was stunned, but strangely calm. I knew God had His arms wrapped around me. I was not afraid. Again, Isaiah: Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your GOD. I will strengthen you, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
Approaching my 86th birthday, I thought was the healthiest person I knew! My doctors said so, My family and friends said so. I had no symptoms and the cancer was found during a routine CAT scan performed semi-annually as a follow up to something discovered in the early days of Covid. By July, I’d had six scans, nothing had changed and the scan became as routine as getting my teeth cleaned. How could it be Stage 4? My husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer twenty-five years ago and he was gone in three months. When we discussed options, I told the oncologist I was not willing to undergo the standard radiation and chemo. More doctors ordered more tests to determine if I was a candidate for immunotherapy or radiation therapy. I was not. Because of the size and location of the tumor and the fact that I was otherwise in good health, I was eligible for one treatment only; a series of five five-minute treatments over a period of ten days with potentially no side effects. The treatment was considered highly effective. I said “This is a miracle!” asked when we can begin, and completed the treatment in late September. You all have been praying for me ever since and I am eternally grateful.
So, I told you I conquered my fear of public speaking….and reunited with my brothers….. and John is once again talking to his brother-in-law. As for the cancer, I don’t know and won’t know until February 6, two months from now. Until then, as I said when I learned about this diagnosis, I am not afraid and I know that I am wrapped in God’s arms. For now, we wait….we watch, and we hope.
Romans 12:12: Be joyful in hope. Patient in affliction. Faithful in prayer
And, remember Hope springs eternal. Thank you.