On my desk at work sits a note. Written in the clear, strong print of my Grandmother’s neat handwriting, it reads - “May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 Hope. Something I felt was missing from my life for the last year. Hope...something this note reminds me of every day. But this is no ordinary note or scripture. Because every time I look at the note, I realize it is a prayer. It is my prayer. It is my Grandma’s prayer. It was her prayer over me, one that I found tucked in the pages of her Bible after she died. I’m not sure if she knew her little rainbow would need it to bring hope back into her life...but her prayer, now my prayer, is reviving me. As I learn to trust in Him. in this season that looks unlike anything I ever planned. As I learn what it means to choose joy. And to rest in the peace He promises me. As He fills me, my hope grows. Because He who promised is faithful. And though death tried to steal the hope from my story, I have learned that though life is difficult... I cannot tell my story without infusing hope into it. Because hope is what has brought me here - hope in Jesus, hope in His love, hope in his forgiveness, hope in his power to heal, hope in his goodness - hope has shaped me into the woman I am. And may the God of Hope continue to fill me with all joy and peace as I trust in Him, so that I may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. To my beautiful Grandma - Hope Cruz Enriquez Hamlett - thank you for your hope filled prayer that continues to stand - declaring peace and joy over me an entire year later.

In loving memory of Hope 2/25/1934 to 3/11/2018