I Hope

I would have shared a story about me like last year August, or even tell you that when I was young, I dreamt of being a Medical Doctor, or sitting for a Harvard lecture. Then how did I end up studying computer architecture? Either a doctor or a computer scientist, we all hoped to be someone as children, isn't it? But tonight is not about me, or the preacher, or the singers, or the sinners — honestly, we're not here for poetic flow, beautiful vocals or Biblical show, we are here to know more about God, and spiritually grow. Therefore, when ending this poem, I won't use yours charmingly.

In rain season, there are a lot of puddles. As children, we used to enjoy jumping them. Sometimes, we would manage — other times we would land in them. Then mother would call for you, but that's a story for another day. Let's be scientifically poetic; I pray I don't lead you astray. We all know what a pond is, or at least heard of a fish pond — have I lied? Consider a frog about to jump; from Bashō's poem, this frog we derived. In English, the synonym of jump, is hope. "A positive feeling about the future or something that you want to happen" is the Stanford definition of Hope. A famous haiku, profound in simplicity, the theme Magnified.

Let this question hope in your mind in this moment of silence. When faced with trials and tribulations, we choose often complaint or violence. When the log blocks our path, we often complain. When given an opportunity to jump, we do it in pain. An old silent pond — a frog jumps into the pond, splash, silence again.

Baptism is the best decision any man can make, but no one tells you that you'll face greater temptations. You will, because your decision has put Satan in depression. Don't hop up and down in your own wisdom — please take your hope in Jesus; I promise, you won't break. Whatever challenges you're facing are represented by the Log. The pond is Jesus — in it is endless hope — while personal hope is the frog. How we hope over these challenges will determine where we land. You can hop on the log or in the pond; the choice is in your hand. As I quoted Matsuo Bashō, I hop like a frog.