2025 seems to already be off to a tumultuous start – and carrying over from a similar 2024. From deadly fires in California and tragic plane crashes to the continued recovery efforts from hurricane flooding in both North Carolina and Florida, these are just a few of the highlights you see on the news – and we know there are much more painful things unfolding when we tune into the news each day. 

And what’s more, in today’s world, it all feels so much closer to home. These tragic news alerts hit your phone at a moment’s notice – pulling you away from a special moment with your child or a meal with a loved one or a meeting at work. It’s hard not to carry these painful moments close to your heart and feel weighed down. It’s not as easy to shut out the world, escape and focus on your private world. 

Our intimate world is often easily linked to these scary moments. Maybe you fly often, or you have a loved one who lives in California or North Carolina or Florida – but even if you don’t have that direct link, the reality is that these things are burdensome. 

Experiencing fear, loss and grief over these things is very real and very normal. Buckner International CEO Albert Reyes recognizes how easily fear can get the best of us when bad things happen all at once. But something that can encourage you to keep going? Hope. 

While these devastating things are happening, hope is still shining in the midst. 

Groups like Texans on Mission and other humanitarian aid organizations are serving those in need across the nation who have been impacted by the fires and hurricanes. Buckner International is continuing to serve the most vulnerable children and families in Texas and internationally. 

For an intimate picture of hope you can hang on to think of Lisa. Her childhood was filled with drugs and crime. When she became a mother, she wanted to be there for her daughter but didn’t know how. The example that had been set for her was a path to failure.

Lisa found herself following her mother’s footsteps of drugs and crime – forming a wedge between her and her daughter. 

“I was in a situation in life where I needed hope now,” Lisa shared. “Not yesterday, not tomorrow, but right now.”

That desperation for hope was years ago. After graduating from Buckner Family Pathways® in 2021, Lisa has grown to be a dedicated mother, friend and wife. Get an inside look at how she experienced hope in her own words.

Where can you find glimpses of hope in your world today? Is it in your child’s laughter? Hitting all the green lights on your way home? In times of fear and tragic events, lean into simple moments of hope to carry you through.

Remember that we “have this hope as an anchor for our soul” (Hebrews 6:19).