Symbols of Hope

By: Larry Jewett

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They are simple tokens, two letters of the alphabet, ìXî and ìOî. They are common in the strategic game for all ages, tic-tac-toe, where you pick a letter and battle your opponent. They work in conjunction as symbols for hugs and kisses, though many can't keep straight which is which.

We have many simple symbols that carry meaning, perhaps multiple meanings, like the X and the O, depending on the context in which they are used. In algebra, as a number, the X stands for something of unknown value. The ìOî, as a number, generally means nothing, having no value.

Recently, a few of our number here had the opportunity to see the ìXî and the ìOî in a different light. In New Orleans, the houses that were flooded have been spray-painted with a large fluorescent ìXî. That mark indicates that a rescue worker has been to the premises to check the dwelling. The date is marked above the ìXî and there are initials marked in a horizontal opening of the ìXî. The bottom is where the ìOî comes into play.

"In our lives, we seek symbols of encouragement and hope."

The bottom is reserved for the number of bodies that were found inside the dwelling in the aftermath of the hurricane. Seeing an ìO,î meaning nothing, was a sign of hope. Anything else in that spot was disheartening.

As you drive pass the homes and see the ìOî designation on house after house, you silently thank God, knowing things could have been worse. As the ìOî began to become more frequent, you could feel the hope welling up. You were encouraged that the damage and distress, though terrible and indescribable, didn't take the most precious element. It didn't get the life of the person or persons who resided in that home. There was a new beginning, a hope that life would go on, perhaps never the same, but life nonetheless.

In our lives, we seek symbols of encouragement and hope. In Isaiah 55:13, it is written ìInstead of the thorn bush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers, the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed.î

Another example of a sign of hope and encouragement comes from Daniel, who was facing peril in the lion's den. After Daniel's ordeal, King Darius decreed, ìFor he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.î (Daniel 6:26-27).

Hope truly springs eternal as we are surrounded by signs from our Creator. Through the darkest of days, there is a symbol of hope and it can something as small as a single letter of the alphabet or the most insignificant numeral in a math problem.

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