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- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/reading-between-the-headlines/201307/the-power-hope
- https://riordan.fandom.com/wiki/Pandora
- https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pithos
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elpis#:~:text=In%20Greek%20mythology%2C%20Elpis%20(Ancient,a%20cornucopia%20in%20her%20hands. https://books.google.com/booksid=dhzuIutwYG0C&pg=PT173&lpg=PT173&dq=very+good,+Percy.+Elpis,+the+Spirit+of+Hope,+would&source=bl&ots=C5hnyhqwCc&sig=ACfU3U3rtwD9GpMChFqpH_r2gNqA2RUS7A&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjy8bLggNf0AhUXnWoFHQbYB68Q6AF6BAgnEAM#v=onepage&q=very%20good%2C%20Percy.%20Elpis%2C%20the%20Spirit%20of%20Hope%2C%20would&f=false
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- https://marozzo.com/fundamentals-part-1-the-edges-of-the-sword/
“Even a single thread of hope is still a very powerful thing.
Grab onto it with both hands and never let it go.”
– Lorri Faye
Many know Hesiod’s story of Pandora’s Box, although the name is a misnomer as it was a jar (or pithos in Greek). In punishment for Prometheus stealing fire from the gods and giving it to mankind, Zeus sent Pandora (meaning gift) to Prometheus’ brother, Epimetheus. Crafted by Hephaestus out of earth and water and granted a number of divine gifts by each of the Olympians, Epimetheus forgot his brother’s warning not to accept any gifts from Zeus the moment he laid eyes on her. The jar was presented to them as a wedding gift; but they were told it was only to be looked upon, not opened. Pandora’s curiosity, as per Zeus’ intentions, eventually overwhelmed her and she opened it, unleashing uncountable evils upon mankind.
The only spirit to remain was Hope (Elpis). Whether she was a god, spirit or woman is unclear, but she did not abandon mankind. Hope can only be surrendered or given up, it can never be taken without permission.
It is believed Hesiod saw Hope as the vilest of evils, which, in a way, is true. Hope is a double-edged sword, with both “true” and “false” edges. The “true” edge can move mountains and aid those who have it in standing strong against the darkest night. On the flip side, its “false” edge can cause debilitating paralysis under the right, or perhaps wrong, circumstances, which can lead to tragic consequences or devastating effects. And for those who choose to surrender Hope, it is, one way or another, a death sentence.
No matter which edge of the sword Hope falls on, it is among the most powerful words in any language. Despite what so many say about love, without Hope love would fail when times grow tough. Some would stay the course out of obligation, simply because it is engrained in them, but most, without Hope, would simply give up. But when the edge is “true,” storms can be weathered and the darkness will eventually give way to light.
But what does the “true” edge of hope offer?
Hope looks forward. It sees the light at the end of the tunnel of the negatives currently affecting our lives. Whether something from the past we haven’t dealt with, something happening in our lives at this moment or a mixture of the two, “true” Hope always looks ahead.
Hope lives. Where there is disappointment, grief, sorrow and devastation there also is hope. Small as it may appear to be, Hope will hang on with a tenaciousness that could teach mules the meaning of stubbornness.
Hope floats. It encourages us to never give up. It doesn’t know the meaning of the word no. When the negatives in life are trying to suck us down into the abyss, it keeps our heads above water. Even if it is just barely enough to breath, Hope enable us to continue working toward a better tomorrow.
Hope strives. It acts, reaching toward a solution, answer, response or resolution and grabs hold for all it is worth. Wisely, for short periods of time, it also allows us to vent or grieve about whatever negativity we are facing. But once the overflow pressure is released, Hope gets right back to work searching for an answer.
Hope defines. An important part of our self-narrative, it helps us to determine what we want our future to be. By allowing us to envision a desirable future, we are motivated to take the steps necessary to reach that goal.
Hope builds. Change for the better is rarely instantaneous, no matter how much we may wish otherwise. It can take days, weeks...even years. Hope builds toward change, day by day, while keeping us afloat, because it knows, in the end, it will be worth it.
Hope is eternal. It never gives up on us. Only we can abandon it.
Hope doesn’t just combat the negatives in our lives. Hope can be simple things, the wish for a promotion and the drive to achieve it, the desire for a home of one’s own and the will to take the steps necessary to make it happen...the list is endless. But at its most powerful, “true” Hope is a shield against the unending darkness of despair. It can overcome barriers, accomplish the most impossible feats and it can bring about miracles.
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