If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Providing hope to someone whose days are dark with worry or who is suffering with a serious illness is also giving them courage and the vitality to keep moving. What are some things we can do to bring that touch of hope?

• When you’re with the person, tell them when you will be returning so they can anticipate the next time you’ll be together.
• If you’re aware of an expected visitor, remind the person that someone special is planning to visit. You could even put it on their calendar.
• Promise to call them at a designated time each day or week (and be sure to do it).
• When visiting in person, leave 7 tiny surprise packages – with instructions to open one after dinner each night. Each evening ends with inspired hope.
• Give them a goal to work toward or invite them to attend an event.
• Mail cards with notes of encouragement and hope inside regularly.
• Write out and post messages of hope from the Bible around the person’s home

All of these are little ways to give people a bit of joy on a dark day. To give them something to look forward to – a touch of hope.