Abstract
This title immediately grabbed my attention both as a pastor who is looking for ways to share hope in our world and as a worker for social justice and becoming beloved community. Smith’s wisdom renewed me for my ministries and filled me with fresh approaches and connections. His writing deftly weaves the words of scripture, theologians old and new, and his life experience with insight into our current contexts. I wanted time to stop and digest as I read, and I wanted to keep reading to be filled with hope in new ways. Each chapter is grounded theologically, using rich examples that illuminate pathways for living into becoming beloved community with five spiritual practices. Above all, this book helps the reader turn the soil so that fresh hope will be revealed, discovered, cultivated, and sustained by authentic spiritual practice. This book will challenge many and provides fertile ground for growth and transformation.
Smith pastorally helps the reader to move from possessing hope as an “emotional feel good” to becoming possessed by hope. The title of the first chapter sets the stage, “Where Hope Abides.” Smith writes, “Hope is here to empower us to live life more fully” (p. 1). By guiding us into a deeper relationship with hope as a transformative power, we are changed and have the ability and capacity to help change communities and dismantle oppressive systems. First, we must understand the difference between “hope” and “hopefulness” which is often a personal desire, and at odds with “hope as a force of God” (p. 15). Smith assures us that questioning is an important part of the journey. Each chapter concludes with “questions for the quest” that pull elements from the chapter for personal reflection and connection to empower personal growth.
Chapter 2, “Hope’s Work and Its Witnesses,” leads us into our own stories and those of others and the present hope. Smith also describes how the journey will be unsettling and disorienting, and we may resist the transformative change possible because of our fear of suffering. Suffering is inevitable and abiding in hope will enable us to relieve the suffering of others, which is our call as co-creative participants in Creation.
Chapters 3 to 7 detail five spiritual practices that will sustain the quest and lifelong journey of pursuing justice and always becoming beloved community. Smith emphasizes that these practices are not of the ascetic category, but they will have a formative impact on the practitioner. These practices, including contemplative praying, prophetic remembering, crossing identity boundaries, transforming conflict, and celebrating community, are not just actions, but ongoing commitments. The grammar, with the verbs for each practice in their gerund noun form, indicates continuous action—something to be done daily, all day long. This continuous commitment is reminiscent of an experience I had when I was crossing identity boundaries in another country and culture and language I didn’t understand. As the preacher spoke in their language, I heard “love is an action verb.”' Smith’s years of shared wisdom invite me to know hope as an action verb, a quest for justice, mercy, and humility that will empower my faith to live a life worthy of the calling.
The publisher provides downloadable resources to enhance and empower practical applications of the spiritual practices. And in the epilogue Smith invites our engagement, “Hope is here, because God is here, and we are here! God outpours love and hope for us, for justice and beloved community now, and we respond now by . . .” (p. 185). He questions us, asking “what is our response?” and “what is your response?” That is the profound and important question. This book will be transformative for individuals and communities when read, marked, inwardly digested, and applied to life every day.
