Hope is one of the strongest and most powerful motivations we can possess. And the curious thing about it is that we can choose it. Despite what is around us, regardless of what is in front of us, we can choose hope.

Because it is our choice, that’s the difficult part. In the face of a storm, will you choose hope or defeat? Bravery or cowardice?

Are the odds not in your favor? Is everything stacked against you? Good. This is where you get to decide what path you will take. Laying down admits your own defeat, before the fight even begins. Standing up, even though it can be terrifying, admits that you will be brave, that no matter what, you will fight for the best outcome and not surrender to the thoughts of defeat.

J.R.R. Tolkien wrote some amazing fantasy books that have become epic movies and shows in our lifetimes. In The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Rings, the character Gandalf says “All we have to decide is what to do with the time given us.“

This challenge is uttered to a diverse committee gathered to fight evil. They are deciding how to face it and what to do. Everyone is frightened. But the challenge is clear. What will we do when facing tough times and great odds? Will we rise?

We challenge you to step up; in your life, in others lives. You can do it. Start at this moment and stand up to the things that hold you back in your life. Stand and be who you were created to be.

Below this post is a song called “Up We Go” by the band Imaginary Future. Give it a listen. These lyrics paint a picture of exactly what we mean with this post. May it bring you hope and strength.

You’ve got this. Up We Go!

Imaginary Future · Up We Go