Hope Is the Thing With Feathers by Emily Dickinson

Eschatological hope is rooted in the notion of that which is fulfilled already and that which is yet to be fulfilled. Think “apocalypse” and you’re in the ballpark. You find good examples of the notion in many spiritual traditions, particularly the Jewish and Christian scriptures. It’s rooted in the Greek notion of the end times, when all will be brought to fulfillment. If you’ve ever run across the word “eschatology,” count your blessings. My response is rooted in the theological understanding of hope. If the mission of the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center is to bring hope and healing through counseling and education, what is our role in this age of turmoil? Such storms threaten to blow the feathers right off us! Others experience emotional intensity by holding feelings back-not wanting to risk exhibition of feelings or thoughts for fear that they will be judged. For many, the current social and political context, along with the accompanying shouting, has ratcheted up the anxiety levels of many of our clients who already struggle with heightened emotions. We have had many discussions as a staff about how to live our mission of hope and healing in an age of turmoil. The poor bird is abashed by chill and storm and somehow perseveres. So begins the poem of Emily Dickinson on hope. Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul…

February 2017 – A reflection by Jim Hayes, Executive Director, Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center

Hope Is the Thing With Feathers by Emily Dickinson