hope Archives - Diana Derringer

Keep Your Head

February 24, 2025 Diana Derringer Comments 6 comments

When life goes out of control, it’s hard to keep your head. Uncertainty leads to panic rather than patience.

Keep your head means to remain calm.

Although everything around you falls apart at the seams, you don’t. Instead, you find calm in the middle of the storms.

Keep your head does not mean you never feel stressed.

With so much turmoil in the world today, stress affects everyone. Daily news bombards us with updates on:

Wars
Price increases
Abuse
Disasters
Crime

Everything goes haywire. Yet you find personal control in the worst of it.

Rather than give in to problems, get a grip on solutions.

As a former teacher often said, “Think. Just think.” Apply the good sense God gave you.

Choose:

Faith over fear
Hope over despair
Peace over pressure
Calm in chaos

“But you, keep your head in all situations” (2 Timothy 4:5 NIV).

Thanks to Joanne Viola for the suggestion. Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay.

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Please welcome my friend J.J. LeVan as today’s guest writer. J.J. is an award-winning author with a heart for autism and its caregiver community. She released a children’s picture book entitled, “He Meant You to Be You,” which shares God’s love for these uniquely and wonderfully made children. Inspired by her oldest son’s diagnosis in 1998, she has become an advocate and an encourager to Children’s Ministry leaders working with neurodiverse kids. J.J. is also a certified independent provider for the State of Ohio.

Are you in the thick of it?

Merriam-Webster defines in the thick of it as “in the most active or intense part of a situation or activity.” This idiom means you are:

Surrounded
Highly active
Engaged
Engulfed

Hear from real people in the thick of it.

I reached out to friends in our autism community about how I could best pray for them. Their honesty was gripping.

One mom spoke of her desperate need to find a caregiver for her 25-year-old profoundly autistic son.
A grandmother shared that her daughter felt discouraged caring for her 4-year-old autistic son. She was a young mom raising a child in a big city that “could be so cruel.”
Another mom had just received her late autism diagnosis just as she was learning how to help her young son on his own spectrum journey.

Each one of these women is in the thick of it.

Paul pressed on in the thick of it.

“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4: 8-9

Even if you find yourself in the thick of it today, take heart. You are not forgotten.

Press on! You are not alone.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

Subscribe to receive Diana’s weekly posts by email and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.” On 11-23-24, one name will be randomly selected from Diana’s mailing list to also receive a free copy of J.J.’s book, “He Meant You to Be You.” If your name is already on the mailing list, you are automatically entered. Please encourage your friends to subscribe.

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Thanks to Phyllis Arnold for the blog photo.

You Got This

July 15, 2024 Diana Derringer Comments 14 comments

If we want to encourage people who face difficult challenges, we might say, “You got this” or “You’ve got this.” We want them to know we understand their problems. Yet, we also believe they can overcome them.

You got this means we think people can manage their troubles.

We reassure them that they:

Can do it
Have no reason to fear
Can conquer their uncertainty

We believe in their ability to do what they need to do.

You got this offers hope.

We all feel hopeless from time to time. We get discouraged, ready to give up. Yet, a pep talk from a family member or friend can work wonders. It helps us keep on keeping on.

Our present troubles will not last forever.

Instead, we look for light at the end of the tunnel. In addition, if we have placed our faith in Jesus, we look forward to a home in heaven at the end of the road.

“Encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14 NIV).

Thanks to Rebecca Stafford for the suggestion.

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Kiss of Death

March 25, 2024 Diana Derringer Comments 0 Comment

A kiss of death means something that causes failure or ruin.

It may be:

Actions. Poor attitudes or behaviors often result in the loss of jobs, friendships, or other positions.
Relationships. Associating with troublemakers frequently leaves people in trouble.
Events. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time can destroy plans.
Poor timing. Failures frequently occur because people begin too early or too late to accomplish their purposes.

A kiss of death may look good but result in great harm.

Damage often occurs even if intentions appear helpful. A handshake or endorsement from the wrong people kills countless business deals and reputations.

This expression relates to Judas Iscariot’s kiss that betrayed Jesus.

When religious leaders wanted to rid themselves of Jesus, they enlisted Judas, one of Jesus’ followers, for help. Matthew 26:48-49 records it. “The betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.’ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed him” (NIV). A kiss of death has also been called a Judas kiss.

Not every kiss of death ends in permanent harm.

Although Jesus died on the cross, He arose from the dead on the third day. His death and resurrection conquered sin and death. All who place their faith in Jesus also receive victory over sin and death. That’s the message of Easter. Jesus offers everyone a fresh start, a new beginning.

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28:6 NIV).

Thanks to Terrie Wilson for the suggestion. Photo by Francesco Alberti on Unsplash

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Work Wonders

December 25, 2023 Diana Derringer Comments 4 comments

This hand-crafted ornament came from a local school’s art fair. I watched the craftsman work wonders with simple pieces of wood.

To work wonders means to create an excellent outcome.

My dad also produced amazing woodwork. I have examples throughout our house. You can find one in my explanation of “Make Do.”

Although successful in his craft, Dad did not make money from it. Instead, he gave away almost everything he created. He defined success as helping others.

After a busy day, rest works wonders for minds and bodies.

Whatever work we do, we need time away from it. Other wonder-working aids include:

Proper nutrition
Regular exercise
Social interaction
Ongoing learning
Daily devotions

All help us be our best selves.

The greatest wonder of history came in the form of a baby.

Jesus left the splendor of heaven to be born to a peasant family.
He left absolute safety for a life of danger.
God in flesh died so we might have life.
He arose from the grave and has prepared a home in heaven for all who follow Him.

That is what Christmas is all about. God who works wonders. Immanuel — God with us.

Merry Christmas!

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means ‘God with us’)” (Matthew 1:23 NIV).

Thanks to Tracy Crump for the suggestion.

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Bridge the Gap

December 18, 2023 Diana Derringer Comments 4 comments

On a mission trip several years ago, a subway recording told us to mind the gap. That warning to watch our step prevented accidents. More important than minding the gap, our team wanted to bridge the gap.

To bridge the gap means to serve as a bridge.

We connect two:

Points
People
Groups of people

We bridge the gap when we build physical bridges.

Many of us love old swinging bridges. However, most bridges today are stronger, safer, and not as scary. All bridges make it easier to get from one place to another.

We also build relationship bridges.

Two people or groups of people may disagree or misunderstand one another. To bridge the gap, we unite them. Gaps occur in:

Beliefs
Languages
Goals

To bridge the gap relieves a problem.

If we:

Need money, we request a loan.
Feel overwhelmed, we seek support.
Require help, we ask for assistance.

Jesus bridges the gap between God and people.

That was the message our mission team shared.

Our sins or wrongdoings separate us from the one and only holy God. Jesus came to earth to pay the price for our sins. He:

Lived a sinless life.
Died on a cross to pay the price for our sins.
Rose from the dead on the third day, defeating sin and death.

Jesus solved our sin problem. When we turn from our wrongs and give control of our lives to Jesus, we cross the bridge from death to eternal life.

As we celebrate Christmas, may we never forget the reason Jesus came.

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24).

Thanks to Beckham Wilson for the suggestion.

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Gobsmacked

June 12, 2023 Diana Derringer Comments 14 comments

The first time I saw the ocean, I was gobsmacked. My jaw dropped. My eyes popped. All my senses went on overload. Never had I experienced such awe.

The beauty and majesty of God’s creation left me breathless. I did not want to move. I felt like I could stay there forever.

Similar reactions occurred at Yellowstone and other parts of our world.

Gobsmacked means “overwhelmed with wonder, surprise, or shock.”

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it is primarily a slang British expression.

Gob can mean mouth. According to the Macmillan Dictionary blog, gobsmacked is “the kind of shock you would feel if you were suddenly hit in the face…. Clapping a hand to your mouth … is a less violent interpretation.” The shock leaves you speechless.

Causes for gobsmacked reactions may be good or bad.

Not every surprise or shock feels pleasant. That’s life with all its ups and downs.

Under God’s leadership, we survive and thrive whatever the experience.

Whether gobsmacked from good or bad, God offers joy, hope, and purpose.

I pray you enjoy a glorious gobsmacked day.

The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy (Psalm 65:8 NIV).

Thanks to Pat Childress Conner Stapp for the suggestion.

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Throw for a Loop

June 5, 2023 Diana Derringer Comments 11 comments

My husband used to surprise me on a regular basis. One of his surprises literally threw me for a loop.

We visited an amusement park with friends. I was not a big roller coaster fan and usually preferred kiddie rides. However, he finally talked me into trying a bigger one.

The closer we walked toward the roller coaster, the more concerned I became.

My reaction: “That thing goes upside down!”

His response: A laugh and “It just looks that way.” He held onto my arm to keep me in line.

When we sat down and the safety bar locked in front of us, he offered to hold my hand. Both of my hands gripped the bar. I gave him an unmistakable, “No!”

Of course, the coaster did make loops. I promised myself if I ever got off that thing, I would never ride it again. And I have not.

Throw for a loop (or knock for a loop) means to shock or surprise.

We may be confused. Someone does something totally unexpected.

Throw for a loop may involve a pleasant surprise such as a:

Marriage or pregnancy announcement
Special activity with family
Gift for an extended vacation

It may also involve an unpleasant shock such as:

Job loss
Health crisis
Divorce
Death

Life may throw us for a loop, but a relationship with God keeps us secure.

Whether we are on top of the world or in the pits, God remains with us. God does not always remove negative circumstances. Yet, we can keep on keeping on because of God’s peace, joy, and comfort. Hope holds secure.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV).

Thanks to Janna Babak for the suggestion. Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay.

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Pep Talk

April 3, 2023 Diana Derringer Comments 9 comments

We encourage with our actions. We also encourage when we listen. One of our greatest methods of encouragement is with our words. A pep talk works wonders.

When we land down in the dumps, we need a good pick-me-up.

A pep talk encourages or builds confidence.

We see this during sports events. Coaches gather their teams around them and rouse them to:

Get back in the game.
Do their best.
Never give up.
Win, win, win!

Cheerleaders lead fans to cheer their teams to victory. Schools or teams hold pep rallies to prepare for big games.

Pep talks occur in more than sports.

Parents encourage children.
Teachers inspire students.
Friends support one another.
Churches nurture members and the world around them.

Everyone needs encouragement.

Hard times come. That’s life. We can’t encourage everyone. That’s reality. Yet, we can urge those around us to keep on keeping on. That’s hope.

“Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13 NIV).

Thanks to Joyce Cordell for the suggestion and to Parker Davis for the photo.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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Well Begun Is Half Done

January 30, 2023 Diana Derringer Comments 2 comments

My husband and I love to travel. For years, we hopped in our car as often as possible to explore our country. However, we usually spent weeks planning the trip. We learned that well begun is half done.

We decided in advance:

How far we wanted to travel
What sights we wanted to see
How much time we had

We also allowed for short unplanned side trips off the beaten path.

Well begun is half done means if we begin well, we are more likely to end well.

Work begun well usually means:

Less work to complete
Increased chance for success

This holds true whether we want to:

Build a house
Write a book
Sell a product

If we have no idea what we need to do, we get nowhere.

We spin our wheels and accomplish nothing.

Well begun is half done also relates to our spiritual lives.

For the best life, we make the best plans. Will we focus on ourselves for our brief time on earth? Or will we choose a personal, eternal relationship with Jesus? If we follow Jesus, we receive:

Joy for our present journey in both good and bad times
Hope for a home in heaven

At the end of life’s road, nothing matters more.

“In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:19 NIV).

Thanks to Joy S. Taylor for the suggestion.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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