“Hope” Boiled down

In Chapter 31 Our boys find themselves on a mission, alone on a dark road, in the middle of the night, in a cold heavy rain, and scared outta their minds. Tempers were starting to run high and as most of us do, they were starting to doubt themselves. There’s a lesson here.

If you want to know who a person “really” is, put em under pressure. Pressure has a way of cutting through all the fat, and hardship has a habit of exposing character and bone. I’ve found strength and character are oft times found in the most unlikely of individuals. Not the loud, proud, in your face types that we have come to look up to.

If you want to see character, if you want to find hope, look for the humble, the quiet, the resolute. Look for those in the midst of the flames, not those fanning the fire. Chances are, you might be surprised by who you find.

In our book, an eleven year old boy puts a little of this into perspective. He’s having a conversation with a kid who has made his life miserable. We could learn a few things by the way he handles it.

Excerpt : from Chapter 31 “The Mystery of the Leech Cemetery Witch”

You know… the witch. Whatcha gonna ask her?

I ain’t askin’ for nothin,” he [Mark] sneered…I’m just here to show you up is all. Nothin’ more.

I’ve been thinkin’ about it awful hard, I replied. I know what I’m askin.’ Just ain’t tellin’ nobody. No sir, our little secret, just in case it’s all real.

He looked at me for a second; a puzzled look covered his face. Wait…do you mean you really believe this stuff. All these ol’ tales and junk. I mean…I always knew you was kinda stupid; but I didn’t think you was this bad.

I was getting fed up with his attitude. You know Mark… sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference twixed stupid and hopeful. Heck, I don’t really know if there is a difference. But I do know this.

They’s a lot of stupid people out there hopin’ fer stupid stuff. But there don’t appear to be a lot of hopeful people out there that are any kinda stupid. The tough part I ‘spose, is tellin’ the difference. That’s what keeps me goin’ I reckon.

Yep that’s me…I’m just “stupid” enough to keep “hopin’.”

I hope this make some kind of sense. Once again I thank you for taking time from your day to read these words, and once again, pass it on. The Tin Cup Clan