Hope deferred...

Last time I talked about the two qualities imperative to conquering the mountains in front of us and two women who have both the 'want to' and the 'show up'.

But what happens when one of those is missing?

Today we had 5 no shows; people who had appointments to see how we might help them on their journey as well as students who didn't come to class.

We've learned that is to be expected and aren't generally discouraged when potential students don't make their appointments. Showing up to that first interview is a litmus test of sorts. It indicates someone wants it enough to deal with inconvenience, discomfort or difficulty. If they show up we have hope they will go the distance.

But what happens when someone has a deep 'want to' but can't manage the 'show up'?

What if you have big dreams but your one chance to earn some money keeps you from going to GED classes or getting help from your homework coach?

What if you have the potential to not just get your GED but be the first one in your family to go to college yet your family can't or won't support your efforts?

What if you are surrounded by people who believe in you, cheer you on but your kid gets sick or you're too exhausted from working the minimum wage job that barely pays your rent to make it to class?

How do you not get discouraged? How do you not give up?

I found myself trying to give a deeply motivated student encouragement to not give up. I told her we're here for her and, "I know this is a tough balancing act but I believe in you and your potential to achieve your goals."

Photo by Rebecca Flood 2015

Determined she said, "I want to accomplish this dream."

"I know you can, don't get discouraged," I coached hoping my words helped.

So how do you do it? When it feels like the world is against you at every turn? How do you keep your 'want to' when you can't show up? How do you not lose to discouragement?

She told me how, "I won't when I have God."

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. Psalm 13:12

Brian and Heather Flood are full time missionaries in downtown Savannah. They are the founders and directors of Hope Academy in Savannah, GA. Hope exists to partner with adults in their adult education needs and to help them discover and achieve their life purpose.

To learn more about Hope Academy or how you can impact downtown Savannah one life at a time contact Brian Flood at bflood56@outlook.com.

Visit their Facebook page or to donate and Share Hope with a Student go to their Go Fund Me page, www.gofundme.com/hopeacademysav .