Analysis
What brings me hope: Passing hope on to others
By Rosalind Y. Lewis Tompkins
Special to the Outlook
My heart broke into pieces when I heard about the recent suicides of 30-year-old, Cheslie Kryst, former Miss USA and Regina King’s 26-year-old son Ian Alexander, Jr. As we prayed for the families of these precious souls, I felt an urgent need to continue to spread the message of hope.
Mothers In Crisis’ theme for this year’s hope campaign is “Hope, Pass It On.” One of the ways that we are doing that is by giving out HOPEE (Helping Others Practice Enduring Empowerment) awards during April’s National Month of Hope. I interviewed HOPEE Awardee Mr. Desmond Meade for the Think Hope Podcast and was surprised to learn that he too, is a “hope dealer.”
Mr. Meade spreads hope by sharing his testimony of overcoming many obstacles including, drug addiction, incarceration, and homelessness. At the height of his addiction, he was on the verge of committing suicide by jumping in front of a moving train and the only reason he is alive today is because the train did not come. He thanks God that it did not, and he was able to enter a treatment program.
Once clean he went back to school and eventually graduated from Florida International University College of Law with a Juris Doctorate. Since then, he has been busy and in 2018 as president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, he was instrumental in getting Amendment Four passed to restore voting rights to 1.4 million Floridians with past felony convictions.
When I see how the Lord is using Mr. Meade and then I think about what would have happened if that train had come, it chills me to my bones. I ask myself, “How many Desmond Meades are out there right now contemplating suicide?” Well considering that, according to the Center for Disease Control, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, the number is staggering.
We can all become dealers in hope by simply reaching out to others and showing that you care. Also, by letting people know that they are not alone and if professional help is needed advocating for them. Hope, Pass It On!
To hear my interview with Desmond Meade please listen to Think Hope Podcast, premiere on Feb. 8 and any time after, at www.blogtalkradio.com/thinkhope, Apple Podcast, and Amazon Radio.
