As your students enter class, invite them to answer to this question: “What does hope mean to you?” Examples might include: “A wish I have,” or “Faith that God is in control,” or “That my brother will heal after his car accident.” There are no right or wrong answers and students may go about this task in different ways. Embrace students’ differences as they tackle this topic.
Many feelings, emotions, and wants feel similar to hope, but hope is a unique attribute in that it is an inner longing. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines hope this way: to desire with expectation of obtainment or fulfillment; to expect with confidence.
We’re going to watch a video clip about a young woman whose life changed dramatically after getting a dog—let’s find out why.
Play the following video [2:11]:
Service dog hopes to aid young NY girl with rare disorder
- How did Maddy’s life change after getting a service dog? (Answers will vary but may include: she was able to live like a typical middle schooler, she could have more privacy and independence without having a night nurse, she always had someone looking out for her health and safety.)
- Why might having a service dog bring hope to Maddy? (She could live a full and normal life; her health and safety were always monitored.)
- Having a service dog gives Maddy hope to enjoy situations she’s facing now, but also hope for a safer future. How does this experience fit in with the definition of hope? (Answers might include that Maddy has a normal desire to be safe while also growing in independence.)
Today we’re going to talk about finding hope in our own lives and learning about the Source of the hope that is within us. Let’s learn more.