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 man whose life changed dramatically after getting a dog—let’s find out why.
Play the following video [2:56; stop at 2:19]:
Service dog brings hope to Georgia teen with epilepsy
- How did Zach’s life change after getting a service dog? (Answers will vary but may include: he was able to live like a normal teenager, he could do activities he loved, he always had someone looking out for his health and safety.)
- Why do you think having a service dog brought hope to Zach? (He could live a full and normal life; his health and safety were always monitored.)
- Having a service dog gives Zach hope to enjoy situations he’s facing now, but also hope for a normal future. How does this experience fit in with the definition of hope? (Answers might include that Zach has a desire for the future and he is confident in his expectations.)
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.
Resources:
Merriam-Webster Dictionary/hope