Last year, I saw a random ad for a writers conference called HopeWords. In Bluefield, West Virginia.
Glancing at familiar and not-so-familiar names of presenters, I somehow knew—I’d be there in April 2024.
I recruited my friend and fellow writer to sign up. It’s not like other writers conferences, we were told. But then, having never been to one before—what did I know?
This past week, I’ve been reflecting on those 24 hours of HopeWords Writers Conference 2024. Remembering Bluefield’s generosity: homemade desserts, excellent musicians, rides on the trolley. Considering the words of Travis Lowe, Daniel Nayeri, Mitali Perkins, Jackie Hill Perry, Hannah Anderson, and more.
And feeling thankful for that not-so-random ad.
HopeWords 2024
Hopewords.
We breathe. Speak.
Write.
Where cultures mix
and language mingles.
Walking through
scarcity and abundance,
limits and longings.
Weaving thoughts on pages,
screens,
the in-between.
Raising signposts
to not yet
from the already.
And we live far-sick.
Yearning
for a place we’ve never been.
True Home.
Meanwhile,
dwelling
in the pressing dark,
still
abiding in Christ.
Simply vessels
holding
radiant treasure.
Speaking
generous, piercing
Truth.
And Hope
overflows
by the power of
the gospel.
Hopewords.
We honor individuality
in the riches of
Together.
Growing. Seeking.
Laughing. Weeping.
Singing. Listening.
Communicating
in community.
We’re from stories.
And Story.
Identities rooted,
secured
in the Author
and Perfecter
of our faith—
Christ
our
Hope.
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
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9 replies on “Hopewords”
Thanks, Susan. I need some hope tonight and a reminder that he is the God of hope.
Praying now…trusting with you.
This was delightful! Just finished months-long study of book of Hebrews…about the Author and Perfecter of our faith, loving the brethren, encouragement to hold fast our confession. This piece seems such a great summation of that study! Thanks for sharing reflection on your conference.
What an exciting event! Our hearts long for what’s coming and being with others who share that longing is so sweet!
My fraud prevention conference was not that.
😂 this made me laugh! I’ve been to a few conferences that “are not that”—but “fraud prevention”? Pretty telling of why we need hope, for sure.
Beautiful!!
Thank you 🙂
Beautifully and concisely stated. It was an especially good conference. I hope to return next year!!
Yes, it was! Thanks for reading.