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Crossing Cultures Memoir

Hopewords

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.

Some of the authors and books at HopeWords 2024.

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.

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.

Beautifully and concisely stated. It was an especially good conference. I hope to return next year!!

I would love to hear from you!

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