Editorial

Hardship, Hospitality and Hope

Even a quick skim of global news suggests that our world is in trouble and people can’t be trusted.

Wars and conflicts abound. People are being robbed, mugged, raped and killed. Awash with worry, we can become cynical: to believe that people are selfish, greedy and can’t be trusted.

The evening news highlights the worst and scariest examples of human behaviour from across the world. In Hope for Cynics, author and researcher Dr Jamil Zaki explains that if we are excessively focussed on threats, our fear-triggered ‘defence systems’ stay on alert. Sadly, this causes most people to underestimate how generous, trustworthy, and open-minded others really are, whether neighbours, colleagues or strangers.

Cynicism is bad for us. This mindset is associated with a stronger likelihood of depression, heart disease, and loneliness. It stops us from trusting and poisons relationships, which weakens the "psychological glue that binds us."

Jamil concluded that hope is not a weakness but "a path to being less wrong and more effective." He encourages us to be curious about others to remember that the vast majority of people are good. We should be balanced in our approach, thinking critically about people and our problems, while recognising one another’s strengths.

Dr. Brené Brown, an expert on vulnerability and courage, offers keen insights about hope. Her extensive data shows that hope is not a passive emotion but a cognitive process tied to perseverance. She identifies hope as a combination of three key elements:

· having a goal,

· believing in our ability to achieve that goal, and

· developing a clear path to reach it—even when obstacles arise.

We develop the ability to hope when we have experienced facing and overcoming hardship. This gives us the ability to believe, even when things are bleak, that we can succeed.

Both Brené and Jamil are concerned about ‘helicopter’ parents who excessively intervene to save their children from pitfalls. Such excessive protection actually damages their children by diminishing their ability to become capable, confident, hopeful and resilient.

Nelson Mandela’s life exemplifies hope that grew from the ashes of hardship. Imprisoned for 27 years by South Africa’s apartheid regime, he emerged not as a man filled with bitterness but with a vision for reconciliation and a just future.

As Mandela showed us, profound hope demands action. It calls us to engage with problems with the belief that transformation is possible—both in ourselves and in society. Whether fighting for justice, caring for creation, or simply offering kindness in our communities, hope gives us the courage to imagine and work towards a more welcoming and compassionate world.

In Kildare Ministries, we strive to bring hope to those who most need it. Our schools’ staff help disadvantaged students to see a way forward through their care and support. Also, community works are particularly powerful examples of how compassion and hospitality can provide the light of hope for those in darkness.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” (Matthew 5:13-16)

Congratulations to Dalal Smiley, a shining light who was recently inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women, in the ‘local champion’ category. This recognition of Dalal’s immense and tireless work was announced by Women’s Minister Natalie Hutchins on 16 October. Dalal, we’re absolutely delighted for you - and all who work at Wellsprings.

Another beacon of hope is Renee Oberin. As Mission Leader (and Extraordinary Human Being) at Kildare Ministries over the past four years, she illuminated our hearts and minds, bringing us warmth, joy and wise companionship. Travelling from Echuca to work in Albert Park each week has been a massive undertaking, so we understand her decision to spend more time with family at home. However, it is great that she will continue to provide some assistance to Kildare Ministries.

If you know someone capable of bringing the light of faith, hope and love to Kildare Ministries, applications for the Mission Leader’s role close on 6 November. Link to advertisement.

The Killester College community was recently saddened by the loss of Jeff Vague, a highly regarded teacher of Music since 2018. As we pray for Jeff and his family, let’s also remember his colleagues and the students who have been saddened by Jeff’s death. No doubt, God’s consoling touch is present through Sally Buick and her caring staff.

Finally, our thoughts and best wishes are with Year 12s, and all students, teachers and parents as exams and other assessments bring us towards the year’s end.

May our loving God give you hope to carry you through hardships.

Peter Houlahan

Executive Officer

Kildare Education Ministries