Insights of Hope
by
Emma Floberg
Introduction:
Webster’s Dictionary defines hope as “to cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to happen or be true.” To Bryan and Janice Langford, it has become so much more than that simple definition. After tragically losing their son in a traffic accident, the couple has come up with an acronym for the hope that has become a way of life for them, and it has inspired many others. First, H stands for health, wellness, and physical needs. Next, O stands for organ donation. Then, P stands for peace through relational and spiritual strength. Finally, E stands for education and the opportunity education can bring. It is through these four components that the Langfords are using their tragedy to bring that hope to others. During this series of articles, I will explore the importance of each component of H.O.P.E in the lives of those who knew Justin or who have been influenced by the H.O.P.E he is still giving to others today.
Justin’s story is a true testament of how God uses the worst of tragedies to create hope for others.
Part 1 of Hope: Health
It may seem strange at first that health, wellness, and physical needs can be used as an avenue to give others hope. However, health is something all people deal with no matter their race, gender, or religious beliefs. That is what makes health a perfect pathway to have an impact on others in your community, whether friends or strangers. For the many people involved with Justin’s Run For Hope, it has become a tangible way to remember Justin, while also bringing an entire community together. The run has become a way for people to unite and bring hope to those in need, while remembering the life of a young man whose faith brought hope to many others. But why a run? Well, health was something Justin greatly valued during his time on this earth. He was involved in sports and kept his wellness a priority throughout his life. For Justin staying active was an opportunity for fellowship between believers and non-believers, and the run in his memory allows others the same.
Rob Jankowski, minister at New Hope Christian Church and a good friend of the Langford family, describes why he thinks health is an important aspect of giving hope, he responded with this simple answer: “In the New Testament it says when we are saved, God the Holy Spirit is instilled in us, and by taking care of our earthly bodies we are honoring the dignity and value that God instilled in us, and honoring the One who created us.” This could not be more true. As Mr. Langford has repeatedly said, we are guaranteed nothing in this life, but rather every day is a gift from God. By taking care of our bodies we are taking care of a part of the gift God has given us. Justin’s Run For Hope is the perfect way to incorporate God’s gift into the Langford’s vision of giving hope.
There is something very different about Justin’s Run compared to other similar events. The difference is that Justin’s Run For Hope has an eternal purpose. Sure, it is great to bring awareness to health, organ donation, peace, and education, but Justin’s Run has a greater purpose beyond the here and now. God’s hand has been at work in the lives of the Langfords, and He continues to bring them hope in times of darkness. Daily they choose the hope God has given them and have decided to continue to pass it on to others. So come out to Justin’s Run For Hope with an open mind and let yourself give or receive hope in a way you may never have thought possible.
by
Emma Floberg
Introduction:
Webster’s Dictionary defines hope as “to cherish a desire with anticipation: to want something to happen or be true.” To Bryan and Janice Langford, it has become so much more than that simple definition. After tragically losing their son in a traffic accident, the couple has come up with an acronym for the hope that has become a way of life for them, and it has inspired many others. First, H stands for health, wellness, and physical needs. Next, O stands for organ donation. Then, P stands for peace through relational and spiritual strength. Finally, E stands for education and the opportunity education can bring. It is through these four components that the Langfords are using their tragedy to bring that hope to others. During this series of articles, I will explore the importance of each component of H.O.P.E in the lives of those who knew Justin or who have been influenced by the H.O.P.E he is still giving to others today.
Justin’s story is a true testament of how God uses the worst of tragedies to create hope for others.
Part 1 of Hope: Health
It may seem strange at first that health, wellness, and physical needs can be used as an avenue to give others hope. However, health is something all people deal with no matter their race, gender, or religious beliefs. That is what makes health a perfect pathway to have an impact on others in your community, whether friends or strangers. For the many people involved with Justin’s Run For Hope, it has become a tangible way to remember Justin, while also bringing an entire community together. The run has become a way for people to unite and bring hope to those in need, while remembering the life of a young man whose faith brought hope to many others. But why a run? Well, health was something Justin greatly valued during his time on this earth. He was involved in sports and kept his wellness a priority throughout his life. For Justin staying active was an opportunity for fellowship between believers and non-believers, and the run in his memory allows others the same.
Rob Jankowski, minister at New Hope Christian Church and a good friend of the Langford family, describes why he thinks health is an important aspect of giving hope, he responded with this simple answer: “In the New Testament it says when we are saved, God the Holy Spirit is instilled in us, and by taking care of our earthly bodies we are honoring the dignity and value that God instilled in us, and honoring the One who created us.” This could not be more true. As Mr. Langford has repeatedly said, we are guaranteed nothing in this life, but rather every day is a gift from God. By taking care of our bodies we are taking care of a part of the gift God has given us. Justin’s Run For Hope is the perfect way to incorporate God’s gift into the Langford’s vision of giving hope.
There is something very different about Justin’s Run compared to other similar events. The difference is that Justin’s Run For Hope has an eternal purpose. Sure, it is great to bring awareness to health, organ donation, peace, and education, but Justin’s Run has a greater purpose beyond the here and now. God’s hand has been at work in the lives of the Langfords, and He continues to bring them hope in times of darkness. Daily they choose the hope God has given them and have decided to continue to pass it on to others. So come out to Justin’s Run For Hope with an open mind and let yourself give or receive hope in a way you may never have thought possible.