It’s a new year! And with the turning of the calendar comes new opportunities and pursuits, as well as something powerful and transformative: hope.
Hope unites us and can be the catalyst for powerful, positive change – both personal and communal. Building on the momentum of our Year of Kindness, SSM Health introduces the Year of Hope to inspire team members, providers, and our community to spread good news throughout our health ministry and communities. To face our challenges with faith and optimism. The Year of Hope will offer us moments to pause, reflect, and connect with our purpose while looking forward to the future with expectation.
Each month, we’ll focus on specific areas where we can further cultivate hope, beginning with our hopes for the new year.
Our Year of Hope was introduced at SSM Health’s Leadership Council meeting in St. Louis in November, where we asked our leaders what hope means to them.
Hear what "hope" means to the leaders at SSM Health
I have hope for the New Year
Now it’s your turn. A new year is here, bringing a blank slate and a fresh start. Take a few moments to pause in prayer, self-reflect, and take action. Our journey of hope begins now!
“Everyone knows what it is to hope. In the heart of each person, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring.” - Pope Francis in his announcement of the Jubilee Year 2025
A Prayer of Hope
Dear Lord,
As the new year begins, I look to You for our hope, joy, and peace.
Give me the courage to do all that You ask of me.
Please also make me brave to not do what isn't from You.
Show me how to walk in grace and embrace Your love for me even more.
Amen
-Source: Holley Gerth
Self-Reflection
- How do you define hope? What does hope mean to you?
- What ways can you reflect peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs it?
- What hopes do you have for the New Year?
Cultivating Hope
- Write down your hopes for the new year. What steps can you take to accomplish those hopes? Keep this list in a safe place so you can review it later and be proud of what you’ve done.
