Look for hope

“I do not see hope. I make hope. Hope is something I create,” said Israeli peace activist Maoz Inon, taking inspiration from a Palestinian activist who used the same words (you can read more in my article “Making hope, demanding peace” in CC‘s April 2024 issue). It is an admirable attitude to hold in the face of violence and overwhelming suffering. But for people who live in peace and freedom it is insufficient. I believe we should not only create hope, for the sake of our children and ourselves, but also attempt to ground our hope in the reality of our times. Where might we look for hope?

Political blueprints

This month I am writing from the Netherlands. While here, I attended a mini-conference hosted by a group of Christian academics, “Blueprints of Hope,” about the origins of the European Union. After the devastation of the Second World War, Christian politicians, civil servants and church leaders collaborated across the Atlantic to develop visions for European reconstruction and reconciliation. Later, Christian Democratic leaders developed these ideas into strong social policies. Not enough people realize that the peace, stability and prosperity that Europeans enjoy are in large part the result of these efforts.

History is one place to look for hope, and it is a good one. For me, the transatlantic connection is another. I sometimes write in Dutch about political topics, and recently I ventured an essay about connections between Christian Democracy and Canadian conservatism of the mid-century. I believe there is unused potential on both sides of the Atlantic clamouring to be developed into practical politics. This is one of my grounds for hope and I intend to pursue it and focus on it. Let other people do what they understand best, where they find joy, and trust God to make our efforts whole.

Parties in Kampen

Christian Democracy is about party politics, and there are many political parties in the Netherlands. I am still a member of one. Perhaps now is a good time to talk about . . . actual parties. This year, our annual family visit coincided with King’s Day, King Willem-Alexander’s birthday. My home town of Kampen produced a lantern parade with no fewer than four marching bands, a variety of colourful floats (one of them Europe-themed; two others Barbie-themed) and lots of children on decorated bikes. The overall effect in the cool Spring evening under the Renaissance city hall and 17th century carillon tower (and a Jugendstil bakery) was utterly delightful. It was as good a political party as one could wish for.

Remembrance Day and Liberation Day follow closely on King’s Day. The flags come out again, half mast at first, but this time without the orange pennants honouring the royal house. I explained to our little Canadian that Canadians helped to kick out the evil people who occupied our country, and that we can feel proud because of them. But more importantly from her perspective, the Netherlands in Spring is a wonderful place to visit. There are new things to see, Dutch cousins to play with, and fun foods to enjoy – including bread sprinkles that look like cat food! There is even a medieval castle where we got to sleep overnight and play knights and queens. Sometimes, in some places, hope and joy come naturally.