HOPE. I've seen that word posted on bumpers, intersections and homes over the past few months. I was looking at pictures online captured from the events of Nov 4. Moving fotos with people looking upwards with tears in their eyes as they huddled together. Celebration in the street, black and white hugging. In my neighborhood, there were fireworks and children screaming with joy as the dogs barked at the commotion.

And yet at the break of day this morning, that word rose to the top of my mind. And so I read.

"Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them-- the Lord, who remains faithful forever." Psalm 146:3-10

I have been reflecting on what I have heard from people that believe that change can really come to America with the president elect. And I have thought, does hope come from 1 man? Or an administration? Because if it does, then we are setting ourselves up for a big disappointment. For however many years our president has on this Earth no matter who it is, 70, 80, 90, he will die and with him all of his plans. Administrations made of people will also eventually pass away and what with it? Can leaders whose power and legacies are tied to their mortal life live forever? Can leaders that have profoundly shaped their countries with an iron fist like Castro or Kim Jong-il cling to life?

Circumstances of life have a way of inflicting injury and challenging your beliefs. And so, as of such I am more cautious to what I invest hope. If good financial planning involves not putting your eggs in one basket what about where I place confidence when it comes to men and women? My experience which I realize is not always based upon truth but worth evaluating has shown me discernment and caution is good. Especially when it involves a commitment of the heart.With my hopes being dashed more than once because of trusting in people that have flawed systems and temporary life spans, I think it is wise to be guarded. There is a saying that wisdom cries out in the streets. A personification, wisdom is not hidden but plainly makes herself known. If wisdom makes her opinion known, what other voices are speaking in "the streets" and which one (s) am I listening to? Are we listening to?

I feel as though I cannot cast my vote in the absolute confidence of any man or women. Yes, to follow leadership and support those who rule is a must. But at the core of where my hope lies, it cannot rise and fall on an administration.

I can put my eggs in the basket that is not fundamentally flawed. Different but not flawed. Anyone that invests themselves in something higher trusts in an economy that has different rules then demonstrated in the mob.

My conclusion is that there is one King that lives forever and so has the ability to be faithful to all generations. And it just so happens the heart of this King is good.