Dedicated to Bill Sweeney, his wife Mary and their family
Some years are unforgettable, some we wish we could forget.
Just as 2001 marked the beginning of an era of fear from terrorism, 2020 marked the beginning of an era of fear from pandemics. The former featured attacks by a visible enemy, the latter attacks by an invisible one. In both cases, our response has been isolation: in 2001 we closed our borders, in 2020 we closed our front doors. But while protection from external threats is attainable, protection from internal threats—anxiety, loneliness, depression—seems increasingly unattainable.
Is there an antidote, not just to COVID-19 but to fear itself? We hear a lot of gauzy references to “hope” these days. But too often they sound like baseless bromides. Many self-proclaimed realists push back, reminding us that, sure, hope-plus-three-bucks might get you a cup of coffee, but the barista who sells it to you just might kill you.
But there’s a different kind of hope. One that isn’t based on circumstances. Because the harsh truth is that we’re all going to die “of” something, and we can never know just when or how.
But until then we can live, really live—if we choose to. Because the true meaning of hope is to live for a purpose, for something bigger than death.
Many years ago, I found hope as a fearful young man with nothing left to lose, at least nothing worth keeping. It wasn’t in the promises of scientists or politicians, or even family and friends. It was in the love of my Creator. And, no, it hasn’t made me immune to COVID-19, or the ravages of aging.
It’s the same Unshakeable Hope my dear friend Bill Sweeney lived for and blogged about, despite living 24 years with a condition that robbed him of all physical movement and speech. It’s the unshakeable hope that made him immune to real death, eternal death, and now—just days after his final post—has opened the door to eternity with his Creator.
And it’s why these words resonate so deeply with me:
“Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. And always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you.” ~1 Peter 3:14-15
Yes, I have a reason to hope.
Thank you for writing this Mitch, Bill and Mary are kind of special and a beautiful example of faithfulness, patience and God’s enduring love. May we all be as faithful and steadfast in our hope as Bill and Mary. And now our brother in Christ is home and one day we shall indeed all be together, and that will be one glorious day. Blessings to you and yours Mitch in the New Year.
I couldn’t agree more, Bruce. And blessings in the New Year to you and yours as well.
Thanks for posting this; I have been very lax in keeping up with fellow bloggers (and my own blog(s)) in the last few years, but I used to follow Bill’s and was always inspired by it. I am grateful for your highlighting him and his beautiful example of hope and encouragement.
No greater hope, no greater joy! Happy New Year, Mitch, and to your lovely wife and family.
Thank you, and likewise, Dora!
You brought tears to my eyes with this tribute. I am so grateful to be part of this community which so richly points us to the Hope of Heaven. Here we rejoice, laugh, and mourn. You are a beacon of Light, my friend. I am better for knowing you!
Aw, bless you, Heidi. And likewise, my friend!
I didn’t know about Billy and Mary until Heidi Viars wrote a post in his memory.
You have a way with words, Mitch, and also a knack for telling a great story. But I suppose that’s par for the course in your line of work.
I’m glad I found your blog.
Prayers for Bill’s wife and children.
Happy New Year, and God Bless.
Thank you, dear David. Wishing you multiple blessings in the New Year as well.
Beautiful Tribute in honor of an amazing man. Beautiful Truth. Thank you for sharing, Mitch.
Thank you, Deborah, and yes, he was indeed.
A Beautiful tribute and may 2021 be filled with many blessings to you and your family. As Bill pointed out so many times through his blog, our hope, our salvation is in Christ. He was and still is, in our memories of his words, a tremendous inspiration to me and so many others.
Amen, Sue.
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Bill Sweeney’s Unshakable Hope was, and is, a great inspiration to me. He found his hope in Christ, a hope that is free and available to ‘whosoever believes in Him’, as it says in John 3:16. I thank God that after years as an agnostic atheist, I am a ‘whosoever ‘!I
Isaiah 43:18-19 KJV
18 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
Praise God! I am looking forward to a new thing!
Bless you, dear sister (and fellow convert).
Exactly what I needed to be reminded of today. Thank you, Mitch.
My privilege, Kathleen.
Amen…I am so happy you posted this. What a remarkable man and the epitome of faith unshakeable…he is my hero!!!
Mine too, Pene.
Happy 2021 to you and your family Mitch. Hope it’s full of hope and happiness buddy 👍😊🎆
Thank you, John. Wishing you all the same!
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Beautiful dedication and inspiring post. Mr. Sweeney had the kind of faith we all need. That “no matter what” faith. No matter what happens or what it looks likes, I am still trusting God to the bitter end. This should be a true believers anthem. Blessings and Peace.
And to you, as well, Claudia.
Beautifully said.
Thank you.
Peace to you and yours Mitch.
You too, my friend.
Good reminder
Amen, Mitch. Thank you for this. Bill was a blessing to so many of us. We are praying for his family. God bless you.
Hi Mitch,
I knew he wasn’t feeling well, but didn’t know he passed. Thanks for honoring our brother. Happy New Year!
Gary
You too, Gary.
Thank you Mitch for this tribute. I started following Bill a few months ago and am happy to know that he is with Jesus now. I will miss his unshakable faith.
Thank you for once again shining a light on all the reasons to have unshakeable hope.
Hold
On
Pain
Ends
Your blog post says it all.
Have HOPE because we are not alone.
Happy New Year Mitch!
And a Happy New Year to you, as well, Andrea!
I certainly love this tribute made. He is in a better place.
Happy new year to you, Grandpa! I pray this year brings forth good things and of course,a covid-19 free year! Stay blessed!
You too, “Granddaughter”! ;>)
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Sadness for us as we will miss Bill’s strong faith. Over joyed in knowing he is now free. Thank you for this tribute. May you have a fabulous new year.
Likewise, Anita.
Please accept my condolences for the loss of your friend. <3
Thank you, Lori.
Beautiful tribute!
“The true meaning of hope is to live for a purpose, for something bigger than death.” Amen!
First post that I read today, that is on 1st of jan 2021, is this. I am overjoyed and feel positive about life in this new year. Thanks for writing this. A very happy new year to you and your family.
You too!
Thank you for writing such a wonderful tribute about Bill. His unshakeable faith and hope always pointed straight to Jesus Christ and has been a true inspiration to me. A wonderful man.
Part of the problem is the media, they thrive on creating fear, via sensationalism. You are so right, Mitch, we can rest in the hands of our Heavenly Father. Thank you for this uplifting post! All the best in 2021!
You too, Mark.
Beautiful. Love the now & then photos.
Thank you, Cindy. And Happy New Year.
I loved reading Bill. We will really miss his wisdom and faith.
We will indeed.
What a testimony his life was
Amen to that!
Thank you for writing this tribute
The honor is mine, James.
very beautiful, thank you. Hope can be found with seeing meaning in everything, even in hardships…
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Mitch, Your blog post from yesterday showed this one in the “related” blogs below. I read it, and was encouraged as I was the day you wrote it. Thank you for you for sharing your story and wisdom with us. I Peter 3:14-15 is so good, such a good reminder to share our hope. Thank you again for the beautiful tribute.
And thanks back, dear Mary.
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Like you Mitch, I loved Bill. His Hope WAS Unshakable and I felt so blessed to follow along in his life-journey through his writings. I still value all he taught me through his life-lived-out and his writings. His site is still active and I stroll through every once in a while. I find my heart wondering how Mary and the family is. I pray they are all well and living life full, until they are all reunited yet again. It was nice stumbling upon your post today & being reminded of Bill (again) in this way… God is so good in all the wonderful ways He delivers the precise HOPE we are in need of. 😊Hugs to you today and always!
Likewise, dear Dawn.