Love Abounds Where Hope Abides

"Active Hope is a practice. Like tai chi or gardening, it is something we do rather than have. It is a process we can apply to any situation, and it involves three key steps. First, we take a clear view of reality; second, we identify what we hope for in terms of the direction we'd like things to move in or the values we'd like to see expressed; and third, we take steps to move ourselves or our situation in that direction. Since Active Hope doesn't require our optimism, we can apply it even in areas where we feel hopeless. The guiding impetus is intention; we choose what we aim to bring about, act for, or express. Rather than weighing our chances and proceeding only when we feel hopeful, we focus on our intention and let it be our guide. This practice of hope allows us to remain creative and strategic." – Let This Radicalize You

These past 5 months have been uniquely challenging. You will not get a romanized view of my time here at Alexandria Detention Center. Why? Because jail strips us of control, community and often even our identities. It is not safe to express ourselves under the constant surveillance of the guards. Caring for each other in our housing unit becomes an act of resistance, when a hug becomes a violation, sharing food to those in the painful throes of detox is viewed as suspicious, and putting money on the books of an indigent pregnant inmate becomes a clandestine operation.

So how have I been able to create space that I can be authentic, experience healing and ultimately find flourishing?

Through an audacious hope…

I am not talking about naive optimism but a daily practice that is strategic to navigating my present conditions as I build toward a new world.

This type of “Active Hope” builds, shapes, and sustains our movements. It helps us to keep going forward even when all things seem to fall apart. Because to give into despair can rob us of our creativity and diminish our desire for togetherness.

We need each other. We need connection. The long loneliness asks, “Do you see me? Do I matter?” and Hope answers back, “Yes.”

Yes, you specifically matter.

During my time in jail many have shared their pregnancy loss, family separation and abortion stories with me. I see their pain and I hold that grief with them. Becoming aware of their grief doesn’t take away joy but gives us more choices on how to respond.

“Joy is not the opposite of grief. Grief is the opposite of indifference.” – Malkia Devich-Cyril

To care deeply for those around me has allowed me to touch on the grief in my own life. The acute devastation of recovering the remains of 115 aborted babies has led to an international movement for justice. Instead of being destabilized by despair I’ve enacted my grief into building pro-life power both inside and out.

I don’t have to be passive to my circumstances. I can and have created authentic connection during my time here. This will continue to carry me into a future that is bright and full of love.

— Lauren Handy, Alexandria Adult Detention Center