Hanging on to Hope
From Acknowledgement to Action
RESOURCES FOR A RESILIENT LIFE
FALL, 2026
As we approach the upcoming 2026 midterm elections in the United States, I am reminded regarding how little control I have over the outcome or results. But I asked myself, what really matters? It’s not what I think, or what I feel, but what I believe. And I believe in Hope combined with Action.
There is so much history that we can tape into…so much experience and knowledge that we can tape in to that we can use to guide our lives. Let us use that experience and knowledge to carry our lives forward into a new and brighter tomorrow!
Thank you so much for being a part of this journey with me! Let us work together for a brighter tomorrow!
As we survey the troubled landscape of our nation and the world today it is easy to become depressed, discouraged, and lose hope. I addressed the disappearance and loss of hope in a book I just published on KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) entitled “The Search for Pandora’s Box and the Disappearance of Hope.” It is available on Amazon.com for $7.99. It is a quick and easy read for most readers, but perhaps not for those who struggle with English language issues. I have purposefully used larger print for easy reading. Any proceeds I receive from the sale of the book will be donated to organizations such as Literacy Minnesota and organizations recognized by the National Literacy Institute.
If you would like a copy and are unable to afford one at this time, please contact me at greynolds1949@hotmail.com.
What happens when hope seems to disappear in our lives?
What happens to us?
What happens to those around us?
To our Nation?
To the World?
The book answers those questions superficially and it is targeted for a younger audience, but the primarily result of loss of hope appears in the form of darkness. For the characters in the book, loss of hope results in physical darkness in the air which surrounds them and their world.
The book ends on a bright note and a with a challenge from the Angel of Light for all of us as we leave a legacy of our lives behind us…….
“To all who follow in your footsteps, may you continually provide them with:
Roots to the Past
and
Wings to the Future
The meaning of her words is clear: Provide “Roots to the Past” to help yourself and others stay connected to your history, traditions, and to stay grounded in your constructive values. We need remember our past events to prepare us for a brighter future and avoid our previous mistakes and missteps.
Providing “Wings to the Future” enables all of us to adapt, create, and contribute to that brighter future by stepping into new experiences to expand our horizons.”
Reynolds, Gregory Charles, (2026). “The Search for Pandora’s Box and the Disappearance of Hope.” Independently Published. pages 99-100.
The phrase “Roots and Wings” was first popularized by Hodding Carter, an American journalist and educator. The phrase has been picked up by countless educators and authors who have used it in the titles of their books. Interestingly enough, while everyone acknowledges their debt to Hodding Carter, Carter himself, apparently did not come up with the phrase and credits “an anonymous wise woman” for the phrase in his 1953 book “Where Main Street Meets the River.”
I first heard the phrase “Roots and Wings” in a sermon from a pastor friend of mine several years ago and the phrase has stuck with me ever since.
To more fully understand the meaning and significance of the phrase you absolutely MUST visit Spring Nguyen’s webpage “Snugfam” at:
Roots and Wings Quote: Hodding Carter’s Wisdom for a Balanced Life
Be sure to check this website out !! As Spring Nguyen states so eloquently in speaking about the site:
“Snugfam was born from a simple belief: that words have the power to heal, inspire, and connect us. In a world that often moves too fast, we wanted to create a quiet corner where every emotion is honored—a sanctuary for the heart and mind.” ….
“But Snugfam is more than a collection of quotes. It’s a feeling. It’s the knowing that you’re not alone on this journey—that someone, somewhere, has felt exactly what you’re feeling and found a way to say it. This is a space for seekers, dreamers, healers, and anyone who believes in the magic of a well-placed sentence.”
Welcome to the family.
With warmth,
The Snugfam Team
Author
https://www.resilience-leadership.com
I would strongly suggest visiting the Resilience Leadership website and subscribing to Dr. Taryn Marie’s email updates and following her Podcasts.
Here are just a few of her insightful questions from Dr. Taryn Marie:
“We are all searching for guidance about how to adjust to so much change and uncertainty, to keep functioning. We ask ourselves and others, ‘How do I make sense of this? How do I process everything that is happening when it all seems so overwhelming? How do I lead my people? . How do I parent my children? How do we create a sense of normalcy when nothing feels normal? What does ‘normal’ mean, anyway? How do I sustain myself when life so often feels unsustainable?”
“We are all searching for guidance about how to adjust to so much change
and a posting on 7/21/2026 “The Present is Not a Waiting Room”:
“What if resilience isn’t just about preparing for the future? What if it’s also about fully inhabiting the present?”
“Did I notice something beautiful today?
Did I laugh with someone I love?
Did I make time for the people and experiences that actually matter to me?
If today were all I had, would I be proud of how I spent it?”
https://www.resilience-leadership.com
https://drtarynmarie@resilience-leadership.com
I would strongly suggest visiting the Resilience Leadership website and subscribing to Dr. Taryn Marie’s email updates and following her Podcasts.
Resources
As I mentioned in the Spring, 2026 blog posting, I am undertaking a major revision to the Resources Page on the website to make navigation of the contents easier to find.
From time to time many readers have provided materials to consider posting on the webpages and for that I am extremely grateful. I recently received info related to PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) which in the past I have stayed somewhat away from preferring to highlight PTG (Post Traumatic Growth). But we cannot overlook the effects of PTSD. Check out various sections within the Resources page for new material from several sources.
Help is available, including legal help – both nationally and in the states you live in.
As we end the 5th year of our journey and begin a new year together, let us not forget our own past as well as our time together and be thankful for it!
The past, within each of our individual lives, may have been filled with hatred and bitterness, but those experiences were also in some cases filled with hope, and kindness, and love.
Let’s work together for a brighter tomorrow and a future filled with Hope!
Hanging on to Hope! 