Advent-Hope-Lessons From Haitian Women
Introduction
Advent is a four-week season in the Church calendar that anticipates the arrival of Jesus of Nazareth, the long-awaited Messiah and King. Across traditions, Christians reflect on the themes of hope, peace, love, and joy during this time. Though practices may vary, all center on the hope-filled promise of Christ’s coming—a hope that brings light even in the darkest circumstances.
Focus Verses
"She said to them, ‘Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. I went out full, but the LORD has brought me back empty. Why do you call me Naomi, since the LORD has witnessed against me and the Almighty has afflicted me?’” – Ruth 1:20-21
"I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word, I put my hope.” – Psalm 130:5
Devotional
Have you ever found yourself where Naomi was—a place of sheer hopelessness? A place where pain and suffering have left you bitter and despondent? Naomi’s story in the book of Ruth resonates deeply with countless women around the world who face overwhelming challenges.
Currently, Haiti is enduring a profound crisis, particularly in Port-au-Prince. Women and young girls are suffering unimaginable trauma due to ongoing violence and gang activity. The situation seems relentless. Yet, as the world waits in anticipation for God’s deliverance, the people of Haiti cling to hope in the midst of despair.
At ElevateHer, we’ve been walking alongside a group of women leaders in northern Haiti, in Cap-Haitian, through monthly trauma-healing Bible studies. Together, we’ve explored the book of Ruth, reflecting on the suffering endured by Naomi and Ruth, and asking the hard question: Is God good for women? Is God good for Haitian women?
These questions have deep personal resonance for these women, who identify with the pain and loss in Ruth’s story. Yet, through shared stories and reflections over months, a resounding answer has emerged: Yes, God is good for women.
One woman courageously testified, “If God wasn’t good for Haitian women, I’d have lost my mind already. I’m able to wake up every day knowing that God is good and He watches over me, and that gives me hope.”
The Power of Hope
Hope is a confident expectation that things will turn around. It is rooted in the faithfulness and promises of God. Hope assures us that, no matter how bleak our circumstances, God is present, working for our good, and redeeming every broken situation.
There is no life without hope. There is no healing without hope. The Haitian women we serve exemplify hope amidst despair. Despite waking each day to immense challenges, they choose to lean on God’s goodness, trust His promises, lean on the sisterhood, and together believe that deliverance will come.
May we hold on to hope alongside our sisters in Haiti through this Advent season.
Reflective Questions
Can you recall a time when you found hope in a seemingly hopeless situation?
How does trusting in God’s goodness restore hope in your current circumstances?
What actions can you take to support and advocate for women suffering around the world?
Activity
Take a moment to create your personal definition of hope. Write or draw it, reflecting on how your understanding aligns with the promises of God in Scripture. Let this activity remind you of the sustaining and healing power of hope.
Prayer Focus
Our God of Hope, hear our prayers for our sisters around the world who daily face unimaginable challenges. We pray that today you may deliver them from their pain. We pray that your spirit may cause them to hold on to hope to be a witness of your miraculous power throughout the world. Lord be near.
With Peace and Blessings from the God of Hope,
Dieula