22 Years of Hope
Growing up I probably had every toy you could think of. And just like every other millennial, my sisters and I collected beanie babies. Remember them? I'm pretty sure we had most if not all of them. I use the term collected very loosely as we typically played with them and more than not, used them as projectiles at each other. Those beads packed a punch. If you know, you know. Eventually the accumulation of bean-filled animals got out of hand and outgrew our home just as much as we grew out of them over time. We chose to donate them so other kids could play with and enjoy them, just as we had.
My little sister and I shared all of the beanie babies for the most part, but she had her favorites and I had mine—and we knew if they were touched, that meant war was going down. I think her favorite was the tie-dye bear, if I remember correctly. And she still played with it, just like she did with the others. I on the other hand was a bit different with my favorite ones. They were super special—Halo—the guardian angel and Hope—the praying bear. Why? Your guess is as good as mine. Who knows what was going through my mind in 1999. What I can tell you is that they were never played with. Ever. Both were proudly displayed in my room for much longer than was probably cool—like through high school. But that's what I chose to do with them.
I can't tell you how I acquired either of those beanie babies, but they were likely gifted to me at some point. But again, why those two—of all the beanie babies we had? I mentioned earlier that we got rid of them, but that didn't mean ALL of them. I refused to part ways with Halo and Hope. When the time came, I put them away. Each went into a separate gallon ziploc bag and were tossed into a box and eventually a storage bin, to be found at a later date. These two beanie babies are quite the little travelers as they have moved 9 times with me, since I got them. Yes, they even came to college with me—every year!
I'm not one to collect anything or keep things I don't need. There are some treasured items however, that I have kept over the years and love to reminisce about when I come across them. Guess what? Those two beanie babies made the cut. I still have them—22 years later. Crazy! I pulled them out yesterday. Both still in pristine condition, Hope still has the protective plastic covering over the tag. And I thought to myself, “Why do I still have you all these years later? Does this mean something?” I returned them back to their respective resting place—in that blue bin, next to the pictures and other keepsake items that are near and dear to me.
I recall about 5 or so years ago, I pulled out those beanie babies and told Nick I could probably make a fortune if I sold them in the perfect condition they're in. I think his response was something along the lines of, “don't get your hopes up”. Hah—ironic huh? Typical response to my ridiculous suggestion. Meanwhile I see them selling for $2,000 on ebay. Are you kidding me? I was only half joking when I thought I could make money off of them. But lo and behold—I still have these two bead-filled bears taking up space in a storage bin, in a closet.
Why am I telling you this story? What's the significance, if any? As the season of Advent is upon us, and the first week represents hope, it dawned on me that unbeknownst to me, these little beanie babies may have more meaning than I realize. There is a reason I have held onto to them for all these years, because I don't keep things, especially a childhood toy, if you will. I just don't. I'm strong in my faith and truly believe there is reason behind everything. God sends us messages in numerous forms. In times of struggle or what may seem like constant defeat, it's easy to lose hope. But without hope, there is nothing to look forward to. Maybe that’s why I have them?
Maybe these little beanie babies, that once seemed so insignificant are my stark reminder that there is always hope. And that hope can be found in prayer. After all, it's right in the name—‘Hope the praying bear’. I have no plans to get rid of these treasured beanie babies, but rather embrace the significance of their underlying presence in my life. Sometimes we are given signs by the Lord that we don't recognize as such. Maybe this is one of them. Why else would I randomly keep two beanie babies for 22 years and counting? I'm thinking Hope the praying bear and Halo the guardian angel were meant to be with me as reminders. Hope is not lost. Keep praying. And there are guardian angels watching over me.
I hope this Advent season you are able to find signs in your life that maybe you haven't recognized. Use this time to grow in your faith or maybe it's time to come back if you've strayed away. Always remember, when you think hope is lost—it's not. It's just a prayer away. Maybe it's neatly stashed in a storage bin in the form of a beanie baby and needs to be re-discovered 22 years later, like it has for me. Don't lose hope! When you do, turn to prayer because the Good Lord has plans for you and your life.
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"
—Jeremiah 29:11