The Losing Life

So there's a reason that I've been thinking so much about hope the last few days, I've come to the realization that life is full of losses and gains.
To say it accurately I probably first recognized it a few years ago when I experienced the first period of condensed, significant loss. The experiences back then left me in a pretty dark place but as I've been told and personally discovered, I learn from the things that happen so as to avoid the same mistakes in the future.
Making mistakes is unavoidable and I wouldn't want to avoid them but making exactly the same mistakes is foolish but I'm no fool.
Loss isn't always the result of mistakes though, some times they are the result of the fallen nature in which we all exist.
Whatever the cause, loss is something we all have to know how to manage.
But then comes the x factor that is Jesus. More after the jump!

Hope

I've touched on the topic of hope briefly in some posts lately. I did so because I see a direct correlation between New Years and hope. Looking to the future, wanting things better and brighter - hope. Truth is, hope that is lasting and real can only be found in Jesus.
Life is difficult and I'm not going to paint some bed of roses picture that just because someone follows Jesus, everything will get easy and better. Incorrect. Things get tougher following Jesus. Tougher but better.
He is the hope for all people.
I've always found music to be comforting when things get tough and hope is harder to hold onto. For that reason I'm gonna proceed with a couple songs that seem to hit on the hope of Jesus pretty well.

Fundamental differences

To say I've always been different is an understatement but is also very accurate. Coming from a very athletic and sports heavy family, my interest for the early part of my life was limited to the games that my siblings were in and on a limited basis on that. I got into Boy Scouts and theater instead.
Most people I grew up around liked to do things, liked to have people around. I've pretty much always like smaller groups, if having other people around at all. I'm fine just kicking back by myself and watching tv.
Those are a couple small examples but yeah, I'm different - by choice and just as fact.
As I've gotten older it's fundamentally changed though. I'll explain what I mean after the jump.