Hey, guys!

How are you? Happy Easter! In the first part of this article, I talked a bit about the process of choosing the brand name, and today I would like to talk about the meaning behind the word hope in my life. A more personal and human text, if you understand what I mean. Coincidentally, I am writing about this theme on a Monday post-Easter, a very special period when we celebrate love, peace, and hope, and like many Christians around the world, the death and resurrection of Jesus.

If you already know me, this won't be news to you, but if you're new here and we haven't met in person, you're very welcome! It's a pleasure to have you here. As I was saying, I believe one of the most beautiful things in this world is the opportunity we have to speak and share what's most precious in our lives. Whether it's a word of kindness, wisdom, comfort, or even a material good, why not? Each of us has the ability to share and do good for others, each in our own way and form, and that's beautiful.

Today, I'd like to talk about what is most precious in my life (even if in a few words, I believe this is the start of a beautiful conversation): my faith and love for someone named Jesus. You might be wondering, "But Vitor, I thought your brand wasn't a religious brand!" And you are right. Hope Rising® is not a religious brand, not at all. But I believe that in all areas of life, when we do something with our heart and give our best, our essence and values are placed there. Part of our love and dedication is felt and seen. And that creation expands what is best within us, whether in a project, literary work, music, or even a clothing brand: our essence becomes tangible. And with Hope Rising®, it couldn't be different. This brand came from my innermost self and, although it is not a religious brand, it is a brand for which I have deep love and believe that, thus, part of my essence and what I believe and love is reflected in it.

And much of this has to do with what makes me wake up every day thanking for another day of life; part of it has to do with knowing that, even on the hardest days of my life, there is someone who loves me and is present; part of it has to do with the best friend anyone could have; part of it has to do with my faith and where my (you might have guessed) hope comes from. This hope for me is not based on things, but on someone. This someone I met when I was just a boy and who has transformed and continues to transform my life, day after day. Through His grace, love, mercy, and gentleness. Through His patience and affection; in all my phases, from boyhood to my adolescence, and today as a man, Jesus has been present in my life. In my highs and lows, He has been there, always showing me love. Sometimes not in the way that I, as a human, would like, but in the way that I needed.

Today, at 28, I continue to say: thank you, Jesus! For everything. And for keeping me hopeful amidst a life that often seems chaotic. I don't know about you, but there isn't a day that goes by that I don't see something bad on social media. It seems that with each passing day, the world becomes a harder place to live: inflation, wars, tragedies, and suffering. How to stay hopeful? It's at these times that I remember the words of Paul written in the Bible: 'So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.' (Galatians 6:9) and in 2 Corinthians 4: 8 'We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair; hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted [to stand alone]; struck down, but never destroyed; [...] 17 'For our momentary, light distress [this passing trouble] is producing for us an eternal weight of glory [a fullness] beyond all measure [surpassing all comparisons, a transcendent splendor and an endless blessedness]!’ For those who don't know, Paul was persecuted for preaching the gospel, but still, he remained hopeful in God.

And to conclude, I would like to share one of my favorite verses: 'I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world. [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]' (John 16:33). Do you know who said this? Jesus Himself. On one hand, I am troubled because Jesus Himself told us that life on this earth would not be easy, but on the other hand, it gives me such great hope to know that God Himself told us to have peace because all this suffering will one day end. And it is in this word that I find security. In this promise. Yes, hope has a name.

And for you, what does hope mean?

With affection, Vitor