the story of Beautiful Hope // The Circle

I am linking up today with the fabulous Kiki from In Its Time and the wonderful community of bloggers at The Circle to share the meaning and stories behind our blog names. Without steering off on a tangent too far, I want to first share that I find names so fascinating. Whether expectant parents looking through hundreds of name options for their soon-to-arrive bundle of joy,  a new business that is looking for a brand to identify itself, or a nickname that a best friend or beloved has for someone, names are fascinating. They are chosen with care and intentionality, eagerly anticipating for the meaning behind that name to bear fruit as time passes on. 

Beautiful Hope was born out of a desire to experience and reflect on the hope that comes from Jesus. Originally, Beautiful Feet of Hope, my blog name was inspired by Isaiah 52:7 (and cross-referenced in Romans 10:5)   . . .

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion:
 “Your God reigns.”

As a Christian that has been redeemed by Jesus -- given hope when I was hopeless, peace where there was restlessness, good news when I only saw bad news of shame and guilt -- I desire to have beautiful feet that walk in the valleys as well as the mountains "publishing" the good news found in Jesus. I desire to show the beauty of hope throughout my everyday, be it while I am typing a blog post in the wee hours of the night, talking with a friend who's experiencing fear and anxiety, or teaching my little sunday school kids. I want to spread hope. I want to show that there is a hope that is true and worthy. A hope that is more beautiful than can be explained with mere words. And, I believe that hope is found in Jesus. 

"I pray that more would be burdened to have beautiful feet  . . . 

Go, go, go. Run with those beautiful feet"

Around the time I started thinking about blogging (2011), I  came across a song by LeCrae named "Beautiful Feet". To this day, I cannot listen to that song without tearing up. Above are a few lines in the song that gripped my heart as the Holy Spirit impressed that we are called to walk where others would rather avoid; for our feet to step towards the hopeless and forgotten, showing them that they are named as loved, cherished, and forgiven by the God who came down to earth to give us abundant hope and redemption through Him. 

The idea of "Beautiful Feet" is not about perfectly manicured toes or a pair of strappy Jimmy Choo heels. Our willingness and obedience to walk towards where God is calling us, bringing the Gospel message (and the peace, hope, joy, and salvation that springs out of the Gospel) gives us beautiful feet. 

I chose to shorten the blog name from Beautiful Feet of Hope for the logistical reason of having an easy-to-remember and easy-to-post blog name. At times, though, I miss the original name since it reminds me of the original reason for starting the blog, but I do feel Beautiful Hope encapsulates the original meaning and hopefully brings curiosity to the reader as to know more about how hope can be truly beautiful. 

(source)

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What's your blog story? Share it in the comments or visit us at The Circle and visit other bloggers for the stories behind their names!

P.S. I want to give a shout-out to Kiki for my blog header! Not only is she an amazing writer and blogger, she's got mad design and photography skills as well!