Despair is the prompt word for JusJoJan today. Thank you Carol Anne for your suggestion.

The dictionary defines despair as ‘complete loss or absence of hope.’ Now, I am a very optimistic and positive person and yet I use that word carelessly quite often, and when one does that it takes the true meaning away. 

So many people are in despair, unable to do anything about their circumstances and my heart goes out to them. Think of all the war-torn countries in our world and how desperate those people must be. Here in South Africa, there are too many people living in poverty with little hope of dragging themselves out of it. But here I am, full of privilege using that word so lightly.

I despair of getting my husband to remember to put on his hearing aids without being prompted. Really? Just nag and it will be done! 

I am a fixer! I like to think that I can make everything right, You have a problem? I can fix it. But when my ‘fix’ doesn’t work for you, I despair! I need to learn to let people solve their own problems! After all, they’re just tiny ones compared to the desperate situations others find themselves in.

I can’t solve the world’s problems. I can’t fight in wars. I can’t end world hunger. But I can provide support in small ways in my own world where people are in despair – or think they are!

What amazed me is how some very privileged people I know seem to despair quite often and are weighed down with stress and worry while others who are truly in dire circumstances put on a brave face, get on with it, and don’t lose hope at all. They meet the challenges head-on, make a plan, and deal with their problems as best they can. It’s people like that who I like to support and give as much assistance to as I am able. 

In a small way, we can all make the world a better place if we just show kindness and help each other instead of being destructive with words and actions. 

What I really despair about is the powers that be – not only in my own country but in most others too. It seems that power is more destructive than anything else. It seems to me that too many governments are corrupt to the core. What does that say about us, the voters? Why are we allowing ourselves to be ruled by criminals and madmen? 

Elections are looming in 64 countries around the world. That means 49% of the world’s population will be going to the polls. Will they make a difference and end world despair?