The trees in Ohio have been especially beautiful this fall, but sadly the gorgeous fall colors don’t last long. I noticed leaves almost “raining” off the trees in my yard today and I took this picture of my weeping cherry tree with only one leaf left. That reminded me of the classic story “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry – one of my favorites! If you are not familiar with this short story, it is well worth checking it out!
O. Henry is the pen name of William Sydney Porter, an American short story writer. Porter’s life was full of unusual and colorful experiences – even a short prison term in Columbus, OH for embezzlement, but his successful writing career started in 1902. He wrote over 381 short stories and became known for his wit, characterization, and plot twists. Sadly, Porter died of cirrhosis of the liver in 1910.
The “Last Leaf” was published in 1907, a fictional story set in Greenwich Village during a pneumonia epidemic. It tells the story of an old artist who saves the life of a young neighboring artist dying of pneumonia, by giving her the will to live…giving her hope. (I don’t want to spoil the story for you, but I urge you to find a copy and read this very short story – even google the final pages – it’s a tear jerker!)
HOPE – it gives each of us the will to live! For a Christian, the Bible is full of encouraging verses that speak of that word!
-Hebrews 6:19, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf”. -Titus 2:13. “…while we wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.” -Isaiah 40:31, “…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint”. -Romans 15:4, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope”. -Romans 12:12, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer”. –I Thessalonians, “But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation”. -I Timothy 6:17, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment”. -Psalm 130:7, “O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with Him is full redemption”.
Dear Lord, I praise you for the lifeline of hope that you have freely given to me, your child. May I hold it firmly, never wavering, until that glorious day that You return for me, as You have promised.