In the book and movie Unbroken, author Laura Hildebrand writes about World War II veteran Louie Zamperini. Zamperini’s plane crashes in the Pacific Ocean, and he miraculously survives and makes it onto a raft with two other airmen. However, they are immediately surrounded by sharks and faced with starvation, storms, dehydration, etc. Hildebrand writes:
“Though all three men faced the same hardship, their differing perceptions of it appeared to be shaping their fates. Louie and Phil's hope displaced their fear and inspired them to work toward their survival, and each success renewed their physical and emotional vigor. Mac's resignation seemed to paralyze him and the less he participated in their efforts to survive, the more he slipped. Though he did the least, as the days passed, it was he who faded the most. Louie and Phil's optimism, and Mac's hopelessness, were becoming self-fulfilling.”
Mac did not survive. Louie and Phil did. Hope is a powerful thing. Clinging to hope can get you to the next right thing.
Hope will save you.