"We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body." (2 Cor. 4:8-10)

"Real optimism is aware of problems but recognizes the solutions; knows about difficulties but believes they can be overcome; sees the negatives but accentuates the positives; is exposed to the worst but expects the best; has reason to complain but chooses to smile." (From William Arthur Ward).

Let us not be discouraged in the face of hardships and difficulties, but continue to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and anticipate the best.