Hope: Moments of inspiration in a challenging world

by Tim Costello

A World Vision CEO shares personal stories and anecdotes to inspire and give hope. Some stories need to be shared beyond a moment and a place, as they can be wonderful illustrations of the human experience. In a world that is full of challenging and soul-searching events, Tim Costello shares stories he has encountered in often the most dramatic of circumstances. He believes life has a way of giving us the power to persevere during hard times, and in Hope he shows us how. Hope is a book to savor and brings home the importance of love, life, and finding the best that there is to be found in people. A book that reminds us all that there are so many that suffer yet still we can find hope. Costello proves that hope can be found in the smallest of moments.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christianity, Philosophy, Self Help

176 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2012

Reviews

[Chelsey with a y · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what I was expecting but it wasn't what this book was. But I loved it. It was so challenging

[Alyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful memoir that refreshes the importance of providing a voice for the voiceless. Tim Costello is an amazing witness of humility, understanding, compassion and faithfulness.

[Rob Goudswaard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting insight to experiences with different cultures

[Rhonda Hodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an inspiration Tim Costello is to me! I was raised in the same era, same city and have a similar faith. My daughter works at World Vision and has a heart for justice and the poor. I’m so grateful and enjoy hearing of the ongoing work worldwide in this wonderful and effective charity.

This book was a great one to read at the end of the year. It helped me reflect on my own past experiences and encounters with people of all walks of life and find hope for the future in how to love my neighbours. I fill ‘lifted’ into pursuing dreams I’ve sidelined. Thank you Tim for reminding me of the bigger picture.

[Y T · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of anecdotes by Rev Tim Costello, telling of stories he encountered. However, I didn't manage to get through it all as the stories didn't feel inspiring enough to sustain my reading to the end.

[Rebecca Larsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this 5 stars because we could all do with a little hope right now x

[Tc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Timeless, sadly so much still applies 12 years later. But lots of short stories (most 2-3 pages long) of hope, reflecting on Tim’s life and experiences.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of essays and memoirs by an outstandingly Australian. Tim Costello has provided clear and consistent moral leadership for many years. He is an ordained Baptist pastor and lawyer whose understanding of the Gospels has informed his path in various positions over the years, whether it is as head of World Vision Australia, an articulate opponent of poker machine gambling, or an advocate for the homeless. He is definitely no sounding brass or tinkling cymbal: he is one of the most active Christians in modern life.
I would recommend this book to all: Christians, other faiths or atheists, and across the political spectrum. There is nothing pious or preachy here, just one man's vision of how to make our world a better place despite obstacles, set-backs and moments of personal doubt. It is a vision for all of us to aspire to making the world a better place.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. Somehow I while I knew Tim Costello through his World Vision work, I had missed out on the whole Baptist preacher bit. It's a thoughtful, fascinating, broad ranging read. Well worth it.

My blog post
http://astrongbeliefinwicker.blogspot...

[Kim Miller]

Sweet, but each morsel was too bite sized to fulfil my appetite. I wanted sustained narratives of the people, events, circumstances, stories and lives. Hard to beat hearing this inspirational character in real life I guess!

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a long-time admirer of the elder Costello, I was curious to read this collection of anecdotes. Ultimately it goes a long way towards demonstrating that you don't necessarily need Faith to be able to have Hope. (Probably not exactly what he intended...)

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

To me this is more like a collection of thoughts, observations and short stories. Putting aside any political or religious (or lack thereof) affiliations, some of the chapters made me stop and self reflect. A worthwhile investment of time for those moments.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An uplifting, inspiring read. A book filled with lovely anecdotes from a life well lived. Tim Costello is an amazing man.

[Toppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of thoughtful short anecdotes which cannot be consumed in haste. Written with humour, optimism and a healthy dash of insight.

[Libby Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this bite size series of life experiences and insights but similar to some other reviewers left me wanting something more substantial at times.

[Greg Gardiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Help people the way they want to be helped.

[C.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good to read some of of the experiences Tim Costello has had through his life and Some inspiring people, he has had a chance to meet.

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wasn't sure what this book would be like. Glad to find it was awesome. So easy to read, yet challenging and thought provoking no matter what the status of your faith.

[Cara Brackstone · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of anecdotes from Tim Costello. Highly readable, short stories, and a good window into his life, faith, ethics and experiences.

[Joseph · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't get much hope - mainly despair.

[Zelal Zelalcan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gave up reading it after 5 stories