By David Peel
As we fave a new year, one of my new favorite words, unearthed from the dust of centuries:
Respair (pronounced reh-spair) — a rare and beautiful 15th-century treasure, long forgotten yet perfectly echoing the heart of the Gospel.
It means the fresh surge of hope after crushing despair, the glorious return of light to a soul bowed low by trials, a true recovery of joy and strength in the midst of hardship.
As both noun and verb, it paints the very story of redemption: that resilient revival of faith and optimism when all seems lost — the radiant opposite of despair.
In Scripture, we see this truth again and again — “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).
The God who breathed new life into dry bones (Ezekiel 37) and turned the despair of the cross into the hope of resurrection still breathes respair into weary hearts today.
It’s not the same root as respiration, but it feels like it should be.
What do you think?
Peel seeks justice for those injured in tractor-trailer and car accidents, medical malpractice, and disability. He often addresses churches, clubs, and groups without charge. Peel may be reached through PeelLawFirm.com wherein other articles may be accessed.
