Faith is the very first thing you should pack in a hope chest.

The quote by Sarah Ban Breathnach, "Faith is the very first thing you should pack in a hope chest," metaphorically illustrates the importance of faith as the foundational element in a person’s journey toward hope and future aspirations. A hope chest traditionally symbolizes a collection of valuable items saved for a hopeful future, often associated with preparing for a new chapter in life. By placing faith first in this chest, Breathnach emphasizes that faith is essential for nurturing hope and building a meaningful and optimistic outlook on life.

The origin of this quote comes from Sarah Ban Breathnach’s work as an author and advocate of mindful living, gratitude, and personal growth. She is best known for her book Simple Abundance, which encourages cultivating joy and abundance through spiritual and practical practices. Her writings often focus on the power of faith and hope to inspire resilience and fulfillment.

This quote encourages readers to prioritize faith above all else when envisioning their future or preparing for life’s changes. It suggests that without faith—trust in oneself, the divine, or the possibilities ahead—hope cannot truly flourish or be sustained. Faith provides the strength and confidence needed to carry hope forward through uncertainty.

In essence, Breathnach’s words remind us that faith is the cornerstone of hope. By “packing” faith first, we equip ourselves with the necessary foundation to embrace life’s opportunities and challenges with a hopeful heart and a positive mindset.