Having hope means ...

Having hope means that one will not give in to overwhelming anxiety, a defeatist attitude, or depression in the face of difficult challenges or setbacks. [Hope is] more than the sunny view that everything will turn out all righe; [it is] believing you have the will and the way to accomplish your goals.

Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence

This was quoted in Team of Rivals and there was never a better time than during the Civil War to remember what hope really is. This is something that we could all do with a little more of today.