WTHR anchor Scott Swan has been a trusted voice delivering news to Indiana residents for decades. But now, he’s stepping beyond the news desk to offer something deeper – hope.
His new daily devotional, The Hope You Need Today, is a passionate, 365-day collection of faith-based reflections designed to inspire, uplift and encourage readers facing life’s struggles. Each day readers will find a new reflection, a relevant scripture and a prayer, providing a daily dose of hope and inspiration. The book is structured to fit seamlessly into the reader’s daily routine allowing you to start your day with a positive and hopeful mindset.
Swan’s journey into authorship was an unexpected turn. The book’s genesis can be traced back to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when Swan found himself among the few working in the WTHR newsroom while many of his colleagues operated remotely. With more downtime between newscasts, he began receiving messages from viewers struggling with fear, anxiety and grief.
“There was this overwhelming sense of hopelessness,” Swan says. “People felt isolated, fearful and uncertain about the future. I kept thinking, ‘How can I respond in a way that truly helps?’”
That question led Swan to reflect on the strong spiritual foundation his parents provided for him as a child growing up in Southern California. He says he turned his life over to Jesus at age 12. Swan says his father, a man of steadfast faith, would reach for his Bible whenever Swan had a problem, pointing him to scripture for guidance. His mother, a longtime teacher, had created a handwritten document listing the attributes of God from A to Z – qualities that had provided her strength.
Inspired by both of his parents, Swan started sharing daily devotionals on his social media pages, offering messages of encouragement rooted in scripture. What began as a simple online practice evolved into a full year of devotionals, culminating in The Hope You Need Today.
At its core, the book serves as a beacon of hope, a reminder that no matter what struggles a person faces – grief, health battles, financial hardship or broken relationships – hope can always be found in faith. Swan leaned heavily into his faith during his own battles with severe panic attacks and a near-death health scare. “It doesn’t matter what happened yesterday or what might come tomorrow,” Swan says. “What matters is that people need hope today.”
Swan’s personal experiences and family have significantly shaped the devotional. His wife, Janae, has been his rock since their days as high school sweethearts. Her journey of faith, particularly during her battle with breast cancer in 2021, has been a source of inspiration for Swan.
“She went through 30 rounds of radiation, surgery and everything that comes with a cancer diagnosis, and she leaned completely on her faith,” Swan says. “Seeing her strength and unwavering trust in God only reinforced my belief in the power of hope.”
His children, now adults, also play a significant role in his journey. “They remind me that this book is making an impact in people’s lives, and that’s really what keeps me going,” he says. Their support and encouragement inspire Swan to continue sharing his message of hope.
Writing The Hope You Need Today was not an overnight endeavor. In fact, it took an entire year of daily devotionals before Swan and his wife realized he had enough content for a book.
“I never set out to write a book,” Swan says. “I was just writing what was on my heart and what I felt God was leading me to share. But after a year it became clear that this was something more.”
The book is now available through major online retailers, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Comments 1
Thank you for your inspiration