Keep The Faith…

Today in an awareness of an old friends struggles, I found myself reiterating a word to them, that I have said to many in my life recently. It feels like I have used this one word more times in a week, than I have in my entire life. The word is faith. Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary defines it as “allegiance to duty or a person, fidelity to one’s promises, belief and trust in and loyalty to God, firm belief in something for which there is no proof, complete confidence, something that is believed with strong conviction”. Though I have struggles of my own, my first and immediate instinct was to help. Maybe this was because I know with certainty that not only is it the right thing, but that sharing even the small things, restores necessary good things that are removed as we struggle; the most important of these is faith.

I am learning in my journey that I need to have it in myself, and my abilities, first and foremost, and that I must remain steadfast in this. I am also becoming more and more aware that when we struggle in life, it is to teach us something, to bring someone into our lives that we need there, or simply just to test that we have this – faith. I also am becoming well aware of the battle between fear and faith. As I continue to recognize and try to knock down fear as it creeps into my daily life, I am really noticing the difference in outcomes of the choices I make and which path it takes me down. Every single time I let fear win the battle, and make choices based on it, I find myself locked in a cage with it and it getting stronger. But, when I make the other choice to beat fear back, and keep the faith, the most amazing, beautiful, happy, fun moments continue to arrive. And depending on what I am afraid of, say lack of money, if I keep the faith, in small ways it arrives and takes care of my immediate needs.

I am recognizing also that choices I am making, are taking me into these fear filled struggles in the first place. I am recognizing, the more I am what society wants me to be, instead of being who I want to be, and the more I try to keep myself to myself, instead of sharing who I am with all of you, the more I struggle. I guess I am here today to remind you all to keep the faith, no matter what struggle you may be enduring at this time. If fear is creeping in, kick it back, and let the light and love in. This world is trying to keep us in a hate filled, fear filled place and I want us all to recognize this and share with each other the good things needed to fight back.

I do not even think we realize the depth of what has a grip on us. I recognize it fully every time someone new says to me “it’s too late” or “there is no hope”. Absolutely wrong; those words and feelings come from fear and hate. Hope, optimism, light, love, are all things that come about when we believe, when we have faith, not only in who we are, but in what life and this world have to share with us. So the next time you make a choice, if all you see approaching is darkness, loss, desperation, or shadows. Turn around and look for the bright light. It is there, it may be dim, but if you look hard enough you will find it. Follow that in faith, and it will lead you to some small victories, some small accomplishments, and moments of joy and happiness. Eventually, the light will get brighter and those small things will become bigger, and greater. Let your light shine it will bring you to amazing things.

So what about you? Are you struggling to keep the faith? To you have a faith filled and inspiring story to share? If today is your day and you are ready to comment please do. We are waiting for you.