Let’s talk about faith. It’s not necessarily always found within the walls of a church for everyone. The beauty is that our walk with god can look different and we can still love one another. You can find faith with great motivating fellowship in a religious setting. You can also find it deep within your heart, guiding you through life’s twists and turns with unwavering trust. It’s a journey I’ve been on, one filled with moments of doubt, discovery, and, ultimately, profound connection with the divine.
You see, for the longest time, I thought faith was synonymous with religious rituals and Sunday sermons. I grew up in a very religious culture of faithfully attending Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. – More on my earlier religious upbringing later. But as life threw its curveballs my way, I began to realize that true faith transcends the confines of organized religion. It’s about forging a deeply personal relationship with God, one built on a foundation of prayer, trust, and surrender.
There’s a verse in Hebrews 11:1 that speaks volumes to me: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” It’s a reminder that even when the path ahead seems uncertain, our faith can be a guiding light, illuminating the way with hope and assurance.
Looking back on my journey, I can’t help but chuckle at the countless times I tried to go it alone, convinced that I had all the answers. Spoiler alert: I didn’t. In fact, more often than not, my attempts to navigate life without God’s guidance only led to frustration and disappointment.
But amidst the struggles and setbacks, there were moments of profound clarity – moments when I felt the presence of something greater than myself, gently nudging me in the right direction. It was in those moments that I realized the true power of faith – not as a crutch, but as a source of strength and resilience.
For me, faith isn’t about following a set of rules or attending religious services like clockwork. It’s about living each day with an open heart and a willingness to be led by God’s grace. It’s about recognizing that I am not in control, and that’s perfectly okay.
So, here’s to embracing the beauty of faith and spirituality – to trusting in the journey, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. And may we always remember that true strength is found not in our own abilities, but in our willingness to surrender to something greater than ourselves. Keep your heart open. – Alaina