FAITH
The Oxford Dictionary defines Faith as “1. complete trust or confidence in someone or something” and “2. strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension [i.e. understanding] rather than proof.” Have you ever had a situation you needed desperately to change and somehow you knew it would work out? You had no proof, but something within you gave you hope it would work out? That, my friends, is faith. It is transcendent, it cannot be explained or contained within the confines of human reason or logical experience.
However, The Oxford Dictionary definition introduces a conundrum. Although we can have strong belief in the doctrines of religion, as we evolve and grow we are finding that a lot of foundational religious doctrines are oppressive and lead to spiritual abuse and bondage. Religious doctrine is not free from the -isms and schisms of the time it was written and of the time it is being interpreted. All doctrine is an educated guess from finite people trying to understand the unseen spirit world.
All we can say for certain is that we don’t know for certain. Sometimes that can lead us to a confusing place, and that’s ok. Knowing that you don’t know is the beginning of developing a very personal understanding of the spiritual realm. Without certainty, without physical proof of what I believe, I have to trust the knowing of my spirit and the wisdom of my life experiences.
Personally, I know there is something working around me, within me, and with me to impact people with LOVE. I know that love has never steered me wrong. I know that I will forever be presented with opportunities to love. I have experienced the love of the Divine to overflowing and have faith that this love cannot be extinguished. I am not very dogmatic about any doctrine other than God IS love. I have faith that if I go about spreading love God will show up and multiply that love. I have seen it and experienced it too many times to doubt it. My complete trust and confidence is in the God of love. I cannot see or prove this God, but my spirit apprehends and my experiences support my faith in the healing power of love.
What is the foundation of your personal faith?
If you need some support as you explore your faith and beliefs please book an appointment for a spiritual care consultation. Let’s walk together!
