Recently, I was walking with a friend of mine, and we were having a conversation about my relationship with God, my faith, and my trust in God’s will for me. I was saying to him, that to enhance my relationship with myself, my fellows, and my higher power, I pick traits that I choose to work on, and usually, although not always see positive results, and I choose to believe that I find favor in God’s eyes, just as a parent appreciates the loving gestures of their children.

My friend smiled, and said it sounds just like ‘The Secret’, a book about manifestation, and that all of these stories are man’s way of coping or dealing with life’s many challenges.

I replied that he may be entirely correct, and that after we are done here on Earth, there is nothing– or if there is a God, he doesn’t care what we do. However, when I have faith and trust, I am able to make peace with the nonsensical; I can say, “Boy, this is horrible, yet I’m sure there is an answer “. If I choose to be the skeptic, the critic, the non-believer, I’m causing myself so much anguish and pain, that I would rather just believe; it’s not the only reason I believe, yet it’s a really good one.

This was just reinforced for me this morning. I have a relative that is struggling with health issues, and at 7 years old she wrote a book on miracles that have happened to her. I believe that this is only possible because her parents exemplify such faith and trust, that in turn, it makes the struggle bearable, it makes it more tolerable, and so much less painful for their incredible child.

What do you believe? And, how do you make peace with the sadness, pain, and suffering all around?

This week, let’s try and believe–regardless of our religious views– in the power of faith. Let’s trust that there are answers– it’s just that we don’t always have them. At the end of the day, if you are fooling yourself, who cares? As long as it’s bringing you peace and calm, that is what matters in the end.

Accountability, Community, Unconditional Love

Asher

I want to remind all of you that you can hear more on my podcast, Showing Up. We have lots of amazing shows with interesting guests on a variety of personal development topics. It would be great if you could also rate 5 stars, review and subscribe to the show. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/showing-up-with-asher-gottesman/id1489856285y