01 January 2012

have a little faith

recently, i read a blog that suggested that, in lieu of making new year's resolutions, one might focus on a single word as a guide throughout the coming year. i've been rolling this idea around in my mind for days now, wondering what my word might be, and i keep coming back to this one: faith.

in 2011, i watched two friends, one actual and one virtual, step out into uncertain territory, personal uncharted waters. not only did they both survive their ordeals, they are both unscathed and happy. they both relied heavily on their faith in God that things would work out as they should. and they did. it was powerful to watch.

for the first time in memory, there is so much uncertainty surrounding me as this new year begins - a question of executive leadership, a lagging economy, citizen protest, loved ones in afghanistan, changes in local funding, looming life decisions. it's a lot to think about, and a lot feels out of my control. although my religion is vitally important to me, faith in God is only a small part of what i'm hoping for this year. i hope for faith in rational people who will make good decisions in the best interest of the many, not the few. i want faith in our leaders to keep our country strong and proud and safe. i want faith that those i love can make it through any tough times and come out stronger on the other side. i want the security of knowing wherever life leads me or whatever choices i make, i'll be okay in the end.

on my 16th birthday, my mother gave me a gold charm bracelet with a single charm: a mustard seed, encased in an acrylic dome. on the back, tiny writing; a verse from Matthew - if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed...nothing shall be impossible unto you. as a new year begins, i find comfort in this, a message of faith and hope from so long ago. to keep faith at the forefront of this year, i'm wearing the charm as a necklace, always.

8 comments:

Cherie Blessing said...

I just read this for the fourth time, and I'll be back again.

Kathleen Botsford said...

Beautiful post. It all boils down to faith, doesn't it? For me its the faith I will be shown the answers I need, the path to take, in the moment they are needed. And usually not a minute earlier. It frees up a lot of thinking and worrying for me. My mom gave me a mustard see too many, many moons ago. Thank you for visiting Chris. I look forward to getting acquainted in this fresh New Year!

Cindi said...

Beautiful. Thank you.

Nancy Tripp said...

I noticed the charm the other day and wondered about it, but our conversation strayed before I remembered to ask. Now I know, and I'm glad. Somehow, even though I don't have a defined object, I have faith. There is something in my consciousness that knows beyond my mind's meanderings, that whatever stumbles I encounter on my life's path, I will pick myself up, dust myself off, and, well, you know the rest.

Unknown said...

How beautiful is the charm; not only to look at, but the meaning behind it and sentimental value -your post i great inspiration to keep motivated.

~she~ said...

Very deep and well said! Your necklace reminds me of a brooch my mom had when I was little. I would gaze at all the lovely things in her jewelry box while she comed my hair. The mustard seed pin was by far my favorite. I can't remember where she got it but I know I always asked to wear it. I think she let me once or twice. I forgot all about it until I saw your photo!

marie grady palcic said...

beautiful post, love the word FAITH, the picture of the necklace is awesome and i wish you the best in the upcoming year :)

Janet Dickinson said...

I am new to blogging and have just started one myself. I really like this post, and it reflects many of my own thoughts. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence (or assurance) of things not seen. I agree that if summing up everything in one word, faith is a great one! Try doing a word study on faith. What an uplifting exercise.