Faith

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

I've been staring at a blank screen and wondering what I can add to the concept of faith given the magnitude of world current events.  If you are not overwhelmed by the insanity of the world then you may as well be unconscious. The human race versus Mother Earth. Now who do you think is more powerful or deserving of respect?

I turn to Dictionary.com for their definitions of faith.

faith

–noun

1.confidence or trust in a person or thing:

2.belief that is not based on proof: 

3.belief in god or in the doctrines or teachings of religion: 

4.belief in anything, as a code of ethics, standards of merit, etc.: 

5.a system of religious belief: the Christian faith; the Jewish faith.

6.the obligation of loyalty or fidelity to a person, promise, engagement, etc.

7.the observance of this obligation; fidelity to one's promise, oath, allegiance, etc.: 

8.Christian Theology. the trust in God and in His promises as made through Christ and the Scriptures by which humans are justified or saved. 

 

Two years ago, I applied to the Harvard Divinity School's theology graduate program. It was an undertaking that moved me out of my comfort zone in a way that changed my life. Some may have thought I was having a delusion of grandeur and from their point of view, perhaps I was, but in the process I stepped out of the shadows to reveal myself as divinely inspired. Ultimately, I was not accepted in the class of 2010, but my thirst for a graduate degree and a desire to explore theology was satiated for the time being. Shortly, thereafter, the Dean and I crossed paths. He was genuinely surprised that I had not made the cut, for he recognized the spirit within me, and I believe, he understood I would have made quite an impression on a younger student body. He asked me if my new vocation had been revealed to me. I told him no. This did not phase him in the least. Later, I would come to understand that my vocation, teacher, began early and has remained unchanged ever since.

While I assembled the application, letters of references and a lifetime worth of "credentials", I could see the totality of my previous accomplishments and challenges overcome with a simple, humble faith.  Have faith.  Every one of us needs more of it right now. Faith, itself, is a gift. Let's be grateful for today.