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Debora's Life-Rule #9
Some people don't think that they have faith. They think it's some magical, mystical thing bestowed on a few special people...
Faith is simply imagining that something good will happen, focusing on that thought until you start to believe it is possible, then saying what you now believe will happen. This is where most people give up. They're afraid of looking like foolish dreamers. But anyone who's ever succeeded at anything will tell you it all starts with an idea, some focus, and a few words. (Those words seal the commitment to the idea, much like an oath or covenant.)
If you've ever written a grocery list you've exercised faith. You imagined a lovely pot roast for dinner. You thought about how you could make it. You decided that you definitely could, and would make a pot roast. You wrote "pot roast" on your list and told your spouse, "Honey, we're having pot roast for Sunday dinner." You went to the store...and there, in the meat section was the pot roast you envisioned. You took it home, roasted it in the crock-pot with some red potatoes...and voila!
Fear, on the other hand, is imagining that something terrible will happen and focusing on it until you begin to believe it. Whether your fear materializes or not, you live it over and over in your mind. And for some crazy reason, people who live in fear seem to almost enjoy spreading their negative thoughts around. How often do we hear a negative person say proudly, "I TOLD YOU that would happen." Of course it did. They exercised faith in reverse. It's like a number line, it works in both directions.
So...
IMAGINE*MEDITATE*BELIEVE*SPEAK*ACT
Faith is way more fun than fear (and a lot less stressful.) But in the end, it's really our choice.
And Jesus said to him, "If You can? All things are possible to him who believes."
The Gospel of Mark Chapter 9, Verse 23
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12 comments:
Really loved your words about faith and fear...so true! We are called believers because we are called to believe in Him wholeheartedly and with total trust because He's such a GOOD GOD!! Thanks for your post and I'm following you back! Be blessed! :)
Nancy,
Yes, He is always good. People attribute such terrible tbings to him. But He is lovely and kind.Thanks for commenting and following :-)
Debora
I am not a believer - but loved this post on faith, and the power of positivity. Thank you so much. And I always smile when I look at your beautiful header. Tomorrow (and probably the day after) I will be planting more than a hundred tulips of my own. And in Spring I will be rewarded.
This was a beautiful post, simplified for the most hard-hearted. You should submit this to a religious magazine.
Hello Elephant's Child,
Thank you so much for your comment. I feel honored by the fact that as a nonbeliever you still find things in my blog that you can relate to! When I read about your plan to reinvent your life, rather than to give in to MS, to plant hundreds of tulips for a glorious spring show of nature, and your many wonderful, informative posts I see a person of great positivity and faith. You and I share a common faith in the law of sowing and reaping, planting and harvest. Just about when the snow is falling here in the Pacific Northwest, you'll be posting pictures of your tulip garden. I'll be needing to see those pictures while I sit in my house and dream of spring! Happy Planting!
Thanks Linda,
Maybe I just will look for a little on-line publication for this piece. Most of the mags I am familiar with are so very denominational that I have trouble fitting into their genre. But I bet there's a little on-line magazine that would like my writing...there's the imagine part of faith starting...
Thank you for the reminder. Faith is a hard concept for me when it comes to religion, but the power of positive thinking is one that I live by. You are what you think and if bad things come, you will already be thinking about a positive way to deal with the downside of life.
The faith that life will give us good and bad is much more realistic. Our positive thinking and acceptance are the key.
Glad you commented, Farmlady! I know many religious folks who lead utterly negative lives really never having taken their concept of faith past their confession of Christianity. Its very sad ti me. Life can be such a marvelous adventure if we change our thinking. And I agree, adversities will come but attitude often determines the outcome. Oh how I'd love to sit out on the patio on your mountain and discuss such subjects in depth We have much we could share.
As they say, faith can move mountains. It takes a lot of work, too, but the job has to start with positive intention and belief.
Loved your post. So true!
Thanks Nas...nice to hear from you!
Susan you're so right! We often,give up too soon.
Great post :)
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