Challenging Faith
How to Navigates Life’s Tragedies
It usually begins with a phone call, or at least for me it does. A loved one calling with bad news, a loss of life, a chronic illness or a tragedy. The immediate change of mood. The shock. Then the awe. And then the questions. With the most frequently asked question - Why? Why him? Why her? Why my dad? Why my mom? Why my son? Why my daughter? Why me? Why now?
The cadence and rhythm of life forever changed. Forever altered. Tears of pain soon to follow, balanced out by prayers. Until faith arrives. I often share grief’s three enemies are faith, family, and friends. And then time is the true cure-all. Time does heal most, if not all, wounds. But in these life moments, your faith has to be present, strong and unwavering. Confidence in the unknown. Trust in the life lesson. Knowing and believing there is a greater plan. For this is the journey of life. And not even the greatest man (or woman) of wealth or fame, or knowledge and wisdom can outrun or avoid the scars of tragedy.
Faith is at the core of your spiritual beliefs and whatever religion you profess. And I believe while your faith can be challenged, faith cannot be defeated. A large life lesson I learned at a young age and believe can off-set the lingering grief (and any regret) is living your life proactively.
And what I ask is this...live in the moment, suppressing judgment, sharing your love, embracing those you love and practicing forgiveness.
For let us not run from the sorrow but embrace the pain. The pain that can be unbearable, all-consuming, unforgiving and relentless. I know this pain for I have lived in its shadows. I believe they call it “living through it” and taking things one day at a time. There will be highs and lows in this journey, a support network is vital and required.
For this exercise of living in the moment and being honest with those you love, eliminates regret and can soften the pain. If even only a little bit. The exercise and effort is worth it.
Let us also embrace and cultivate our faith on a daily basis, and not let faith be some forgotten tool, or underutilized muscle, we only leverage when the phone call of tragedy rings.
Because we know it is only a “when” the phone will ring and not a “if.” For this is life. And a life with faith gives us hope. Hope for today. Hope for tomorrow. And hope for eternity.
Principal - Blackwood Group LLC
3yThank you Chris for Sharing!
Real Estate Property Specialist-Lakeshore
3yWell said Chris. Thanks for sharing.