My last blog was on faith – as inspired by Alanis Morissette. She invites me to a way of thinking about faith that has less to do with doctrine, theology, or religion and far more to do with being authentic, grounded, and whole. It’s less of a faith in; more a state of faith-fullness.
Today’s post is on faith, as well, but this time as inspired by my oh-so-amazing blogfriend, Lindsey. Based on her fervent recommendation, I bought a book last week entitled Devotion by Dani Shapiro. I started it yesterday and have barely been able to put it down (just like Lindsey). It’s a powerful articulation of one woman’s own journey out of, into, and around and around her spiritual questions and experience of/hunger for faith. One quote from Devotion‘s pages:
Could a wish be a less fraught word for a prayer? …Maybe it wasn’t about who, if anyone, was on the other end, listening. Maybe faith had to do with holding up one end of the dialogue.
Maybe faith had to do with holding up one end of the dialogue. I’m so entranced, captured, and seduced by this quote.
Holding up one end of the dialogue and continuing conversation without demand of response or proof of a listener is, indeed faith. Regardless of who or what (if anything/anyone) is on the other side of the table does not lessen all that I have to say, all that I must ask, all that I question. In fact, that’s the very grace inherent in faith: ongoing dialogue that matters. It’s what enables us to keep searching, asking, wondering, hoping, trusting, and loving – despite all evidence to the contrary.
Faith is believing that my inner and outer dialogue, conversation, and questions are worthwhile – even if I have no proof that I’m being heard or seen.
Faith is being transformed by a belief in something larger than myself; something that swirls in mystery but offers me glimpses of comfort and rest.
Faith is having (oft’ tenuous) confidence in a level of order or design despite the chaos that threatens to consume.
Faith is an intuitive believing in and counting on something without any data to corroborate my claims.
Faith is that know-that-I-know-that-I-know voice, deep inside, that reminds me that I am not crazy, that my desires matter, that my heart is good, that what I hope for is worthy of my passion, my energy, my time, my sacrifice, my commitment, my very soul.
And, as Alanis sings it, faith is a state of being: trusting and spacious / authentic and grounded and whole…
At least for me, faith is synonymous with hope. And hope is more than a wish or a prayer. It is grounded, solid, substantive, and transformative. It is not easily lost. It survives in the darkest of places. It perseveres. It sustains.It cannot be thwarted.
Yes, faith is real. And it shows up – in persons, in faces, in voices.
Alanis Morissette, Dani Shapiro, and Lindsey reveal and embody it. Their questions, their wonderings, and even their angst reminds me that I’m not alone in my own. They invite me to faith’s conversation; one that is large, loud, and lyrical.
No doubt: faith is a mystery. We will never have it solved or settled. But at its best, it is embodied and “envoiced.” It’s an amazing conversation.
I will definitely hold up my end of the dialogue.
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Faith is by its very definition mysterious. And yet, so instrumental {if not vital} in living a successful life. I discovered recently that we can only experience success to the extent that we are willing to celebrate it BEFORE it happens. Now that, my dear, is faith!
Coach Cassandra Rae´s last blog ..Video: come see me live!
Absolutely! LOVE this idea…anticipating, planning in advance, believing…having faith!
Now *this* is a version of faith that I can connect with: one embodied by Lindsey, Alanis, and you, Ronna. Now off to order Devotion…
Kristen @ Motherese´s last blog ..What Is It All Worth?
Mmmm. That does sound lovely, doesn’t it? ‘Might need to form a virtual bookgroup! You won’t be disappointed by this read. I’ll look forward to hearing your thoughts, Kristen.
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