How faith gets us through the hard times
This column is usually written by faith leaders of our community. I do not fall into that esteemed category, not by a long shot.
Rather, I am a non-observant person raised in the Jewish tradition, and a member of a family that embraces Christianity, Muslim traditions, a wide variety of Judaism and devout atheism.
I struggle with the meaning of faith. Is it an adherence to a particular religious belief? Is faith an observance of traditions? Is faith a belief in God? In science? In the basic goodness of humanity? In nature?
At our recent Thanksgiving gathering, I asked my family to give me their definitions of faith. Their answers were as varied as their personalities. For one, faith is a trust in humankind. For another (our family’s gymnast), it is confidence that her hard work and training will keep her from injury.
One has faith in the meaning of Christmas. One has a belief that the Red Sox will win the series. Another has faith that vaccines will work. Is there a common thread?
On my iPhone calendar, I have set three quotes to show up on the first day of every month. Each is a lesson and a reminder to keep spirits up.
The first is from basketball coach John Wooden: “Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.”
It is saying that we have control over our own thoughts and actions; we can decide how to face life and even how to make the best of a bad situation. It is a call for optimism while facing reality. In other words, have faith.
From Albert Einstein: “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” Here is how I interpret this quote.
Yesterday: Learn from the past but don’t keep looking in the rear-view mirror. Don’t dwell on adversity, move on. We cannot change what has already happened.
Today: Each day is a precious gift in a finite lifetime. Do something positive for yourself or others. Make the day worthwhile.
Tomorrow: Dare to dream, plan that trip, support medical research and cherish the children. In other words, have faith.
The third monthly quote is from Winston Churchill: “Never, never, never give up.”
Churchill was addressing war-torn Britain, yet the words resonate today. He encourages us to face realities with fortitude, determination, and courage. No matter how large the challenge we face, keep at it. Never give up. Have faith.
Like so many others, our family faces the hard side of life. We deal with leukemia, Alzheimer’s, autism, aging, depression, COVID, mental illness and more. I myself was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.
Several years ago I had a compound fracture in my leg and faced multiple surgeries. I never had a doubt that I would make a full recovery. Why? Faith.
How do I face these challenges in myself and my beloved family members? Through faith. Faith in our love and support of each other and our friends. Faith that our scientific and medical communities will continue to develop the cures, methodologies, and vaccines to keep us healthy.
An abiding faith that a positive and optimistic mental outlook enables us to face difficulties.
Coach Wooden says make the best of your situation. Have faith. Einstein reminds us to face facts, deal with a problem, and have faith that things will get better.
And Churchill tells us to persevere, carry on and have faith in yourself, in science, in humanity. Or as former New York Mets pitcher Tug McGraw teaches, “You gotta believe!”
Returning to the question of what I can offer in this column, it is this: We all have the ability to weather hard times and appreciate life’s tender moments when we have faith, no matter its source.
Also, be generous with your time, talent and treasure to your family, your friends and your community. I wish everyone a joyous, healthy and peaceful holiday season.