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<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Aloha.<\/p>\n
Thank You for your joining me here in our cozy corner of the world.\u00a0 My wish is that you feel inspired, joyful, loved, and peaceful.\u00a0 May the summer possibilities free your heart.<\/p>\n
Relax.\u00a0 Breathe.\u00a0 Allow your dreams to come out and play.<\/p>\n
Today\u2019s topic is something people have studied for centuries.\u00a0 It is an idea that has ignited many a passionate discussion and about which numerous books have been written from varying points of view.\u00a0 I feel, in my humble opinion, it boils down to making a singular choice and committing one\u2019s self fully to that choice, which, in theory, sounds simple, though seems to require a delicate balance of patience, self-discipline, and skilled application.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.\u201d\u00a0 ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.<\/p>\n
I was reminded of this very thing this past week as I found myself overly concerned regarding a specific decision.\u00a0 I was examining various possibilities and entertaining various scenarios, concerned with making the \u201cright\u201d choice while simultaneously fretting a bit and jubilantly rejoicing the changes forthcoming.\u00a0 The thought struck me that real character is claiming one\u2019s own resourcefulness and trusting one\u2019s own ability to choose wisely.\u00a0 It is ultimately saying, \u201cYes, I can, and I will\u201d in thought, feeling, and action.\u00a0 True character, then, is walking in faith, knowing that all shall be well.\u00a0 I very clearly became aware that if I really and truly walk in faith, then fear is an illusion keeping me from living my dreams.\u00a0 If I really walk in faith, worry is only an insignificant thought.\u00a0 If I were living in faith, deep in my core would be a resounding peace that everything will always be okay regardless of circumstance or outcome.<\/p>\n
It sounds so deliciously simple and blissfully easy, like a young child skipping through a daisy field, a simple choice, and if so, then why do I still sometimes question and doubt?\u00a0 Why am I quick to jump in when fear offers to chauffeur me around for a while?<\/p>\n
Faith is easy when everything is going well, but then it\u2019s not really faith, is it?\u00a0 “Going well” is simply a matter of perspective anyway.\u00a0 It\u2019s easy to believe in something which you already see happening.\u00a0 What about believing everything is working out for the good even when it feels like the world is ending?\u00a0\u00a0 What about trusting in divine power when the only reason for resilience is the whisper of a prayer carried safely on the wings of angels nestled in the hope that someone, somewhere will send relief?<\/p>\n
Faith believes \u2026always<\/em>.\u00a0 That\u00a0 is faith.<\/p>\n The Princeton Dictionary defines faith as \u201ca strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny\u201d or \u201ccomplete confidence in a person or plan etc\u201d<\/p>\n Okay.\u00a0 That is about as inspired of a definition as waiting all week to dine at a new restaurant only to discover that the cardboard from a microwave dinner has more texture and tastes more flavorful than whatever they attempted serve up as a gourmet meal.\u00a0 We\u2019re talking FAITH here, people!\u00a0 Faith, you know, that little thing that allowed Jesus to walk on water.\u00a0 Faith – the fire that inspired pilgrims to risk their lives crossing foreign waters to establish a country based on equal rights.\u00a0 Faith \u2013 the passion inside visionaries like the Wright Brothers, who kept going even when everyone said it couldn\u2019t be done.<\/p>\n Faith believes<\/em> in miracles and possibilities.\u00a0 It trusts <\/em>blessings are forthcoming in your life.\u00a0 It steps forward <\/em>out of hesitation into possibility.\u00a0 It surrenders <\/em>to a divine power and allows <\/em>itself to receive help.\u00a0 Faith recognizes <\/em>and welcomes<\/em> opportunities availing themselves.\u00a0 Faith displays <\/em>a peacock’s flair of splendid attributes, and though visually exquisite as they may be, absorbing and integrating them as part of one\u2019s being is another matter entirely.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how I like to check and see if I’m living faith.\u00a0 Notice I said \u201cliving faith\u201d instead of \u201cliving in faith\u201d.\u00a0 I feel when you fully embrace something you become it, which in this case is living, breathing faith in motion.\u00a0 Okay – here’s how I check myself.\u00a0 Have you ever in the history of your life asked yourself, \u201cHmm. I wonder if gravity is working today.\u00a0 Maybe\u00a0 I\u2019ll jump from a ridiculously high structure just to be sure.\u201d\u00a0 Silly, right?\u00a0 Well, that’s faith – certain, solid belief.\u00a0 I’ll admit, sometimes I’m tempted to look for signs to \u201ctest\u201d if my prayers are being heard.\u00a0 The ego jumps in with all sorts of questions, sidetracking with mental rubbish.\u00a0 Will this opportunity work out?\u00a0 What do I do now?\u00a0 Will I be okay?\u00a0 The ego is especially famous for his “what if” questions in every possible variation, which it knows will distract me for hours as my analytical brain attempts to untangle the ridiculously tangled ball of twine.<\/p>\n True faith is a resounding, \u201cYes, I know I am okay whatever happens.\u201d\u00a0 Faith knows <\/em>with absolute certainty that life is happening for you, that even the most challenging circumstances are creating something in your life that is meant to help you.\u00a0 Someone once told me that God only allows suffering that brings us closer to divine wisdom.\u00a0 If this is true, it further suggests that everything happens for our greater good and that faith, theoretically speaking, is a stroll in the park. This is such a deeply profound concept that I shall revisit it at another time when I can offer it spotlight and center stage for closer inspection.<\/p>\n For me, two people whom I feel are outstanding examples of living faith are Nick Vujicic https:\/\/www.lifewithoutlimbs.org<\/a> and Bethany Hamilton\u00a0 https:\/\/www.bethanyhamilton.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Nick Vujicic was born without any appendages, with the exception of one digit protruding from his hip.\u00a0 He faced extremely dark times in his life and cites his faith as the reason he has kept going.\u00a0 Nick is a college graduate and travels around the world speaking to groups about the power of getting up every time you fall.<\/p>\n Bethany Hamilton is a self-professed soul surfer who, in her early teens, lost an arm in a tiger shark attack of the Hawaiian coast.\u00a0 Weeks prior to the attack, Bethany recalls a conversation with her Mom, in which she said she felt as if God was going to use her in a special way.\u00a0 When asked if she wishes the attack didn\u2019t happen, she replies without hesitation, \u201cNo\u201d.\u00a0 Bethany goes on to say that she\u2019s living her life in a righteous way being of service to others and perhaps, had it not occurred, she would be tempted to step off the path she knows God has for her.\u00a0 Bethany continues to compete in surfing contests, and a feature film is being made about her life.<\/p>\n Faith honors that small, still voice inside that says, \u201cYes, You can.\u201d<\/p>\n The 64th Tony Awards is the perfect example of faith in action.\u00a0 Millions watch as actors, dancers, composers, directors, producers, set-designers, vocalists, writers, and more gather together to celebrate the magic of Broadway.\u00a0 Thousands of talented performers wade their way through countless auditions, subsisting on soda, saltines, and Ramen noodles while cramming themselves, a half dozen at a time, into a miniscule one bedroom apartment in search of realizing the golden dream \u2026and what keeps them going?\u00a0 Faith.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is the stuff dreams are made of.\u201d ~ Eddie Redmayne<\/p>\n Scarlett Johansson, upon winning her Tony Award, thanked Liev Schreiber, for teaching her to, \u201cNever anticipate anything,\u201d and while she\u2019s describing acting, it\u2019s also a fitting definition of faith.\u00a0 Faith believes<\/em> we\u2019re supported in discovering within ourselves a wealth of strength and resourcefulness to process whatever comes along; therefore, there is no need to anticipate anything.\u00a0 How freeing it would be to get to that place of simply existing, trusting the process, and being peaceful, , and as Julian Norwich says, “…and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.”<\/p>\n \u201cBe here now.\u201d ~ Ram Dass<\/p>\n One of my favorite movie moments is in Evan Almighty<\/em>, in which God explains how prayers are answered.\u00a0 I\u2019ll close with thought this to ponder.<\/p>\n \u201cLet me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?\u201d<\/p>\n What is faith?\u00a0 Faith believes in miracles while walking in possibility knowing Love answers all things.<\/p>\n \u00a92010 Susan Stackpole\u00a0 www.susanstackpole.com<\/a><\/p>\n \u2665 ~ \u266b ~ \u2665 ~ \u266b ~ \u2665 ~ \u266b ~ \u2665 ~ \u266b ~ \u2665 ~ \u266b ~ \u2665 ~ \u266b ~ \u2665 ~ \u266b ~ \u2665 ~ \u266b ~ \u2665 ~ \u266b ~ \u2665 ~ \u266b ~ \u2665 ~ \u266b ~ \u2665 ~ \u266b ~ \u2665 ~ \u266b ~ \u2665<\/p>\n Want to use this article for your e-zine or newsletter?\u00a0 Please include the following<\/p>\n Susan Stackpole<\/strong><\/span>, certified creative consultant <\/strong>and results expert, <\/strong>is the #1 coach <\/strong><\/span>for celebrities<\/strong>, VIPs<\/strong>, and people serious about getting results<\/strong> and living their best lives<\/strong>.\u00a0 Are you ready to ignite your potential<\/strong>, jump-start your success<\/strong>, and achieve quick, effect results while living your dreams<\/strong>?\u00a0 If so, please visit www.susanstackpole.com<\/a> where you\u2019ll find free resources for living your best life<\/strong>.\u00a0 While you\u2019re there, sign up for the monthly newsletter, which includes celebrity tips<\/strong> for manifesting destiny in style<\/strong>.\u00a0\u00a0 Contact Susan<\/a> today for more information on mapping your destiny<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Aloha.<\/p>\n \n Thank You for your joining me here in our cozy corner of the world. <\/span>My wish is that you feel inspired, joyous, loved, and peaceful. <\/span>May the summer possibilities set free your heart.<\/p>\n \n Relax. <\/span>Breath. <\/span>Allow your dreams to come out and play.<\/p>\n \n Today\u2019s topic is something people have studied for centuries. <\/span>It is an idea about which numerous books have been written from varying points of view. <\/span>I feel, in my humble opinion, it boils down to making a singular choice and committing one\u2019s self fully to that choice, which, in theory, sounds simple, though seems to require a delicate balance of patience, self-discipline, and skilled application.<\/p>\n \n \n The Princeton Dictionary defines faith as \u201ca strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny\u201d or \u201ccomplete confidence in a person or plan etc\u201d<\/p>\n \n Okay. <\/span>That is about as inspired of a definition as waiting all week to dine at a new restaurant only to discover that the cardboard from a microwave dinner has more texture and tastes more flavorful than whatever they attempted serve up as a gourmet meal. <\/span>We\u2019re talking FAITH here, people! <\/span>Faith, you know, that little thing that allowed Jesus to walk<\/em> on water. <\/span>Faith – the fire that inspired pilgrims to risk their lives crossing foreign waters to establish a country based on equal rights. <\/span>Faith \u2013 the passion inside visionaries like the Wright Brothers, who kept going even when everyone said it couldn\u2019t be done.<\/p>\n \n Faith believes<\/em> in miracles and possibilities. <\/span>It trusts<\/em> blessings are forthcoming in your life. <\/span>It steps forward <\/em>out of hesitation into possibility. <\/span>It surrenders<\/em> to a divine power and allows <\/em>itself to receive<\/em> help<\/em>. <\/span>Faith recognizes <\/em>and acts upon <\/em>opportunities availing themselves..<\/p>\n \n Whew. <\/span><\/p>\n \n Faith displays a peacock’s flair of splendid attributes, though visually exquisite as they may be, absorbing them in and allowing them to integrate as part of one\u2019s self is another matter entirely. <\/span><\/p>\n \n Here\u2019s how I like to think of it really and truly living faith. <\/span>Notice I said \u201cliving faith\u201d instead of \u201cliving in faith\u201d. <\/span>I feel when you fully embrace something you become it, which in this case is a living, breathing faith in motion. <\/span>Have you ever<\/em> in the history of your life asked yourself, \u201cHmm. I wonder if gravity is working today. <\/span>Maybe <\/span>I\u2019ll jump from a ridiculously high structure just to be sure.\u201d <\/span>Silly, right? <\/span>Yet, sometimes we search for signs to \u201ctest\u201d if our prayers are being heard and answered. <\/span>The ego jumps in with all sorts of questions, sidetracking us with mental rubbish. <\/span>Will this opportunity work out? <\/span>Will s\/he still love me if I change? <\/span>Will I be okay? <\/span><\/p>\n \n True faith is a resounding, \u201cYes, I know I am okay whatever happens.\u201d <\/span>Faith is knowing<\/em> with absolute certainty that life is happening for <\/em>you, that even the most challenging circumstances are creating something in your life that is meant to help you.<\/p>\n \n Someone once told me that God only allows suffering that brings us closer to divine wisdom. <\/span>If this is true, it further suggests that everything happens for us and that walking in faith theoretically should be a walk in the park. <\/span>It\u2019s such a deep and profound concept that I\u2019ll revisit it at another time. <\/span>It deserves center stage and a spotlight for closer inspection.<\/p>\n \n For me, two people whom I feel are outstanding examples of living faith are Nick Vujicic <\/span>https:\/\/www.lifewithoutlimbs.org <\/span>and Bethany Hamilton <\/span>https:\/\/www.bethanyhamilton.com. <\/span><\/p>\n \n Nick Vujicic was born without any appendages, with the exception of one digit protruding from his thigh. <\/span>He faced extremely dark times in his life and cites his faith as the reason he has kept going. <\/span>Nick is a college graduate and travels around the world speaking to groups about the power of getting up every <\/em>time you fall. <\/span><\/p>\n \n Bethany Hamilton is a self-professed soul surfer who, in her early teens, lost an arm in a tiger shark attack of the Hawaiian coast. <\/span>Weeks prior to the attack, Bethany recalls a conversation with her Mom, in which she said she felt as if God was going to use her in a special way. <\/span>When asked if she wishes the attack didn\u2019t happen, she replies without hesitation, \u201cNo\u201d. <\/span>Bethany goes on to say that she\u2019s living her life in a righteous way being of service to others and perhaps, had it not occurred, she would be tempted to step off the path she knows God has for her. <\/span>Bethany continues to compete in surfing contests, and a feature film is being made about her life.<\/p>\n \n Faith is honoring<\/em> that small, still voice inside that says, \u201cYes, You can.\u201d<\/p>\n \n The 64th<\/sup> Tony Awards is the perfect example of faith in action. <\/span>Millions watch as actors, dancers, composers, directors, producers, set-designers, vocalists, writers, and more gather together to celebrate the magic of Broadway. <\/span>Thousands of talented performers wade their way through countless auditions, subsisting on soda, saltines, and ramen noodles while cramming themselves, a half dozen at a time, into a miniscule one bedroom apartment in search of the golden dream \u2026and what keeps them going? <\/span>Faith.<\/p>\n \n \u201cThis is the stuff dreams are made of.\u201d ~ Eddie Redmayne<\/p>\n \n Scarlett Johansson, upon winning her Tony Award, thanked Liev Schreiber, for teaching her to, \u201cNever anticipate anything,\u201d and while she\u2019s describing acting, it\u2019s also a fitting definition of faith. <\/span>Faith believes we\u2019re supported in discovering within ourselves a wealth of strength and resourcefulness to process whatever comes along; therefore, there is no need to anticipate anything. <\/span>How freeing it would be to get to that place of simply existing, trusting the process, and being at peace, , and as Julian Norwich says, “…and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.<\/span><\/em>“<\/em><\/p>\n \n \u201cBe here now.\u201d ~ Ram Dass<\/p>\n \n One of my favorite quotations is from Evan Almighty<\/em>, in which God is explaining how prayers are answered. <\/span>I\u2019ll close with this to ponder.<\/p>\n \n \u201cLet me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \n What is faith? <\/span>Faith believes in miracles while walking in possibility knowing Love answers all things.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Aloha. Thank You for your joining me here in our cozy corner of the world.\u00a0 My wish is that you feel inspired, joyful, loved, and peaceful.\u00a0 May the summer possibilities free your heart. Relax.\u00a0 Breathe.\u00a0 Allow your dreams to come out and play. Today\u2019s topic is something people have studied for centuries.\u00a0 It is an […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[26,3,25],"tags":[64,44,45,66,33,65,67,54,46,47,55,56,50,48,432,49,57,58,68,51,59,52,69,60,61,62,53,63,70,71],"class_list":["post-361","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-faith","category-love","category-possibility","tag-actors","tag-bethany-hamilton","tag-broadway","tag-composers","tag-courage","tag-dancers","tag-directors","tag-divine","tag-eddie-redmayne","tag-evan-almighty","tag-faith-2","tag-god","tag-jr-nick-vujicic","tag-liev-schreiber","tag-love","tag-martin-luther-king","tag-miracles","tag-possibilities","tag-producers","tag-ram-dass","tag-resourcefulness","tag-scarlett-johansson","tag-set-designers","tag-shark","tag-strength","tag-surfer","tag-tony-awards","tag-truth","tag-vocalists","tag-writers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/susanstackpole.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/361","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/susanstackpole.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/susanstackpole.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/susanstackpole.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/susanstackpole.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=361"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/susanstackpole.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/361\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":364,"href":"https:\/\/susanstackpole.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/361\/revisions\/364"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/susanstackpole.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=361"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/susanstackpole.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=361"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/susanstackpole.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=361"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}} <\/p>\n\u201cThe ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.\u201d <\/span>~ Martin Luther King, Jr.<\/span><\/h1>\n
<\/span><\/h1>\n
I was reminded of this very thing this past week as I found myself overly concerned regarding a specific decision. <\/span>I was examining various possibilities and entertaining various scenarios, concerned with making the \u201cright\u201d choice while simultaneously fretting a bit and jubilantly rejoicing the changes forthcoming. <\/span>The thought struck me that real character is claiming one\u2019s own resourcefulness and trusting one\u2019s own ability to make savvy decisions. <\/span>It\u2019s ultimately saying, \u201cYes, I can, and I will\u201d in thought, feeling, and action. <\/span>True character, then, is walking in faith, knowing<\/em> that all shall be well. <\/span>I very clearly became aware that if I really<\/em> and truly walk in faith, then fear an illusion keeping me from living my dreams. <\/span>If I really walk in faith, worry is only a fleeting thought. <\/span>If I were living in<\/em> faith, deep in my core would be a resounding peace that everything will always be okay regardless of circumstance or outcome.<\/span><\/h1>\n
<\/span><\/h1>\n
It sounds so deliciously simple and blissfully easy, like a young child skipping through a daisy field. <\/span>It\u2019s simply a matter of choice, and if so, then why do I still sometimes question and doubt? <\/span>Why am I quick to jump in when fear offers to chauffer me around for a while?<\/span><\/h1>\n
<\/span><\/h1>\n
Faith is easy when everything is going well, but then it\u2019s not really faith, is it? <\/span>It\u2019s easy to believe in something which you already see happening. <\/span>What about believing it\u2019s all working out in what feels the end of the world, when the only reason for resilience is the whisper of a prayer carried safely on the wings of angels nestled in hope that someone, somewhere will send relief? <\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n
<\/span><\/h1>\n
Faith believes \u2026always. <\/span>That <\/em> <\/span>is faith.<\/span><\/h1>\n