Faith is the all-encompassing belief that everything will work out, regardless of the circumstances.  When difficulties arise, fear and doubt can get the better of us as we lapse into survival mode to maintain a sense of sanity for ourselves.  Faith counters the chaos in our lives and gives us the necessary courage to proceed with confidence and grace.  It provides inner peace during times of stress and turmoil.

How do we find faith in adversity?  How do we begin to trust the natural flow of life and appreciate even the most difficult moments?  The answer lies in virtues and the enduring belief that there is goodness in every moment of our lives.

Virtues are everywhere.  Techniques on how to find them were discussed in my previous blog post from November 28, entitled ‘Life is Sweet’.  Know that virtues are only a thought away and tied to your perceptions and beliefs.  Open your mind to the potential goodness in life and you have faith; faith that all is well and all will be well.  Acceptance and gratitude goes a long way in bringing more goodness to your life.

Faith is divine.  Faith breeds peace within and to the world around us.  As we bid farewell to 2011, have faith that the new year will bring positive rewards and personal fulfillment.  Believe that all is well in the natural evolution of things.  May peace be with you as you close this year and move into a new one with an open heart and hopeful mind.  I hope that wonder and curiosity captures you to reveal the magic of faith.

“Listen to your life.  See it for the fathomless mystery that it is.  In the boredom and pain of it, no less than in excitement and gladness; touch, taste, smell your way to the holy and hidden heart of it, because in the last analysis: all moments are key moments and life itself is grace.”    Frederick Buechner