SIFTED & SORTED

FAITH

August 25, 2023

January 16, 2024

January 17, 2024

February 3, 2021

I may be looking at one too many coin collecting books (for work) ’cause IN GOD WE TRUST popped into my head and it won’t go away. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t dare discuss GOD so publicly. But, we need all the help we can get now. For years, I tried to do everything on my own because asking for help felt like failure. And, supernatural reinforcement was not even on my radar. It took several breaking points and coincidences for me to consider doing things differently. I’ve also seen that when I allow that higher power to show me a better way, it’s always beyond my wildest dreams.

February 9, 2021

My dad used to say, teasingly, “O ye of little faith,” whenever we doubted him. I never questioned my lack of faith until I voluntarily quit my job and remained unemployed for over a year. A few months in, I started to wonder if I had made the right decision. Then one morning, I woke up with the word, “sabbatical,” in my head. For some reason, I had a strong inclination to look up its meaning. I learned that it’s based on “shmita,” the sabbath year. During the seventh year of a seven-year cycle, the land is left to lie fallow. That means no plowing, planting, pruning or harvesting for AN ENTIRE YEAR. For those who observe, they are rewarded with a bounty that not only covers what was lost, but also what is needed for the following year. It’s the ultimate LEAP OF FAITH. After that, there was no doubt about a lot of things in my life.

October 21, 2022

Can you believe that “believe” has two contradictory meanings? To accept (something) as true; feel sure of the truth of. And, to hold (something) as an opinion; think or suppose. There’s also some second-guessing about the use of “second-guess,” which means to judge or criticize (someone) with hindsight—especially to Americans. But, the primary definition is to anticipate or predict (someone’s actions or thoughts) by guesswork. Sharing because there's always a yearning for more substance when I use the word, “believe,” whereas Danish theologian and philosopher, Søren Kierkegaard, treated it as already having it. To him, faith is what one holds when there is no evidence. It’s totally irrational. Yet, when one takes a leap of faith, there is circular reasoning behind it. I’m second-guessing that most people who truly take a leap of faith are betting that it’s not much of a risk. That in the end, they’ll be in a far better place for having trusted. The evidence they need may not be so concrete. Nonetheless, it offers something to cling onto.

I’m finding that each time I lose a bit of faith, signs appear. The other day, a video on anxiety popped up on my YouTube feed. I discovered that the thought of infinite possibilities can be exciting, but overwhelming at the same time, which is why a leap may be necessary to handle any angst. Point taken, Kierkegaard.

January 15, 2024

My neighborhood is graced with a statue of the Blessed Mother on almost every block. So, she’s standing right in front of me most days. I’ve also taken photos of her on multiple occasions. As a result, she is deeply embedded in my subconscious. This realization came to the surface when I woke up yesterday morning with the words, “let it be,” followed by “words of wisdom,” and “Mother Mary.” I hadn’t listened to The Beatles song recently, but I’ve been wanting some sage advice lately and mentioned that songs are my form of prayer only days before. Pretty funny to wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be.

January 17, 2024

Walked my dog this morning and happened to see a rose, similar to the one I photographed last night. It was beside a statue of Mary. Had to take a photo because she was already on my mind. And yet, another coincidence! Wasn’t raised Catholic, so didn’t know that she is also referred to as Rosa Mystica (or Mystical Rose). This only came to light when I saw her rose crown upon closer inspection at home and wanted to confirm that it was indeed Mary. Discovered that the Biblical source is The Song of Songs. Meaningful to me since I had joked that she spoke words of wisdom to me through song the other day. If this is the power she has, to inspire people to write about her, then I have followed suit, unwittingly.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse