I see many people in my consultation room who, like most of us at some time or another in our lives, have almost given up hope. I say “almost” because something inspired them to come see me. For some it is one last glimmer of possibility that they can heal.
Many of the folks I see have been sick for a very long time, have been to many doctors, and have yet to receive sustainable solutions for their problems. They may have suffered deeply, felt abandoned and alone. But like all humans, they innately believe that tomorrow will be a better day… so they come. And I am always floored by their courage.
They’ve taught me how vital hope is to the healing process. How it opens our minds to the idea that something better is possible—that healing is possible. We may not see it or know what it is, but we believe in the possibilities. And that belief—the hope—shifts physiology in supportive ways—reducing inflammation, positively modulating stress, improving mood, giving us healthier hearts and brains, and inspiring creative imagination and action.
However, as adults, we know that our intentions seldom precisely match the outcomes.
So, while we use hope to bolster our potential—to prepare and energize us for the work to come—we need something else—something larger than we are.
I’m talking hope’s wiser sister: faith.
Hope is hard work. Faith, on the other hand, allows us to rest by assuring us that no matter what the outcome, we’ve done our very best and our highest good has been served.
Faith softens us and lends us the courage to forgive our disappointments and let go of our unrealized expectations. Faith is our maturity to receive the grace, the mercy, and all the stuff of life that comes… as a result of—and in spite of—our best efforts.
Have a Beautiful day!
Karyn
p.s. From my Archives:
Hope. 2017.
Worthy. 2017.
