Is Faith Naive in Challenging Times?

Whenever fear becomes the predominant theme in the media, and news looks bleak for the well-being of most of the population, it is almost possible to feel the pulse of the country quicken with worry. At times like these invoking faith in anything beyond what our senses tell us may seem naive and superstitious, particularly if we are listening to those who are certain their doubt, warnings and worry are the most important focus there can be.

When ridicule of faith is hip, those who have felt grounded in their own spiritual paths and practices during times of relative calm can feel shaken and begin to wonder if they really do have it all wrong.

Let me be clear, I'm not about to recommend you follow any particular spiritual path or endorse a specific belief.  And if agnosticism or atheism are serving you well, so be it.

My thoughts today, though, are directed toward those who do believe in something greater than what is seen, whatever their specific spiritual orientation.

It's not an easy task to accomplish the things that are worthwhile in our lives: parenting, building a business, completing a college degree, mastering a trade or career, saving for the future, or living from integrity, to name a few.  

Practicing our faith requires similar commitments over an extended period of time.  If we have been practicing during comfortable, easy times, we may have more to fall back on when trouble arises, but sometimes that's just when we lose our sense of connection to the Great Mystery.  If we have not been involved in any spiritual community for some time, a crisis can drive us toward one or cement our feelings of aloneness and isolation.

As I write this, financial institutions that have seemed dependable are shaky. Investments have lost some of their value, and many people are worried about losing their retirement savings or their kids' college funds.  Some are wondering if they will ever own a home again. Others are facing downsizing at work and losing sleep while worrying about losing their jobs. The situation looks troubling in a major way, not only personally, not only in the U.S., but globally.

Here's a question to consider: how much time do you spend every day watching or listening to the news? How much time do you spend talking about worrisome issues with others? To marinate ourselves in upset and concern every day is bound to infuse us with the national flavor and aroma of fear.

What is the approach to take as a person of faith? I could say prayer, which is a good suggestion, but more is necessary to rebuild our faith muscles now.

Are we spending an equivalent amount of time to that marinating in worry reminding ourselves of the abundant good we do have in our lives? Do we make time to immerse ourselves daily in inspiring information, reading, movies, TV and conversation? Do we seek out what is working? Do we consider in what innovative ways our challenges might be solved? Are we optimistic that our problems can be solved?

Fear sells products and attracts viewers and listeners and sometimes voters, but it doesn't bring us back, as people of faith, to what we believe most deeply. Balance can only be regained with effort and attention.

Remember watching the Olympic competitors on the balance beam? To right themselves when wobbly required focus, intention, and confidence. Yes, the competitor wobbled, but if she focused on worry about the wobble she was already lost. What helped her regain balance? Her practice before that moment created a foundation of confidence, and the practiced discipline of recovery of her mind and body moved her back into position.

Now is the time for us to practice what we say we believe; what we know to be true. Right now. Walk away from the computer and turn attention to finding your balance again. I'm going to do that right now myself.