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Faith: The Foundation for Every Dream
For me, faith is another word
for positive thinking. When real faith grips you, you
develop a mind-set that looks for the best in
everything, refuses to give up, finds a way around (or
through) every obstacle, and presses on to victory. --Norman
Vincent Peale
In what do you place your faith? In your work? In
another? In your own heart? A Course in Miracles
teaches us that faith is an aspect of consciousness.
Therefore, we either have faith in fear or in love. As I
write this, four people come to mind who are presently
following their hearts and taking leaps of faith as
never before. These are people that I have come to know
through my healing work, people who are placing their
faith not in the shadowy illusion of fear, but in the
unlimited power of Love. And most importantly, their
faith is making their greatest dreams come true….
The first person, "Kristen," is a woman who
went through a painful divorce a few years ago. Willing
to let go of an unhappy marriage, Kristen knew that she
had to become financially independent and assume full
responsibility for herself and her son. Doing so brought
forth many questions: "Was she competent enough to
manage the enormous responsibility of taking care of her
son and her newly created business? Could she achieve
balance in her life?" Being faced with many
unknowns, Kristen felt compelled to move forward, taking
one small step at a time. How? By keeping one eye
focused on her dreams, and the other eye centered on the
present moment. And now, after having courageously faced
each fear while looking through the eyes of faith and
trust, she has created an entirely new landscape for
herself. In fact, just a few weeks ago, Kristen
purchased her first home, continues to nurture her
thriving business and build a strong relationship with
her son.
The next two people who exemplify heartfelt faith are
a couple undergoing significant changes in their life.
"Sharon" recently resigned from a secure
position in the medical field and she and her husband,
"Tim" have just sold their home and all of
their belongings. In exchange, they purchased an older
Volkswagen van and are about to strike out a 12-month
cross-country tour on wheels. Sharon and Tim are both in
their 40’s and have decided that they need not succumb
to traditional societal standards regarding age or
retirement status in order to experience life in the way
their hearts prefer. Having dedicated their life to
growth and awakening, these two adventurous spirits are
stepping out of old comfort zones, knowing their faith
will continue to navigate them along their soulful
journey as they allow their dreams to unfold.
The last person who demonstrates an unusual strength
of character is a woman whose spiritual growth has led
to a wellspring of courage and kindness.
"Hannah," like the others, has overcome many
fears by following a heart filled with faith. This past
year, Hannah resigned from her job, sold her home, and
bid "farewell for now" to her loved ones. Why?
Because Hannah is embarking on a transformational life
experience. Hannah is in the process of completing a
two-year assignment with the Peace Corps. At nearly 50
years old, this brave soul has chosen to commit her
time, energy, and healing talents to those in need, in a
part of the world completely unknown to her.
Perhaps you admire these people and are asking,
"How are they able to accomplish so much?"
"Why are they able to make their dreams come
true?" We see others and think they must have
something that we don’t. In truth, they have nothing
that you and I don’t have. We are all provided with
the same amount of courage and faith. We are all
destined to live richly rewarding lives. The difference
is, Kristen, Shannon, Tim and Hannah have removed their
faith in fear and replaced it with a faith in love.
Each of these people are wonderful role models for
they are demonstrating how to keep the faith, let go of
attachment to outcome, remain in the present, and trust
that everything that happens is for our higher good.
Starting now, be willing to accept there is an
immense power silently working for your highest good in
every single area of your life, and never mind the rest.
Today, ask yourself, "What are my dreams? What do I
wish to accomplish before I die?" The beginning of
a New Year is an excellent time for creating a vision
and then manifesting it as the year unfolds. Follow your
heart and let faith in love be your guide….
© Copyright 2004
Laura Grace. All Rights Reserved.
Laura's Books:
Read Laura's Past Columns:
December
2003 Column - "Touching the Heart of Others"
November
2003 Column - "Knowing How to Care for Yourself"
October
2003 Column - "Dreaming a Happy Life"
May
2003 Column - "Living the Authentic Life"
April
2003 Column - "Rising Above the Battleground"
March
2003 Column - "Healing Through Your
Relationships"
February
2003 Column - "Are You Going with the Flow?"
January
2003 Column - "Living the Soulful Life"
December
2002 Column - "The Power to Change"
November
2002 Column - "Peace Begins at Home"
October 2002
Column - "Spiraling to Higher Ground"
September 2002 Column - "Cradled in Nature's
Arms"
August 2002 Column - "Recovering
Your Soul"
Laura Grace is Co-founder of Infinite Wisdom, an organization dedicated to the highest human capacity, and a national author and speaker. As a regular contributor for publications across the U.S. and Canada, Laura writes about human awareness and spiritual growth. Laura is the author of the widely acclaimed books The Intimate Soul and Gifts of the Soul, and the creator and teacher of various programs including the Self-Mastery Program, The Art of Compassionate Forgiveness, Wonderful Women: Reclaiming Our Power, Passion and Purpose, and Cultivating the Intimate Life. Please visit Laura's web site at:
www.LauraGrace.net.
As a spiritual counselor, Laura provides assistance in person and by phone. You may contact her for a free brochure at:
laura@lauragrace.net.
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