Living in faith and gratitude

By Bill Fox/Columnist

A few months ago, I meant to write about the 12 spiritual principles that are a part of every major world religion. The first two (honesty and hope) I wrote about before COVID-19. So, briefly, here is principle number three: faith.

Here are two definitions of faith:

1. Complete trust or confidence in someone or something.
2. Strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.

I’d like to offer some quotes about faith:

“Better to be busy than to be busy worrying,” actress Angela Lansbury is quoted to have said. Because, author Vivian Greene explained, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” Or as Sting sings, “When the world is running down, you make the best of what’s still around.”

“Often times God demonstrates his faithfulness in adversity by providing for us what we need to survive. He does not change our painful circumstances. He sustains us through them.” – Charles Stanley

“In my deepest, darkest moments, what really got me through was a prayer. Sometimes my prayer was ‘Help me.’ Sometimes a prayer was ‘Thank you.’ What I’ve discovered is that intimate connection and communication with my creator will always get me through because I know my support, my help, is just a prayer away.” – Iyanla Vanzant

From James 2:14-26: “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

I know among us there are people bemoaning their circumstances, and for a few that might be justified, but when you think of our fellow citizens in the world, please be thankful that:

1. There are no bombs raining on our heads.
   2. I am not a prisoner held in solitary confinement, as millions are.
   3. I am not a refugee trying to escape with my life.
   4. I am not standing in line waiting to fill a pot of water.
   5. I have access to fresh food and I’m not starving.
   6. I have hot running water.
   7. My country has not been ruined by years of war.
   8. I can reach my friends by phone and check in on them.
   9. My friends check in on me because they care about me.
   10. More than half of the world would gladly trade their everyday problems for the modest inconveniences I am experiencing.
   11. I may have anxious dreams, but I’m dreaming them on a proper bed and I’m not sleeping on the sidewalk.
   12. By staying at home, I’m helping the planet rest.
   13. As long as I have my mind I can create, imagine, dream and not be lonely.
   14. This global crisis connects me to people around the world and reminds me of our common humanity. This is a good thing.
   15. The trees have already begun to bloom, and on recent walks I have seen daffodils and tulips blossoming.

I’m at bdfox@rogers.com if you want to check in.