Opinions of Monday, 11 November 2024

Columnist: Abundant Robert K. Awolugutu

Embracing the Journey: The power of living faith

Photo of a church building Photo of a church building

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”- Nelson Mandela

Faith is a transformative tool that guides us through life’s complexities. By embracing faith as an active, living part of our existence, we can live life to the fullest with meaning and purpose. Terry Tempest Williams’ poignant words resonate: “This is my living faith, a faith of verbs…” This quote emphasizes that faith is:

1. Active, not passive

2.Experiential, involving all senses and emotions

3.Dynamic, embracing contradictions (sin and repentance, questioning and questing

4. Personal, involving individual exploration and growth

This quote encourages us to recognize our imperfections and vulnerabilities, leveraging them to enhance our success in life

Life Principles from Living Faith

1.Embracing curiosity and questioning

2.Living life fully, with purpose and intention

3.Experimenting and taking risks

4.Practicing mindfulness and living in the present moment

5.Integrating faith with daily life

6.Awareness of our imperfections and vulnerabilities

7.Seeking growth through introspection

8.Balancing action and contemplation

Application to Life

1.Cultivate mindfulness and meditation to deepen faith

2.Engage in activities that foster curiosity and exploration

3.Take calculated risks to step outside your comfort zone

4.Integrate faith into daily routines and decisions

5.Embrace imperfections and vulnerabilities, seeking forgiveness

Inspirational Story

Consider St. Augustine’s transformation through living faith. His journey of self-discovery and prayer led him to become a prominent theologian and philosopher.

Conclusion with call to action

As we seek a life of meaning and purpose, may our faith be the anchor that grounds us, yet also the wind that sets us free to explore, experience, and love fully. Challenge yourself to exercise faith through questioning and questing, transforming your life and achieving ultimate fulfillment.

Takeaway

“Faith is the art of holding to things your reason has once accepted, in spite of your changing moods.”- C.S Lewis