Black Friday has come and gone and from what I have read analysts say it was a spectacular year considering our economic woes. Everyone of every religion would agree that one of the United States’ biggest problems this time of year is our focus on buying gifts. Now admittedly, especially right now, our economy needs it, but we need to stop and think about what is important this time of year; Family and Faith.
It does not matter what faith you are. The spiritual uplifting of religion and faith is essential in our lives. I spent my younger years raised as a Catholic, but it did not give me the satisfaction that my soul desired. Something was missing. For many years I struggled to understand what it was I believed in and to find if there were others who felt the same. I eventually did and though now I am no longer around them, that short amount of time with them gave me the stability of faith.
Faith varies as much as the human fingerprint because we are all just that different. It does not matter if you practice the same religion as another, you will still have a very different belief in that religion and what you feel is right. Therefore I say it does not matter if you are Muslim, Christian, Catholic, Buddhist, or one of the many pagan religions; all that matters is that you have that faith in what you believe in.
Recently I was enjoying the company of my now current girlfriend and she wanted to go to a particular church. Though I was not a practicing member, nor do I believe the same as they do, I still wanted to go with her. What I found gave me great satisfaction. Watching others practice their faith and enjoy the service helped me feel their excitement and enjoyment. It was very uplifting and very fulfilling.
I am currently practicing my beliefs by myself because I do not know any others in the area who believe the same way, but to me it does not matter. I have faith in what I believe in and it satisfies me and to watch others get the same satisfaction from their beliefs. It is amazing to see and feel. So now with the holidays in full swing, I would like to invite you to look within yourself and find that faith, or if you already have it to embrace it. Revel in its existence this holiday season and have a fantastic Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukkah and a Happy New Year.
Invitation from the author: What is your faith? Feel free to comment below regarding your beliefs/faith, be it this time of year or year-round.
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