Discovering Innate Faith: Navigating Life’s Turbulence with Courage and Calm
Life’s most profound revelations often emerge in the quietest of moments. For many, myself included, these pivotal thoughts frequently arrive in the unexpected sanctuary of a morning shower. It’s a universal truth for busy parents – that rare pocket of silence where one can truly hear their own thoughts, feel their emotions, and connect with their deeper self. It’s in these brief respites that clarity descends, offering insights that can shape our understanding of the world and our place within it.
However, true wisdom isn’t confined to the bathroom. Tonight, nestled on my couch, clad in pajamas and my perpetually worn socks (a lifelong commitment, regardless of the scorching 90-degree heat outside), a powerful truth resonated. This insight wasn’t just a fleeting thought but a profound realization that challenged conventional perceptions of personal strength and belief. It was sparked by a timeless scripture, a passage that speaks volumes about the nature of conviction and the power of sincere effort.
“Yea, even that ye would have SO MUCH FAITH as even to plant the word in your hearts, that ye may try the experiment of its goodness.” Alma 34
Embracing “So Much Faith” in Our Beginnings
This single line, “So Much Faith,” stopped me in my tracks. It begs a crucial question: Since when do we attribute “SO MUCH FAITH” to individuals who are perhaps at their most vulnerable, just embarking on an exploration of prayer, spirituality, or a connection with a higher power? Typically, when someone decides to “experiment” – to plant a good seed in their heart, like committing to daily prayer to deepen their relationship with God, or consciously choosing to love their neighbor as taught in scripture to observe the outcome – it usually originates from a place of uncertainty, a nascent curiosity rather than an unshakeable conviction. It’s a tentative step, a hopeful inquiry into the unknown, a journey of self-discovery.
So, why would this ancient text describe such a nascent, exploratory stage as possessing “a whole heck of a lot of faith”? It seems counter-intuitive. In our modern understanding, we tend to reserve “so much strength” for those who have already achieved mastery or demonstrated unwavering devotion. Imagine someone just starting their fitness journey, cautiously stepping into a gym for the first time with the goal of losing weight. We wouldn’t typically label them as having “so much strength”; rather, we’d acknowledge their desire for change, their initial effort. We call them “out of shape,” not “incredibly strong.” Yet, this scripture challenges that very notion. Could it be that our understanding of faith is fundamentally flawed, and that the act of *trying* itself is a profound manifestation of belief, a true act of courage?
The Unacknowledged Power: You Already Possess Faith
Perhaps the scripture is profoundly accurate. Let’s call it what it truly is: that initial decision to try, that courageous step forward, isn’t mere stubbornness or a lazy attempt to prove a point. It’s not a reluctant roll out of bed to engage in something new. No, darn it, it’s faith! It’s the inherent belief in the possibility of a better outcome, an internal conviction that a positive change is attainable, even when the path is unclear or the results are uncertain. This initial spark, this willingness to engage, is the bedrock of all personal growth and spiritual discovery. This is the seed of inner strength that propels us forward.
It’s time to name it for what it truly is: genuine faith. You possess this faith already! It resides within you, an intrinsic part of your human experience. Acknowledge it. Say it aloud: “I have faith. I am capable of taking this step.” This recognition is not about arrogance; it’s about empowering yourself by understanding the wellspring of courage that already exists within. Every significant life change, every journey of self-improvement, every spiritual quest, begins with this fundamental, often unacknowledged, leap of faith. It doesn’t materialize after years of practice; it’s the very force that propels you to begin, offering a foundation for your spiritual journey.
Fostering Faith: A Shared Journey Towards Deeper Understanding
As a parent, my fervent hope is to be a supportive guide when my own children embark on their personal experiments with “the word,” with truth, and with life’s big questions. Rather than shrinking in fear from their inquiries or their spiritual quest, I aspire to meet their searching hearts with genuine admiration. I want to exclaim, “Wow, your faithfulness and courage are truly amazing!” More than just offering praise, I want to actively participate, to say, “I’ll do it with you.” This collaborative approach fosters a safe space for exploration, reinforcing that their journey of discovery is valued and supported, not met with apprehension or judgment. It’s about walking alongside them, affirming their innate capacity for belief and their remarkable courage in daring to explore, nurturing their personal growth.
Let’s embrace this profound truth: you already possess “so much faith.” This realization is nothing short of incredible, a powerful wellspring of inner strength. Perhaps the only missing piece was the conscious acknowledgment, the verbal declaration of this inherent quality. No one embarks on a truly life-changing endeavor – something that will profoundly influence the trajectory of their future – without an underlying current of faith. Whether it’s starting a new business, committing to a relationship, or embarking on a spiritual quest, faith is the silent, yet potent, force that empowers the first step and sustains the journey. It’s not something you acquire later; it’s the very catalyst for beginning, a foundational element of our spiritual well-being.
The Revelation: You Already Had It All Along
Surprise! This fundamental truth often comes as a revelation. For so long, many of us are conditioned to believe that faith is something we must actively cultivate, painstakingly discover, laboriously earn through arduous trials, or patiently wait to be granted by some external force. But alas, the beautiful, liberating truth is this: you already possessed it. It wasn’t lost; it wasn’t hidden in some obscure corner of your being. It was simply waiting for you to recognize its presence, to understand its power, and to harness its inherent ability to propel you forward. This realization shifts our perspective from a striving, earning mindset to one of recognizing and utilizing an already existing, powerful inner resource. It’s about self-discovery and the empowerment that comes from understanding your innate capacity for belief and resilience in overcoming challenges.
Navigating Life’s Turbulence: Embracing Calm Amidst the Storm
Life, much like our journeys through time, presents its own unique forms of turbulence. Reflecting on those awkward, often-unphotographed years of junior high school, I recall a period marked by self-consciousness and uncertainty. Yet, amidst the braces, frizzy hair, and burgeoning self-identity, there was a profound experience during a family vacation that truly shook me to my core. Our trip took us from our home in Vancouver, Washington, to the majestic landscapes of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It was an adventure that would etch a vivid memory of unexpected challenge and profound insight into my mind, offering early lessons in finding peace amidst chaos.
Recalling the Terrors of Unforeseen Turbulence
The incident occurred as we were flying into the small airport, nestled amidst formidable mountains, in what felt like an alarmingly tiny airplane. Without warning, we were plunged into a violent episode of turbulence. The plane bucked and jolted so fiercely that I wasn’t the only passenger squeezing my eyes shut, tears streaming down my face in sheer terror. The cabin was filled with gasps and anxious silence as the aircraft was tossed about like a toy. While I’ve encountered significant turbulence on many flights since that harrowing day, none have ever matched the jolting intensity and visceral fear of that particular experience. In those moments, I was absolutely convinced we were going to crash. The certainty was chilling, a primal fear taking hold.
When we finally touched down safely in Wyoming, a collective sigh of relief swept through the cabin. I, along with several other shaken passengers, vowed then and there to never again step foot inside such a small plane. It was a vow born of profound fear and a desperate desire for control in the face of uncontrollable forces. Yet, this terrifying experience, initially perceived as a standalone trauma, would later serve as a powerful metaphor for navigating the inherent challenges and inevitable storms of life, offering an unexpected lesson in resilience and mindful action, and ultimately, a path to finding peace.
Wisdom for Handling Life’s Turbulence: The Pilot’s Approach
Interestingly, within just a few days of reflecting on that childhood memory, I serendipitously encountered a profound truth that perfectly mirrored my experience, albeit in a different context. Both instances, striking in their parallel, involved the metaphor of storms and the wisdom required to navigate them. The insight came from a distinguished leader, offering practical guidance for situations that feel beyond our control, a timeless lesson applicable to any spiritual journey.
“What do you suppose pilots do when they encounter turbulence?
A student pilot may think that increasing speed is a good strategy because it will get them through the turbulence faster. But that may be the wrong thing to do.
Professional pilots understand that there is an optimum turbulence penetration speed that will minimize the negative effects of turbulence. And most of the time that would mean to REDUCE your speed. The same principle applies also to speed bumps on a road.
Therefore, it is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials when experiencing adverse conditions.”Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf,Of Things That MatterMost, Oct. 2010–@dieterfuchtdorf
This wisdom from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf offers a powerful analogy for navigating the metaphorical turbulence in our lives. Our intuitive reaction, much like the student pilot’s, is often to “push through” difficult times faster, to accelerate our efforts, hoping to outrun the discomfort. However, true mastery, as demonstrated by professional pilots, lies in understanding that there’s an optimal approach—which often means reducing speed. It’s about finding that steady, controlled pace that minimizes the impact of the bumps and jolts, rather than exacerbating them. This isn’t just about flying; it’s a fundamental principle for resilience and well-being. When faced with life’s storms—whether they be personal crises, professional pressures, or emotional upheavals—the most effective response is frequently to decelerate, to anchor ourselves, and to concentrate our energy on what truly matters, fostering inner strength and personal growth.
Living in Constant Turbulence: Modern Challenges and the Quest for Inner Peace
Despite the awkwardness of my junior high years—the gnarliest teeth and the frizziest hair imaginable—I carried a youthful idealism, envisioning a future filled with love, a beautiful family, global adventures, and a perfect home. And while many aspects of that vision have indeed come true, they have arrived not without their own set of challenges. Life, as I’ve discovered, isn’t a smooth, linear progression; it often feels like standing in a state of constant turbulence. The demands of modern life, the relentless pursuit of perfection, the juggling of responsibilities—all contribute to this ongoing sense of being jostled and tested, making the search for finding peace ever more vital.
This “constant turbulence” isn’t necessarily catastrophic; it’s the persistent hum of daily stressors, the unexpected twists, the emotional bumps and drops that chip away at our composure. Most days, I manage quite well, navigating the currents with a degree of grace. But there are those moments, those occasional dips and unsettling jolts, when the desire to simply “push through” and be done with the present year, or the current difficult phase, becomes overwhelming. It’s a natural human reaction to want to escape discomfort, to accelerate past the difficult parts. However, the wisdom of the pilot reminds us that this urge to speed up might be precisely the wrong approach for effective spiritual well-being.
The Call to “Slow Down”: Prioritizing Essentials for Inner Strength and Connection
It’s no mere coincidence that, multiple times within a single week, I’ve heard the unequivocal call to “slow down” and reconnect with life’s fundamental essentials. This recurring message serves as a powerful reminder, a gentle yet firm nudge to re-evaluate priorities and consciously disengage from the relentless pace that often characterizes contemporary existence. It’s an invitation to step off the hamster wheel and reclaim moments of peace and genuine connection. This isn’t about giving up; it’s about strategic retreat and mindful recalibration, essential for navigating life’s turbulence effectively.
In response to this profound guidance, I am actively implementing changes, canceling non-essential activities and errands wherever possible. This deliberate pruning of my schedule isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s an act of self-preservation and a conscious decision to invest my time and energy in what truly nourishes my soul and strengthens my family bonds. The goal is to create space, to breathe, and to allow for the simplicity that often gets lost in the rush of daily life, thereby enhancing personal growth and spiritual journey.
Instead of rushing, we are choosing to embrace simple, yet profound, practices:
- Going on bike rides, feeling the wind, and appreciating the simple joy of movement and shared experience, fostering family connection and mindfulness.
- Reading stories before bed, fostering imagination and creating cherished memories in the quiet embrace of the evening, promoting a sense of finding peace.
- Engaging with scriptures when we wake, grounding our day in reflection and spiritual sustenance before the world’s demands encroach, reinforcing essential truths.
We are consciously shifting our focus back to the simple, yet profound, truths that form the bedrock of a well-lived life. These aren’t grand gestures, but consistent, intentional acts that build resilience, deepen relationships, and foster inner peace. They are the “optimum turbulence penetration speed” for navigating the complexities of daily existence, allowing us to absorb the bumps without being overwhelmed, fostering lasting personal growth.
This leads to a crucial question for reflection, a prompt for us all to consider in our own journeys:
❤️ What truth do you feel children (and indeed, all of us) need most right now to navigate their own developing worlds and futures, and to find their own innate inner strength?
Embracing innate faith and wisely slowing down are not just survival strategies; they are pathways to a richer, more intentional life, filled with purpose and enduring peace, even amidst constant turbulence and the continuous journey of self-discovery.