“Faith is unseen but felt, faith is strength when we feel we have none, faith is hope when all seems lost.” Catherine Pulsifer, Author

The last couple of weeks have been heartbreaking. So many lives lost unnecessarily. Young and elderly. Families, communities, and many in our country grieve the loss of innocence and life. These losses are in addition to lives lost due to Covid, the war in Ukraine, illness, and other tragedies. In addition, this Memorial weekend recognizes the loss of military lives fighting to protect our freedom. I’ve tried to make sense of it all without losing hope. As I’ve reflected on these recent losses in Buffalo and Texas I realize I can’t explain them. What drives someone to take the life of another beyond the construct of war? Still no answer. Rather than dwell on it I asked, “What is mine to do? How can I help? What do I have to be grateful for?” When I changed my focus I began to see more possibilities. 

American Baptist minister and activist, Martin Luther King, Jr. has said that “If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream.” Yes, I still have a dream as well. I refuse to lose hope for more peace, love, kindness,  acceptance, and unity in our world. We see examples of people coming together to help one another. Offering financial support, food, lodging, friendship, peaceful protests, and being present to listen without judgment are some ways that people are helping. It’s okay to feel sad, horrified, afraid, and helpless. You are a soul warrior and can ride this wave of emotion knowing that you’re not alone and with faith and hope your emotions can change.

I don’t know about you but there are times that I find myself wondering why I can’t do more. When my thoughts become self-critical I know I’m not doing myself any favors. It’s not helpful. Once again I move into my heart space, the space of love, then I choose to love and accept me more. I remember how grateful I am for being alive another day and able to help someone. Help comes in many forms, doesn’t it? It can be as simple as a smile or word of encouragement. Author and teacher, Caroline Myss, has said “Grant me the grace to dissolve my negative thoughts about myself today. I breathe the grace of kindness into my heart. And may the grace of healing flow abundantly to everyone in need of help.” I love this beautiful intention. Our experiences really are created by the choices we make and how we respond to the choices of others. Rather than focus on what’s negative in our world begin to journey inward to the place of love and focus on being more kind, giving, accepting, helping, compassionate, and loving. Draw from your deep well of faith and hope! Find the light in the depths of darkness. How will you and others around you change if you do? 

I’m available for private coaching and channeled information sessions at Storm Wisdom on Tuesdays from 1p – 6p by appointment. Please call Storm Wisdom, (602)334-1204 to schedule. I’m also available by phone or Zoom. To schedule please go to victoriabarna.com.