by Nadia Ramoutar MMM Communications Coordinator                               Ireland                06.11.2024

For many of us, faith is an important part of our everyday life. We have a rich inner circle of like-minded colleagues and friends who see the world as we do often. We have a consistent practice of prayer, meditation and connection with a greater spiritual world to feed our faith. As we step outside of that comfort zone though, it can be very easy to feel that all is not well in our world.

Just a quick glimpse at the nightly news or a conversation with a neighbour and we can be quickly transported into a world where fear and scarcity reign. At times we can look at the way the world appears to be headed, and we can find ourselves concerned, worried or even scared. It is not easy to stay buoyant when so much of the world seems to be on fire or being run by those who value power over people.
On days when darkness seems to creep in, what are we to do? Even the most faithful can feel a twinge of shadows taking hold. The way humans behave, manipulate, act violently and cruelly can overwhelm us if we let us.

Perhaps the most honest thing we can do is to be honest.

The answer is surprisingly simple when faced with a challenge to say, “I would like to do that – but now, I must do this.” To accept that even though we have faith we also have to have acceptance that in our world we are faced with realities that sometimes we just don’t like. Humans often do the wrong thing. We are also dealing with people who do not see the world the way we see it but have some other agenda we cannot fathom. Thankfully. But humans too, can be exceedingly kind and giving.

I reflect at these moments that there is unexpected goodness awaiting us. It is not just bad things going on in the world, but also good things. We have to right-side ourselves and know that the unknown is not all negative. It is a great light that creates shadows and as the light shifts, so do the shadows in size and position. We need to refocus our energy.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

These words bring me comfort as I remind myself to have more trust and to lean further into my “God of Surprises.” I read a book by this title a few years ago and I dip back into it and I remind myself not to allow the shadow to block out my light. I may be misunderstood or frustrated at times, but this is merely a tiny part of something so much greater.