Faith isn’t faith if you know what the outcome will be.
We’ve discussed in previous posts the importance faith has when developing resilience in life. Whether expressed as comfort with flux; or taking a managed risk, you must be willing to take a leap of faith in order to reach your goals.
Many times, my point of reference is the movies. When I think of ‘leaps of faith,’ one of the most vivid examples I can think of is from the movie, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. In order to save his father’s life, who has been mortally wounded by a gunshot, Indy must recover the Holy Grail by deciphering riddles. These clues, documented by his father and written in the margins of his diary are essential to avoiding the deadly devices designed to prevent seekers from finding the Grail.
After successfully clearing two devices, Indy finds himself facing a chasm, across which there appears to be no bridge for him to safely cross. Reading from his father’s notes, Indy says aloud, “Last is the breath of God: Only a leap from the lion’s head, shall he prove his worth.” Trusting his father’s scholarship, Indy then steps into apparent nothingness and is rewarded when his feet land on a seemingly invisible narrow span which allows him to cross.
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Take action. Action begets opportunity. Opportunity begins by taking a step.
Faith requires taking that first step. The staircase is there; but even if you COULD see each step leading to the doorway at its zenith, it’s only physically possible to take one step at a time. Your job is to take the step immediately before you. Your responsibility is to step.
“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.”— Gail Devers
This is the hardest part. Waiting for the results of your actions. Another blogger called this time between steps “The Middle.” I truly wish that I could remember who wrote it, so that I could give proper attribution. However, it’s true: The Middle is where we are tested.
While taking steps toward your goals, The Middle is the part where friends and family may doubt your sanity. Leads may not pan out. Financing may dry up. You may even begin to doubt yourself and your ability to reach your goal. When feeling unsure, revisit your plans, focus on what it is you hope to achieve and examine your motivations. Once you have had a chance to take this time to review, and all your instincts affirm your actions, press forward. Keep going.
Why?
“When you have come to the edge of all light that you know and are about to drop off into the darkness of the unknown, Faith is knowing one of two things will happen: There will be something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.”— Patrick Overton
This is what it all comes down to, doesn’t it? Do you trust yourself? Everyone who lives life on his or her own terms has come to this crossroads. Is this fair? Absolutely. We are each the product of our choices and convictions. Making choices and owning them is the price of admission to a full and rewarding life.
Will you take the leap of faith?
I usually refer to this moment as the ‘put up or shut up’ moment. Are you willing to live out the values you purport to have? Again, faith is not faith if it’s based on the known, no matter how much we may wish for guarantees. Resilience is cultivated each time you step out in faith.
When I’m feeling small and more than a little crazy for taking risks, I am encouraged by the words of a pioneer in her field:
“Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained.” — Marie Curie
Risking failure is worth it. You are worth it. Decide.
Then take that step.
P.S. Every Sunday, I publish a free weekly newsletter called the 3 Minute Reset, which includes life lessons, life hacks and treats. To subscribe, click here.
