O ye of little faith...

Sometimes I think other people must see me as an overly optimistic Pollyanna or something, but I just don't very often get upset or uptight considering all the "what if"s in life. What if the economy crashes? What if I don't get that new job that is more exciting and pays more? What if I get laid off of my current job? What if I run out of money and lose my house?

I just don't see the sense in stressing about things that haven't happened. I don't even see the sense in stressing about things that have happened. At the very least I often get told that I need to be more pragmatic and realistic. Save up for a rainy day. Blah...blah...blah. Why? You can't take it with you! I say just live your life the best you can and roll with the punches. Life gives you lemons, make lemonade! LOL! Hee hee. I can't think of any more clichés.

Seriously though, I feel that you just have to have faith. Faith that you will be ok no matter what. All of those things that people worry about could come true, sure. I guess I just think that no matter what happens, I'll be ok. I think it comes from my belief that my true life is so much more than what happens to me while on this earth. Having faith in that really makes it easier to just "Let go and let God". (sorry, couldn't help throwing in one more) ;-)

Here are some quotes on faith from different world religions. What do you think about faith?

If the heart turns away from the blessings God offers how can it hope for happiness? If it does not put its hope and trust in God's Mercy, where can it find rest? Oh, trust in God! for His Bounty is everlasting, and in His Blessings, for they are superb. Oh! put your faith in the Almighty, for He faileth not and His goodness endureth for ever! His Sun giveth Light continually, and the Clouds of His Mercy are full of the Waters of Compassion with which He waters the hearts of all who trust in Him. His refreshing Breeze ever carries healing in its wings to the parched souls of men!

(Abdu'l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 108)

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

12:28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? 12:29 And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

(King James Bible, Luke)

Who hateth nought
Of all which lives, living himself benign,
Compassionate, from arrogance exempt,
Exempt from love of self, unchangeable
By good or ill; patient, contented, firm
In faith, mastering himself, true to his word,
Seeking Me, heart and soul; vowed unto Me,-
That man I love!

(Hindu, Bhagavad Gita (Edwin Arnold tr))

To whom when men said, 'Verily, men have gathered round you, fear then them,' it only increased their faith, and they said, 'God is enough for us, a good guardian is He.' Then they retired in favour from God and grace; no evil touched them; they followed the pleasure of God, and God is Lord of mighty grace.

(The Qur'an (E.H. Palmer tr), Sura 3 - Imran's Family)

O Ye Bountiful Immortals! as Ye have made us, so do Ye save us, holy men, and saintly
women (as we are, and steadfast in the faith)l. Save us, O Ye Bountiful Immortals!

(The Zend-Avesta, Avesta - Yasna)