Recently, I posted a blog on The Ladybug discussing my blessings during the reign of Trump. Today, I would like to further expand upon the idea that blessings exist during difficult times, by sharing my personal faith. The news in the USA has only been getting scarier and scarier. How do we cope with our fears? How do we manage the harsh realities that are flooding our lives from the new Trump administration? I am a person who relies on government agencies and policies that have long been in place. Now, I feel that I am a sitting duck with a gun pointed at my head, as the democratic government I hold dear tumbles down. Is there anything I can do? Of course I can take political action by calling my representatives. And, I can resist and protest in the streets. But, what about internal action? How do I protect my peace?
The answer for me is: by digging into my faith in God. I identify as a progressive Christian, and my faith in the love and protection of Jesus has seen me through many dark days in my life. God is always faithful to me, and my peace of mind is guaranteed when I am faithful to him in return. In the Bible, Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” This quote is from the Gospel of John 16:33. Many believe that being a Christian should mean an easy walk through life. However, God does not promise that we never see troubles, simply that He is with us during every moment of our troubles. He sees us through the storm. We live in a fallen world, where heartache and death are realities. But do not forget, Jesus conquered death by rising on the third day following His crucifixion. He can help you and I overcome anything!
I would like to share a personal story about my life as an example of the healing powers of faith. I have struggled with alcoholism since I was 20 years old. I did not get serious about sobriety until I was 31 years old. I now have 6 and ½ years sober from alcohol. This journey through my addiction has been marked by tears, danger, and denial. There were many people in my life that wanted me to stop drinking before I decided to try to sober up. I hurt those closest to me. I never would have achieved a sober day without the grace of God. It takes a village to support the recovery of an addict, and that village must be guided by a higher power. I decided to get sober after I lived through a near-death experience. I realized that if I had died, I would have left my life a mess. I thanked God that I survived, and dedicated myself to sobriety. The journey has not been easy, and I still take only one day at a time. I struggle with my addiction every day, and every day God is Good and keeps me sober. I could have died, but here I am, living still and living clean!
My hope in sharing my personal story of how faith saved me from alcoholism, is to inspire you to reach out to God no matter what mountain you are facing. He alone can aid you. His love will comfort you through the rough days of your own journey. Perhaps you are stressed and frightened by the current political climate. Perhaps you are financially tapped out. Maybe, you just lost a loved one and are grieving. Whatever the circumstance, do not rely on your own strength, but reach towards God and His strength. We are never alone in our struggles. You never have to feel alone. I may be scared by what is coming in the next days and months of the Trump administration, but I know that I will be okay in the end. If it is not okay, then it is not the end. How do I know? Because, I believe in a loving and powerful God who wants to help me and is by my side through thick and thin. All you need do is ask. A simple prayer. “God, help me.” He will hear you, and He is faithful. Dig into what is beyond Trump or any of his leaders, the higher power, and rely on God to bring you to better days.
In Love and Peace, G.
The Ladybug 
Leave a comment