How can I have faith?

Recently I was asked how I found the strength to return to church. After thinking about it for a moment, I responded that my faith in God lead me to return to Mass. Then the question came, “How did you find faith?”

I wasn’t prepared to answer that one. Truthfully, I had never really thought about it. The question gave me a perfect opportunity to dive into the subject.

Developing faith is a personal and introspective journey that can vary greatly from person to person. There are many approaches to developing faith. I’ve outlined a few and how they helped me:

1. Exploration and Learning: Begin by exploring the beliefs and teachings of the faith you’re interested in. Read religious texts, books, and articles, and seek out knowledgeable individuals who can provide insights and guidance.

I searched the library and Amazon for books on Catholicism, but I also read several on Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and Protestantism. After all of this research, Christianity and my Catholic faith felt like the best fit for me.

2. Reflection and Self-Discovery: Spend time reflecting on your own beliefs, values, and experiences. Consider how the teachings of the faith align with your own understanding of life, purpose, and the world around you.

I made the decision to deconstruct from Catholic teaching in the way my parents taught me. A lot of teaching was littered with guilt, shame and manipulation and it didn’t feel authentic. When I began reading more books on Catholicism, I realized that so many tenants of the faith were not communicated to me when I was growing up. Learning my religion with fresh eyes helped me find greater understanding.

3. Prayer and Meditation: Engage in practices such as prayer or meditation that allow you to connect with the spiritual aspects of the faith. These practices can help you develop a sense of connection and closeness to the divine.

I have put into practice a routine of reading the Bible each morning and writing my thoughts, reflections and prayers in a journal. The more I write and pray, the stronger my faith becomes.

4. Community and Fellowship: Engage with a community of believers who share your faith. Joining a community can provide support, encouragement, and opportunities for discussion and learning.

I joined the Alpha program at my parish, and later chose to volunteer as a table leader. It’s a joyful feeling to talk to others about faith and support them in their journeys.

5. Questioning and Doubt: It’s natural to have questions and doubts along the way. Don’t be afraid to explore these questions and seek answers through study, discussion, and introspection.

Questions lead to answers, and I’ve found that God always leads me to the answers I seek.

6. Experiences and Moments: Pay attention to moments or experiences that feel spiritually significant to you. These can be moments of clarity, insight, or a sense of connection to something greater than yourself.

The joy of sunrise, the beauty of sunset and pained skies; these are some of the moments when I feel God’s presence.

7. Patience and Openness: Developing faith is a gradual process. Be patient with yourself and remain open to new ideas and perspectives.

Rome wasn’t built in a day. Faith isn’t built in a day either. It’s an ongoing journey!

Remember that faith is deeply personal for everyone, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. It’s okay to take your time, ask questions, and seek guidance as you navigate your path toward faith.