Embracing our spiritual beliefs and challenges

Rev. Rebekah Ramsey, M.Div., BCC, ACPE Certified Educator, manager of chaplaincy for Novant Health greater Charlotte market

Spirituality, faith and religion can sometimes be difficult concepts and beliefs to talk about. This can be especially true when we go through difficult times in our lives. Some people tend to turn to their beliefs to help sustain them during a moment of crisis. Others seem to feel like the rug has been pulled out from under them, and the beliefs that they once held so close no longer have an ability to serve them. This is especially true when our beliefs bump up against our experiences.

Sometimes this is even difficult for us to address within ourselves. We may silently judge ourselves for having doubts or feelings of grief, sadness, anger or hopelessness. The reality is we all have moments where we feel weak or lost. As a chaplain, it is my belief that these moments we perceive as weakness are actually places of strength and growth.

When we take a moment to sit with these feelings, shake hands with them, and see how they can actually deepen our beliefs, they can be a lifeboat to this part of our journey. Perhaps the fear of sitting with these moments is that we will somehow lose our faith or beliefs. It may be true that they could change a bit, but perhaps they have an opportunity to become more personal and engaged.

In my career and calling, I have seen how these times of crisis have deepened people around me. They had the courage not to run from their doubts, but rather chose to hold fear and joy, hopelessness and hope, faith and doubt. In holding both, perhaps we are truer to ourselves and the depths of our beliefs. This work takes intentionality and courage, but it can help in the healing process.