For as long as I can remember, faith has been a part of my life. My family has believed in Jesus Christ since the 1950s, beginning with my grandparents. My father was an elder in our church, and growing up, going to church wasn’t a choice, it was a rhythm, a routine, something we did every week. At the time, I didn’t fully understand it. I went because I thought that’s what was expected.
But as I grew older, life brought its own questions, storms, and doubts. And in the quiet spaces where no one was watching, I found something real. I found that my faith wasn’t just something I inherited; it was something I had to choose.
Now, I look around at the beauty of the world, the mountains, the flowers, the way a newborn smiles or the sky paints itself at sunset, and I just can’t believe that all of this exists without a Creator. For me, that Creator is God, and my faith in Him is what grounds me. It’s the foundation of my moral compass, the quiet strength I lean on when things feel too heavy, and the reason I can smile even when life hurts.
Whether you’re religious or not, I believe that everyone needs something bigger, something beyond just daily responsibilities, beyond our work, our schedules, and even our families. We need something to anchor us when the winds of life start to blow. We need something to give us hope when things fall apart and perspective when things go well.
Here are a few ways to discover that “something bigger” for yourself:
1. Reflect on What Moves You Deeply
Start by paying attention to what stirs your soul. Is it nature? Music? Acts of kindness? Art? Justice? Love? These emotions and moments can be breadcrumbs pointing you to a deeper purpose or belief system.
Take time to journal about moments when you felt truly connected, alive, or humbled. What were you doing? Who were you with? What did it feel like?
2. Explore Spiritual or Philosophical Teachings
You don’t have to commit to a belief system right away. Explore different worldviews, religions, or philosophies with an open heart. Read sacred texts, listen to podcasts, or talk to people from different walks of life.
Growth begins when we seek, when we ask questions, and when we’re brave enough to wrestle with the unknown.
3. Be Still and Listen
Sometimes the noise of life makes it hard to hear what our hearts are really trying to say. Set aside quiet moments in your day, whether it’s prayer, meditation, or silent reflection, to simply be still. You may find that the answers you’re looking for are already inside you, waiting to be heard.
4. Look for Beauty in the Everyday
Gratitude opens our eyes to the wonder around us. When we see life as a gift, it’s easier to believe there’s a Giver. Whether it’s the sound of birds in the morning, the way a tree dances in the wind, or the comfort of a warm meal, let everyday beauty point you to something more.
5. Surround Yourself with People of Purpose
Faith, religious or otherwise, grows in community. Find people who live with meaning, who speak with hope, who serve with joy. Ask questions, learn from them, and let their example inspire you to go deeper.
6. Ask the Big Questions
Who am I? Why am I here? What happens after this life? These questions might seem overwhelming, but they are doorways to something richer. Don’t be afraid to ask them. Sometimes, the journey toward the answer is just as important as the answer itself.
Stay Grounded, Stay Strong
No matter what you believe, choose something that gives your life direction, strength, and peace. Something that’s with you even when no one else is. Something that reminds you that you’re not alone and that your life has meaning.
For me, that something is God. For you, it may look different. But I hope you find it, and hold on to it, because when the storms come (and they will), it could be the very thing that helps you rise again.
Believe in something bigger than yourself. You’ll stand taller, love deeper, and live better because of it.
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