As one who came to terms with my spirituality late in life I am finally able to bask in the peace that comes from living a faith-based life. I had always thought of faith as it relates to religious beliefs, but my life's journey has allowed me to view it in an entirely different way.

A few years ago, when I was very ill and in a dark and desperate place, I followed the wise advice of a spiritual counselor who told me to "ask God to prove His existence so you never doubt Him again." You see I had always struggled with my religious beliefs and had gotten to the point where I felt as though if there was a God, I surely had done something very wrong to be punished with an illness that left me feeling hopeless and without options.

After I challeneged God to prove Himself to me, the seemingly impossible happened: my life began to change in the most amazing ways! All that I needed became available to me, and I have absolutely no doubt this happened because God felt I was finally ready to understand life's truth. I still haven't figured out all the details, and maybe never will, but that no longer matters. I have come to know the true meaning of peace, and of faith, comes from acceptance that my uncertainties are a function of the human mind...which was divinely created to question and doubt. Yet at the same time I am filled with the unwavering knowing that a Higher Power does exist...and the Spirit of that Power lives within me.

I can fnally say I know true faith and as a result - peace. Because the Universal Power I believe in isn't concerned where I communicate with Him or how I communicate with Him, but simply that I do. All He asks of me is that I do my best, that I do good in the world, and that I always strive to be kind, compassionate, and caring to His other children. He knows I am going to make mistakes, and I have no doubt He forgives my human failings. I believe He wants for me all of the dreams, hopes, and blessings that I want for myself. And so through challenge and struggle He has led me to my own personal truth...the truth that allows me to have faith in the face of despair...the faith that allows me to accept life as it is, and to strive and reach for all of the amazing things it can be. ~ Andrea :-)