Growing up in India, religion intertwines with your identity, shaping your beliefs and practices from an early age. In a country where spirituality permeates daily life, you’ll encounter a predominance of believers over non-believers.
I grew up in India. As a Sikh, I’ve often found myself straddling a line between my cultural identity and my personal beliefs.
I don’t adhere to the religious practices outlined by ‘so-called-true-believers’ of my religion. I don’t fit the typical mold of a devout follower: I rarely visit Gurudwaras, I don’t engage in regular recitations of ‘path,’ and I’m not particularly tied to the rituals of my religion.
I’m not religious. Period. Not in a literal sense.
But I do believe in a higher power. For me, having faith has nothing to do with being religious. It’s not about conforming to the expectations set by my religion; rather, it’s about finding my own connection to something greater than myself.
So yes, despite not fitting into the conventional mold, there’s a profound sense of faith that steadies me whenever life throws any difficulty my way.
Facing Life’s Challenges Without Belief
Let’s face it; life loves throwing curveballs. It doesn’t discriminate–personal struggles, societal upheavals, natural disasters–we’re all vulnerable.
It’s those moments when everything seems to be unraveling, when challenges pile up like a mountain before us, that truly test our mettle.
And for those who don’t believe in a higher power, navigating through these turbulent times can feel like trying to find solid ground in a shifting sea.
I’ve witnessed it firsthand. My husband, an atheist who only believes in science, struggles to cope during difficult times. The same was true for my dad. He was always the one to solve every problem we faced, but emotionally, he would be broken, while my mom found it easier to navigate life’s challenges due to her unwavering faith in ‘Waheguru’s certain plans for us.’
The thing is when you don’t believe in a higher power, the weight of the world falls squarely on your shoulders. There’s no cosmic force to turn to for guidance. No divine plan to trust in when things go awry. It’s just you, grappling with the chaos of life all on your own.
In times of difficulty, this lack of belief can leave you feeling adrift, like a ship without a rudder. Without the anchor of faith to hold onto, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, hopeless, and lost. You’re left to face life’s challenges armed only with your own strength and resilience. And that can feel like a daunting task when the odds seem stacked against you.
It’s a lonely journey, one that can weigh you down, leave you feeling isolated and alone in your struggles.
A Reassuring Presence
On the other hand, in the midst of this chaos, there’s something that keeps you grounded, something that fortifies you: Faith.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all concept. Faith manifests in various forms, but at its core, it’s like an anchor in the stormy seas of life. It’s that unwavering belief in something greater than yourself–be it a higher power, a cosmic plan, or a deeper purpose–that guides you through the darkest nights, keeping you rooted when everything else seems to be crumbling.
When life throws you a curveball, faith offers you a new perspective. It’s like putting on a pair of glasses that clears away the fog of confusion and doubt. Suddenly, the challenges that once seemed impossible morph into opportunities for growth and change. It’s a shift in mindset that allows you to find purpose in the pain and clarity in the chaos.
And faith isn’t just about finding meaning; it’s about finding strength. When life becomes unbearable, faith acts like a wellspring of hope and optimism that never runs dry. Even when the world feels like it’s collapsing around you, faith whispers in your ears, reminding you that there’s light at the end of the tunnel. It’s what keeps you moving forward when everything within you screams to give up.
And when the going gets tough, faith becomes your guiding light in the darkness. It’s the calm within the storm, a sanctuary for your soul amidst the chaos.
In times of trouble, it’s where you find solace, serenity, and sanctuary. It’s a reminder that you’re never alone, that there’s something–or someone–watching over you and guiding you along the way.
For me, my faith serves as a sturdy anchor amidst life’s storms. It doesn’t shield me from hardships, but it gives me the strength to weather them with resilience and grace. When the weight of the world seems too heavy to bear, it’s my faith that keeps me hopeful. It’s a quiet reassurance, a gentle whisper, reminding me that there’s a purpose to it all, that things will eventually fall into place. It’s not blind optimism or wishful thinking. It’s a deep-seated conviction that there’s a higher plan at play, a divine order guiding the unfolding of events. And even when I can’t see the bigger picture, even when the path ahead seems uncertain, my faith provides me with a sense of peace and acceptance.
Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of faith is its ability to unite people. Have you noticed how in times of adversity, it acts as a magnet, drawing you closer to others? Whether you’re joining hands in prayer or offering words of encouragement, this sharing often becomes lifelines for those navigating life’s rough seas. Together, you find strength in numbers, resilience in unity, and hope in shared purpose.
Of course, faith isn’t a magic potion that erases all your problems. It doesn’t shield you from pain or loss, and it won’t guarantee smooth sailing.
I have faith, but it doesn’t mean I subscribe to the idea of a divine being who magically fixes every problem that comes my way. I don’t think God operates like that. Ultimately, I believe that it’s up to each of us to tackle our own challenges. However, having faith in a higher power means acknowledging that life’s ups and downs are inevitable.
It’s about finding comfort in the understanding that these fluctuations are just part of the journey. It helps you navigate life’s storms with courage, resilience, and grace. It’s a framework for finding meaning amidst suffering, for cultivating resilience in the face of adversity, and for fostering hope in the middle of despair.
In the end, faith is like a guiding star that leads you through the darkest of nights. It’s what helps you find your way when you’re lost. It’s what gives you strength when you’re weak. It’s what reminds you that, no matter how rough the waters may get, you have the power to weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side. It keeps you going and going.
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Neena H. Brar
First published on Medium
The Things I Know 