These days it is easy to feel overwhelmed by bad news and sad news, so what’s the good news? Thinking about this I wrote the following short, “I believe” statement. I decided that I would write my statement in ten phrases. My statement does not dwell on Christianity, but it is deeply informed by my Christian faith. I invite you to write your own “I believe” statement this week. I invite you to share your statement.
I believe life is a gift to be accepted and embraced with thanksgiving.
I believe God is in love with the world and with every part of it.
I believe there is always room for improvement in our individual lives and in our collective life.
I believe every person can make a contribution to the well-being of others.
I believe there is nothing in the world or in my own life as it was, is, or shall be that separates me or anyone from God’s love.
I believe respect for self, others, and for the earth is a core spiritual value.
I believe finding balance in life is a challenge that when mastered brings joy.
I believe nonviolence, which is foolishness to the wise and weakness to the strong, is the path that leads toward justice and peace.
I believe we are responsible for our actions and for the ways in which our actions impact others.
I believe the world and the universe itself is a turbulent and creative and beautiful storm.