An older gentleman once told me, “Faith is reaching out and taking hold of nothing until it becomes something.” There comes a time when you have to just believe even though you cannot see. It’s taking the risk to step out of the boat and walk on water. With no solid proof or evidence, you begin to live as if it is.
In the many stories I could share about faith, I recall the time when Keith and I went in search of our beach house. We decided to leave the home we had lived in and raised our children in for ten years and set out on an adventure to live a life of our dreams. We left our three adult children in the family home, and we purchased a fifth wheel RV. As for our personal items, if they did not fit in the RV we did not take them. During that time of camping lifestyle, our middle child, Lance, shared with us that he wanted to own the family home. Impressed by his maturity at such a young age, we began to prepare him for home ownership. When we sold the house to him, everything in it became his (furniture, house goods, décor, etc.). Now, we truly were living on faith and fumes. We had nothing but the RV and the sheer will to live on the beach or bust. During the RV period we made beautiful memories and gained a passion for camping. New dreams formed as we strategized to see each state, traveling in our cozy fifth wheel.
Keith and I estimated that our RV lifestyle goal may take about three years to accomplish. Surprisingly, it was only 18 months. We found our house, floor plan, and location at Edisto Beach. Though it was not ocean front, it was ocean view. And, the house we purchased was completely furnished. We lived on the top and were able to rent out the apartment underneath. Our four years there were such a sweet experience, one we will always treasure. It is a powerful reminder of what raw, genuine faith can do. It goes beyond what you can even imagine.
I encourage you today to be a person who lives by faith. You will never be able to live your dreams without it. You have to begin living today as if your dreams are already realities. When you do, new dreams will begin to emerge. If seeing is believing for you, then see yourself living your dream or reaching your goal. Allow that vision to motivate you to take a step forward. Reach out to take hold of nothing, and watch it become something. Your labor is not in vain. Stand firm. It’s a good time to be you!
Peace and Joy,
Coach Angela