Spring Can Bring a Renewal in Faith --- It's Up to You!

Northeast Ohio has some of the most unpredictable and wavering weather forecasts in the country. Likewise, our communities boast hundreds of various congregations and belief systems. No wonder it is so difficult to decide which kind of faith is best suited to participate for our own comfort! If you step back and look at yourself, I’m sure there is a goal to become more spiritual, regardless of the religious affiliation you may be accustomed to attending (or not attending). Church participation rates have continued to decline all over the world. But this doesn’t mean that faith or renewal is dead!

So how can we lift our spirits and create a renewal in faith? Every living organism experiences regeneration then death, and so on. The problem is not in the death of the organism, but its ability to regenerate and renew. The organism dies, but the energy never leaves. This same energy is used to renew again in another form. A good example is the leaves of the trees that wither and fall but then return in the spring or the flower that “goes to seed” before it dies then spreads its seeds for renewal in the spring. This life cycle applies to all organisms that exist on earth.

This cycle even exists within ourselves. We experience seasons, not only the seasons of the year as the earth rotates on its axis to create shorter or longer days, but the seasons of life as well. Spring represents youth, summer; the prime of our life, autumn; the decline of our life cycle, and winter; the end of our earthly life. Just because we naturally age towards a decline in our physical life doesn’t mean we need to decline mentally. The “spring state of mind” is what keeps us mentally young for eternity.

Our mental renewal is up to us. We must take full responsibility to grab life by the horns and make the best out of it. We are not alone in this quest and may find good company if we seek wisely. The first step is to stay positive and don’t allow obstacles to slow our quest. Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right!” The power of the mind is what drives our renewal. You can’t find it by waiting for someone to show it to you. It is a truly personal quest that derives its energy through our own efforts and attitude. We must find our passion and chase it to the ends of the earth. When we give up, we die and our energy leaves to do its work somewhere else.

It’s up to you! My personal beliefs always bring me back to my Heavenly Father and His promises for me. I find comfort in the Holy Bible where I can always find inspirational seeds. Philippians 4:13 tells us that “I can do things through Him that strengthens me”. Psalm 118:6 gives hope by stating, “The Lord is on my side. I will not fear. What can man do to me?” Every human being is different and has withstood various circumstances. For me, cancer has been a repeat visitor in my life, but knowing and truly believing that I can overcome and find renewal yet again, I forge ahead and look to the spring of renewal and compounded strength. I feel stronger with every conquered challenge. The energies from God are free for the taking. You will hear me say quite often, “God give me strength!” AND HE DOES!

In my life, I find that every obstacle comes with direction, every question has an answer, and every goal has its finale. Do yourself a favor, enjoy the ride no matter how bumpy and revel in the beauty of what life has to offer. Renewal is beautiful for you and those around you that can share in its wonders and its lessons. Make yourself an example for others to emulate, especially the young who can benefit from anything positive. Allow renewal to grow within yourself and it will gravitate to others. And remember that the natural law of compensation states that it will come back to you once more.  With this in mind, renewal is eternal, beautiful, and serves a great purpose for all. Wishing all readers a beautiful spring and summer season filled with lots of love, blessings, and positive life experiences! Reverend Tammy Hill is the Co-Pastor of Memorial Spiritual Church, 3 pm Sundays starting in April at 19204 Pawnee Avenue in Cleveland and can be reached at 216-538-0489 or email memorialchurch1927@gmail.com. Celebrating 100 Years and built in Memory of the 175 Victims of the 1908 Collinwood School Fire.

Reverend Tammy Hill

Memorial Spiritual Church was established in 1917 and built in 1927 in memory of the victims of the 1908 Collinwood School Fire

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Volume 8, Issue 4, Posted 5:16 PM, 04.11.2017