Rev. Dr. Leon Bailey, Jr.
“Faith Matters” is a column that features pieces written by local religious figures.
(Opinion) Faith or fear is the fundamental basis for our decisions, actions, and beliefs. This isn’t a philosophical exercise. This is a look at our relationships with each other and God.
Faith underpins trust, conviction, and courage. Though our paths may be unclear, faith pushes us onward. Even in uncertainty, we believe in a guiding higher purpose. Faith grants freedom, power, and solace. We can boldly tackle challenges, knowing we have support beyond ourselves.
Fear paralyzes, discourages, and isolates. Fear suggests the safest approach is to stay under the radar, avoid risks and play small. Don’t be fooled; that sense of security is an illusion. Just by operating discreetly doesn’t mean you’re unnoticed. Similar to an ostrich hiding its head, you might think you’re concealed. You are only hindering yourself. Our physical forms, much like an ostrich’s, are open to public view.
Living authentically requires confronting this choice. Can we move forward with faith, trusting the unknown, or will we retreat in fear, surrendering to uncertainty? The response affects not just personal growth, but our global contribution. Rising above fear is what faith calls us to do, not sidestepping problems but facing them fearlessly.
New executive orders have created widespread chaos, affecting people and organizations. The damage extends beyond policy. It hits society’s very foundation. The resulting disorder reflects the turmoil of Acts 2:1 – 21, where Pentecost brought clarity and unity to the confusion.
The account of Pentecost teaches that despite confusion, the Holy Spirit gives clarity to those receptive to its direction. It was communicated to each individual so they could comprehend. This comprehension gave a gift that elevated believers beyond earthly conflict.
Today, we face the impact of changing policies that are causing confusion. People with a foundation of faith can transcend uncertainty. A firm foundation of faith provides solace and the drive to act with conviction despite chaos.
History proves that a foundation of faith-based leadership overcomes powerful opposition. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s pursuit of justice encountered immense opposition. His persistent dedication to higher morality continues to inspire countless generations. We can see in his life how that foundation of faith provided strength to overcome adversity. In the same way, when we have a strong spiritual foundation, it provides resilience against setbacks. That resilience means we will emerge as beacons of hope, illuminating a path forward.
As people of faith, we are called to uphold a vision that transcends political and social upheaval. We must maintain our connection with God’s higher purpose. Despite challenges, our duty to care for each other persists. Uncertainty makes faith vital. It calls for a collective strength to unite communities with compassionate action.
A foundation of faith is the guiding light that leads us through storms. In times of chaos, the truth of our foundations is revealed. This is not a passive acceptance of circumstances, but a call to action for good. These times require the need to stand firm in our convictions and not be swept away by fear.
A faith-based foundation is not unique to Christianity. The vast majority of believers are rooted in their faith traditions. This foundation of faith is called Tukkun Olam in Judaism; it is Karina in Buddhism; it is Seva in Hinduism; it is Harmony with Nature with indigenous spirituality; it is Islah in Islam; and in Christianity it is Love Thy Neighbor. Standing firm in our foundation of faith will not allow us to be swayed by fear. We will rise, empowered by a faith that refuses to be diminished.
The Rev. Dr. Leon Bailey is pastor of The Church of Bethlehem in Milford.
Previous “Faith Matters” columns:
• Faith Matters: Scar Glory
• Faith (Still) Matters
• Faith Matters: Gaza & Ramadan
• Faith Matters: On Passover & Redemption
• Faith Matters: Freedom Struggles & Holy Week
• Faith Matters: Welcome The Stranger
• Faith Matters: Beyond Neutrality
• Faith Matters: The Lightened Yoke Is Love