First Things First
To those who have lost friends and family as a result of the October 7th attack, you are in my prayers. May the memory of your loved ones be a blessing. And may those still being held captive in Gaza be immediately released and returned safely to their families. Bring them home now.
The Chaos That Lies Beneath
Early each morning, before the rest of the house awakens, I sit in peaceful solitude and watch the sun rise over a beautiful and quaint valley across the way. To say this view is breathtaking is putting it mildly. It’s like experiencing the most picturesque scene straight out of a movie, only it’s right outside my window.
Yet, if I open the door and take a step outside, the fairy tale comes to an abrupt end. Just down the hill is a highway packed with early morning commuters, semi trucks, and travelers racing to reach their destination. This time of peace and tranquility stops and is exchanged for a cacophony of noise like screeching tires, honking horns, and racing engines. It’s a real “stepping through the looking glass” kind of moment. Still, I have a choice: I can sit outside and soak up the chaos, or sit inside and enjoy the tranquil view. Most of the time, I choose the latter. Most of the time…
Looking Past the Chaos
Recently, I was blindsided by someone’s hurtful actions. You’ve probably been there before, right? You’re just sailing along through life when out of nowhere, you’re struck by a barrage of ugliness, i.e., judgment, gossip, and dishonesty. It can leave you feeling deflated, dejected, maybe even devastated. I’ve been there. As much as I would like to say that I am bursting with joy every minute of every day, it just wouldn’t be true. Sometimes life does get to me.
There are moments, in all our humanness, when we get thrown off our game. Someone gets the better of us, and even if it’s only for a short time, we feel defeated. What’s important here is to get back on track as quickly as possible. This is when I have to remind myself to stay in my lane. This is Hashem’s territory. Any action I could take would only make things worse. God is in control and fighting these battles for us, and when it is all said and done, love, truth, and honesty will prevail. It takes resignation. It takes patience. It takes faith.
From the Tanakh
Despite our strong faith, sometimes we need a gentle reminder, and there is no better place to turn to than the Tanakh. Hashem is on our side, protecting us every day. He will defend us from those with malicious intentions and guide us back to peace.
“O you who dwell in the shelter of the Most High and abide in the protection of Shaddai–I say of the Lord, my refuge and stronghold, that He will save you from the fowler’s trap, from the destructive plague. He will cover with His pinions; you will find refuge under his wings. His fidelity is an encircling shield.” Psalms 91:1-4
Conclusion
If you have been hurt by someone’s actions, you are not alone. When this happens, look past the chaos and straight on to the tranquil valley that is your faith.
We are all perfectly imperfect, divinely created beings here to create magic in the world, and there is nothing anyone can do to diminish our light. Shine on, shine bright, and never forget that you are a loved, cherished, and precious soul on this amazing planet we call Earth.
I would love to hear about your faith journey. Feel free to reach out to me on my socials, and if you would like to learn how I discovered my Jewish soul, click the link below. Shalom friends!
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