Hope versus Faith

It’s the middle of the week and I’m winding down after another hectic day. I am reminded of the last Magic Party. The topic was faith. I’ve decided that until the next Magic Party in March, I’m going to focus on “faith”. One of the women I met at the party, Fiona, commented that hope and faith are two very different things. That made an impact on me. Thank you Fiona! Fiona said that hope is like the lottery – sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but faith is active. I’ve started to pay attention to my mind set – when do I use the word “hope” and when do I use the word “faith”.

I take martial arts with my son. We recently earned our camouflage belts and are now in the intermediate level class. At times, it can be very intimidating. The students in our class are a few belts away from becoming black belts, and they are in command of their forms and kicks and very self confident. Last night, the chief instructor called me to the front of the class to demonstrate how to use body language to lead by example. I had to demonstrate this by having my team follow my lead in doing jump front kicks with a lot of energy and perfect technique while giving no verbal instructions. As I’m standing there, I’m thinking “I hope I don’t make a complete fool of myself!” My first kick was a little off, but then I pulled it together and finished strong. It occurred to me afterwards that I used the word “hope” versus having “faith”. The life lesson for our martial arts cycle is “belief” – having a “yes I can” attitude. I think having faith in yourself is the same thing. If I have faith in myself, I have a “yes I can” attitude. The next time I get called up front I’m going to think “I can do this”! When I used the word “hope” in this situation, I allowed an opportunity to exist in my mind that I might “not” do well, and initially, I didn’t. I am gaining so much from attending our magic parties. I am becoming more aware of my “self-talk”, and rather than minimizing my opportunities, I am going to work on my faith and my “yes I can” attitude! Until next time, remember – “yes you can!”

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Posted by Kelly, Magic Party Council Member