What is Faith? My favorite definition of Faith is this: “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” I need this kind of Faith right now. Ernest Holmes, Founder of the Science of Mind, wrote about Faith. “The thought of faith molds the undifferentiated substance, and brings into manifestation the things which were fashioned in the mind.”

We need to cultivate much faith these days. There is much happening that can instill fear in us if we allow it. Faith will transmute these fears into a Knowing that all is really well.

There is such a thing called misplaced faith. Misplaced faith means we have based our faith in fear. Ernest Holmes explains it well: “But what is fear? Nothing more nor less than the negative use of faith…faith, misplaced; a belief in two powers instead of One; a belief that there can be a Power – opposed to God? Universe – whose influence and ability may bring us evil.”

This can very well be the type of faith we have adopted and do not even realize it. If we sink deeply into our true state of mind, we will discover if we have misplaced our faith. Right now in this moment, with all the information available to us from the outside world, where are we placing our faith? In fear or do we have a positive faith, “a faith rightly placed, a faith that lays hold of the integrity of the Universe, the beneficence of God* and the Unity of all life.”

How do we understand faith and how do we make it our prevalent state of being right now? Well, firstly, we must make a decision to do so. There is a reciprocal nature to the Universe and as we decide to have faith instead of fear, as we send this signal into the Universe/Field in which we all reside with full feeling and sincerity, the Universe will pull this energy back to us and give us more and more strength. However, if instead, we sink beneath the weight of all the worldly information thrown here and there and allow ourselves to be swallowed up in it, then the energy of fear will be what we pull back to ourselves. This is Science. I didn’t make it up, and I know it is true because I’ve proved it both ways. However, don’t have faith in me, you must prove this Principle for yourself.

“The Universe exists by Its own self-pronouncement, by Its own affirmation. It only knows “I Am.” What is your “I Am.” Whatever you put after these two words is where you are placing your faith. Our word has power when it is accompanied by the feeling of knowing it is already here, the feelings that it is already accomplished. This is why “faith is the substance of things hoped for.” You can feel the substance of the thing before it is formed.

Again, there is a lot of information and facts in the world of form that might or might not be true. We all have the power of intuition to decide for ourselves what we accept as true. Faith in the one Power of the Universe, the Power of Love and transformation will allow us to overcome the world. God/Life/Universe/Source is greater than any condition. We may walk in a 3D world, but we are not 3D beings. We are 5D beings and maybe even greater than that. Place your faith where you may; I choose the faith of God.

Love and Aloha,

Rev. Rita Andriello-Feren, Co-Spiritual Director, CSL Kaua`i

*In the Science of Mind, “God” is an indwelling Presence not a being that is far from us or to whom we pray. We pray from God and we pray with the faith of God. We are each one of God. If you like the word Source or Universe better, use it.