And I Still Believe...

It's been one month since my dad died quite surprisingly, at least to me, and suddenly, a mere three days before 2017 began.

There are days I wake up and still feel as if he's here, or rather, at his home where I last saw him, spent time with him. It's not usually long before something reminds me that he isn't here anymore, not physically. The program from his funeral service. A text from one of my siblings about "thank you" cards that need to be sent, or more of my dad's clothing that needs to be boxed and donated. The "sound" that still lingers in my mind of my older sister's voice as she told me the devastating news.

Being honest, my faith was shaken as I went through the so-called typical stages of grief. I am still going through them.

In a video tribute I created about my dad to share with family and friends attending his Celebration of Life service—we don't do funerals, not in the traditional sense—I included an audio snippet from remarks my dad gave during a Christmas service just 10 years earlier. Explaining the significance of Jesus' birth and his name as mentioned in Isaiah, Immanuel, meaning "God is with us," my dad fervently declared:

"We possess the same Spirit, the same power, the same authority; we don't use it, but we possess it."

Over and over again, I replay my dad's words in my mind—throughout the day, as I drift off to sleep at night. They comfort me; they challenge me. So, while my dad didn't experience the manifestation of his healing as I had hoped—as I believe that he had also hoped before his mind became so confused by dementia—I choose to stand firm in what I believe.

I believe that all things are possible. I believe God never fails. I believe all of His promises are “yes” and “amen.” I believe life offers us second, and third, and hundredth chances. I  believe our bodies have built within them the capacity to heal themselves from any disease. I believe perfect, divine health is possible, and our birthright. I believe effortless abundance is possible. I believe that joy is our natural state of being. I believe my words have creative power; hence, I choose to use them judiciously. I believe that true faith really can move mountains and love can transform even the most hopeless situation. I believe that there are exceeding more wonders and possibilities in heaven and in earth than we can even begin to imagine or dream. I believe that I am, that every person on the planet is, powerful beyond measure and capable of achieving great things. I believe that I am, that we are divine beings with infinite potential. And I will continue to believe these things.

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"...and to Him who is able above all things to do exceeding abundantly what we ask or think, according to the power that is working in us..." (Ephesians 3:20 - Young's Literal Translation)