B is for...

Belief

I believe in a lot of things. I believe that my dogs fully understand what I say to them. I believe that chocolate should be classified as an official vitamin. I believe that naps are essential to maintain my good mood, good looks and effervescent personality. (Ok, that was a bit much.) But, there is one belief that truly defines who I am and in whom I put my hope.

I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
the Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:

Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.

He descended into hell.

The third day He arose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven
and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty,
whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.

Amen.

I had a friend in college that always endured my attempts at theological conversations and questions. I'm a linear, logical thinker and I tried to make sense of so many confusing aspects of my Christian beliefs. One day after I had expressed concern over whether or not "all this stuff" was actually real, he stopped me. He said, "Andrea, it's the difference between knowing (pointing to his head) and KNOWING (pointing to his heart)." That was pivotal. It doesn't have to make sense all the time. It's a decision to believe in my savior and trust that it's all taken care of. God's quite a bit smarter and broader then I am. I don't have to get it all...because that is a God-sized impossibility. And THAT I believe.