A friend wished me well the other day and told me to keep the faith.
When I hung up the phone, I found myself thinking about my friend’s comment. What does keeping the faith even mean? Is it religious? Is it spiritual? Oh, I get the context of unwavering trust in God and to the truth.
I’ve heard everyone from my mother to the religious over the years use the phrase. But, his use of the phrase packed a different kind of punch.
He was using it in reference to the crazy times that we find ourselves. But, his usage brought in other elements too. I found it oddly reassuring.
He encouraged me to remain strong in my beliefs. He urged me to be hopeful in my hopes and dreams and trust that the many different balls that I have up in the air will work out in the long run. In addition, he encouraged me to keep a positive attitude. Finally, I took his prompting to mean that he had my back.
It left me with comforting thoughts.
At least that’s what I hope he meant.
Yes, keep the faith. What’s it mean to you?
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Writing from the Heart with Brian 
God is the one constant in chaotic lives) and times. Thank God from whom all blessings flow! His blessings are all around us even during our challenging health issues these days. Those help us “keep the faith.”
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Yes, so many blessings. Good to be thankful and hopeful for the future.
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glad you found his comment reassuring – and you are right, keep the faith can mean different things in different contexts – hmmm
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It was said in a reassuring way. My friend was joking with me too. But we’ve known each other for a long time. He knew I needed a laugh too!!!
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sounds liek a refreshing friend
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I think when folks have said that to me, they have always meant have faith in better times or days ahead, and don’t let negativity take over my thoughts. I have never thought of it actively being a religious reference in that context, but then again when I hear the word “faith” in a stand-alone fashion, religion is the first thing I think of.
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Faith in better times ahead. Yes, I take the same perspective. A hopeful view.
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I believe that keeping the faith is something we can be sure of, when we believe in God and his consistency. Even in times of great trial, loss, fears and depression, He never changes. He is always there for us, walking beside us, pushing us forward and leading the way. Keep the faith, Brian. God has this.
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Yes, I try to keep the faith. I sometimes lose sight of the bigger goal, but I find I eventually come out of it and remember what really matters.
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To me “Keep the faith” means to trust in God. Your fortunate to have a friend who is so supportive and encouraging.
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Oh, there might have been a few teasing taunts and jokes in there too. Ha, ha, but it was said in support. Ha, ha. Yes, good friends are so so so important. Make a huge difference.
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I agree. Good friends do make a difference in our lives.
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The comment to me means, …. Faith in yourself, your ability to cope, …your choices,…as with the various balls in the air, to keep juggling, …✨🤹✨
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Yes, yes, keep on juggling. Keep the different balls in the air. Ha, ha. I’m juggling. I’m trying anyway.
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I would take it as, stay positive, I’ve got you, stay hopeful
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Stay hopeful!!!! Ha, ha, yes, that’s how I took it too.
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We don’t know what the future holds, so keeping the faith, to me, means believing that what God promises will come true and that good will win in the end.
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Good will win in the end. Awww yes, the promise and hope that I cling to for so many different reasons. Thanks Edward. Love how you phrased that.
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Thank you, Brian. We definitely need to do that at all costs.
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We have to believe things will get better, even if it appears difficult to believe in this moment. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
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Well said Rose. We have to believe things will get better. We have to have faith. At least, I know I do. Thanks for your comment.
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It is such a reassuring comment – I agree. I think maybe because we all see it a little differently so it comes with a wider perspective of hope and community! Love this post, Brian!
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Hope and community. Boy, do we need those two things now more than ever Wynne. We want reasons to come together. We want to unite. It’s the politicians who separate us. At least, that’s my thought. Thank you.
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What a lovely post, Brian. As a non-religious agnostic, I interpret the reminder to “keep the faith” as encouragement to hold on to our hopes, our dreams, our belief in possibilities. Stay rooted in the positive, even as negativity pulls us from every direction. Yes, keep the faith.
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Thanks for the kind comment Natalie. I really do have to hold back judgement on my posts. When I wrote this one, I thought it was kind of a silly ramble on my part. I was just glad it was short . . . that I didn’t waste reader’s time. Ha, ha. I’ve been surprised by all the comments. People definitely appreciated interpreting the message. Ha, ha. What do I know? Ha, ha.
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Keep the faith, to me, means trust your instincts and if it looks like it will get you to your goal you must persevere
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I think of it in the same vein LA. A hopeful phrase. Thanks for the comment.
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A friend having your back is a wonderful thing. My first reaction is that it means to stay hopeful and to not be discouraged by… fill in the blank. Hope you had a nice break. 😊
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Well said Michele. A friend having your back is a powerful thing. A beautiful thing. Yes, I think it’s a hopeful phrase too. I had a good break. It’s definitely good to be back though. Of course, now I need to get back into the habit of writing. Ha, ha, look at me complaining now! Ha, ha.
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“Like riding a bike” 📝😊
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A Billy Joel song from the mid-80s.
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Now we’re talking. 80s music always the best.
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I interpret “keep the faith” as a kind gesture and definitely has a spectrum from the scientific and atheist take to the spiritual and religious take – an of course, everything in between. Let’s do hope that whatever we’re all going through that we can always have hope things will work out in the best way in the end
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You bring up a fascinating point Ab. What other word has such a positive take from the religious to the atheist and everyone else in between? No matter your bearings, it tends to carry a positive hopeful viewpoint. In this crazy world we find ourselves, it’s nice to know that certain phrases and sayings still stand out to all parties! Need more phrases like that.
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We need more of those unifying and umbrella terms. I’ll have to think of more!
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Having absolutely no faith in any religion, when I hear that expression, like you I frame it as a personal message to hold up faith in myself. That is not always easy to do. And we’re all being tested to our limits these days. I take it as a warm, and giving way of expressing care.
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Yes, I think of it as saying “I got your back” too. An expression of care and belief. An expression of “you can do this.” At least that’s how I hope it was meant. Ha, ha.
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Keeping the faith – stay strong even when the path isn’t clear!
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Yes, yes, especially when the path isn’t clear. Well said!
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It means the same to me, Brian. Nice!
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Great minds think alike! Ha ha!
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Yup!
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Yes, all of that and more. It would be funny if your friend were to read this and comment, “Gee, all I meant was, ‘Have a good day.'” 😛
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Yea, it’s a long time friend. I gotta ask him now. I’m sure I’m reading lots into it, but it was still a nice sentiment.
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Always a good sentiment. It also speaks to camaraderie, I’d say.
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