What’s the difference between trust and faith? In talking with a friend recently, she referred to faith as the concept she connects with God. It got me thinking about something I’ve told myself for a long time.
Some background: I always thought I had a trust issue with God. I questioned if He’d be there for me, as I knew he was there for everyone else. Feeling alone as a child, I thought I’d too often prayed to God and didn’t get an answer. It was a story I knew well.
This morning in meditation however, I realized something different.
Faith: 1) Complete trust or confidence in someone or something;
2) a strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on a spiritual apprehension [understanding] rather than proof. (from Merri-Webster)
I do have faith that there is something bigger than me, a Divine Presence who created the Universe, Who is behind its magnificent unfolding. So often in my life I’ve experienced grace, help that came to me when I needed it, something that seemed a problem working out for the best…. So where does this lack of trust in God come from? What is it about?
Trust: a firm belief in the sincerity, reliability, skill & ability, and credibility of someone (from my Newfield Network training).
My “aha” moment: A child’s parents are like gods to them. Totally dependent, you accept much of what goes on as the truth about how the world works. Wouldn’t God treat you as your parents did (our Father who art in Heaven?) It hit me that my trust issue was never with God but with my parents. Growing up, I felt I wasn’t enough….I gained favor through my accomplishments not for who I was (or at least as I interpreted it).
I didn’t trust my parents to love me with all my flaws, with my thinking differently, with my being 
emotional (seen as weak), nor with having my own way in life. I didn’t trust them to support me the way I wanted/needed to be supported at that time. And, I confused them with God.
So even as my faith has grown stronger, there’s been this lingering notion of not trusting God to be there for me. This, in spite of all the ongoing evidence. Today, I know my parents did love me the best they knew how. I learned much from them. But they weren’t gods.
So understanding the distinction between trust and faith has been freeing for me.
It’s allowed me to let go of a story I’ve lived with very long time.
Grace in action. 
Barbara,
WOW! This is awesome. It is not uncommon to see God through our childhood experiences with our very human (imperfect) parents. It’s hard to accept that God loves us no matter what we do or don’t do. We can’t earn or unearn His love. I’ve been a bit angry at God lately. I’m so glad he can take it and loves me anyway.
When things get tough, I like to rely on Romans 8:28 “God works all things together for good for those who love him, for those called according to his purpose.” But that takes so much faith when things don’t seem to make sense -when it seems so unfair! If you haven’t watched the movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, I recommend it to you. An oft repeated phrase in the movie is: “Everything will be alright in the end. If it’s not alright, it’s not yet the end.” We often can’t see the end as God can.
Love,
Barb
Love that movie. I’m not surprise at the anger…and I know God takes it all from us. For me it’s remembering not to judge me or anyone else as the emotions wash over or as the insights come. Hugs…
Beautifully written and an excellent reminder that we all operate on our on level of consciousnesses; and so does everyone else.
Love your blog.
Terri
Thanks Terri!
Your pictures are so illuminating and power up your words. Because you are so sensitive and intuitive, you knew correctly as a child that your parents could not be trusted with meeting all your deep needs, especially your emotional needs. They did love you the best they knew how to love. NOW you are sorting out and getting clear about their strengths and weaknesses while learning to trust your own inner Being to be a good mother and good father to you. When you go into that place that finds the pictures which speak volumes from your own soul to us, the faith that resides there is what connects you to God and all that is. I call it my soft mind. my intuitive connection to all that is,
I am so glad to hear from your introspections today. I had wondered this morning if you are still writing. You are a beautiful soul blooming. Thank you for sharing with me.
I know you understand all this Lee Ann. Thank you!
Great insight and wonderful writing – glad you decided to share this in such a beautiful way! This impacts so many of us, more than you know, I imagine 🙂
Love to you.
Kathleen
Thanks Kathleen.