Suspending Belief (poem) by John Herlihy on AuthorsDen

Suspending Belief
by John Herlihy → (All Poetry by John Herlihy)
Monday, May 5, 2025 Rated "G" by the Author.

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Suspending Belief by John Herlihy I confess to being a person with an abiding faith, Living my life trusting another as an earthly waif. I face hardships, sorrows too, but uphold belief, The world contains meaning, a mystery with relief. I confess that faith only works in trusting another, Trusting blindly in a reality as a faithful brother. Is trust an abyss too wide or a bridge too far, Leaping into the unknown of some far distant star. Still there are moments in life when we suspend belief, In superheroes and magic tricks we welcome disbelief. Willingly playing along with an unbelievable situation, Willing to take part in a notion without any hesitation. Why then in believing in God do I at times feel ridicule, Being put down before others in a manner most cruel. I consider my accusers the ones who suspend belief, While I address life’s mystery with my attended belief. - - - - - Copyright © John Herlihy Sunday 23 February 2025

Reviewed by Jms Bell

Reviewed on July 25, 2025

WHEN WE WALK BY FAITH...NOT BY SIGHT, THIS MUST APPLY TO EVERYTHING. MEANING THAT 'WHATEVER' OCCURS'...GOOD OR BAD...GOD IS IN IT. HE ALLOWS 'RIDICULE' FOR OUR GROWTH. HOW WELL WE CAN TAKE IT AND STILL 'PRESS-ON' IN 'HIS' LIGHT ALLOWS US TO SEE HOW WELL WE ARE PERMITTING THE HOLY SPIRIT TO WORK IN US. I MUST CONFESS, I DON'T DO WELL ON THIS AVENUE JOHN, I TEND TO 'HIT BACK'(SOMETIMES NASTILY) AND THEN FEEL REGRET. BUT I AM PRAYING ABOUT IT. THANK GOD FOR MERCY AND GRACE THAT COVERS SUCH 'SPILLS'...MINE AND 'THEIRS'. WONDERFUL! THANKS FOR SHARING. LOVE, BLESSINGS AND FAITH...HIS+INSPIRATIONS

Reviewed by Rebecca McKeehan

Reviewed on May 13, 2025

I know the feelings you've expressed here. Sometimes I wonder if those who find the faith of others offensive is because they themselves can't, as opposed to won't, believe for themselves. Could their animosity be rooted in envy?

Rebecca

Reviewed by Diana Wiles

Reviewed on May 9, 2025

Being true to our own hearts and beliefs is the way I see it�
Others who cruelly comment merely heap ridicule
Upon themselves�

Regards,
Diana�🌿

Reviewed by Ronald Hull

Reviewed on May 7, 2025

I don't mind what others believe as long as that belief doesn't result in them creating violence on other people driven by its tenets.

But if we blindly believe because we were indoctrinated at a very young age to believe, part of growing up is examining why we are believing and whether or not it really has any help for us in our busy lives.

For me, I have faith in my own judgment, even though it is sometimes wrong. Others need the reinforcement of faith in something external, higher if you will, that's up to them to follow or not. I just don't waste my time.

Ron

Reviewed by Richard Cederberg

Reviewed on May 6, 2025

Bottom line: "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.� Hebrews 11:6. Every human will give an account for what he has chosen to embrace and believe. And that will become abundantly (and irreversibly) clear when we close our eyes in death. Thank you for your thoughts, John. Hope you're well. r