Watching the Olympics I have heard the word belief A LOT! When participants have been asked about their performance they have spoken about belief in themselves but also belief in their teams and from their teammates. That belief gave them a strength that they possibly didn’t realise they had.

When I looked up the word belief it said “trust, faith or confidence in someone or something” that’s what these olympians need, and it’s a great example for us to follow. Many of the contestants have been making the heart shape with their hands, as shown above. I think this has been because of the lack of support in the stadiums this year. They have been showing their encouragement to each other but also as recognition of the result of the encouragement they have received.

Belief is often associated with religions or the spiritual, and I think this is linked with another definition “an acceptance that something exists or is true, especially one without proof”. People believe in aspects of spirituality for many different reasons, maybe because of things they have been told or experienced; but it is their belief and that belief then gives them trust and confidence in the future.

So where does your belief lie? Is it in God? Or in yourself? Or maybe it relies on other people? I imagine for many people, although one maybe stronger it’s actually a mixture of more than one. The belief I have in myself comes from a belief in a God who created and loves me, but also from a community of people who believe in me as well. It’s taken me time to realise this, and to accept that I NEED that community at times when I’m struggling to find any belief in myself; but that’s OK when it’s all part of the journey.

I’m going to end this blog with the chorus of the title song of the movie ‘the Prince of Egypt’ hopefully you’ll see why – especially if you’re familiar with the movie!

“There can be miracles; When you believe; Though hope is frail, it’s hard to kill. Who knows what miracles you can achieve; When you believe, somehow you will; You will when you believe”