In G-d we Trust

This past week, the GOP Republican convention in Tampa, Florida took place. Yes, Presidential elections are back in the news and what an exciting fight that always turns out to be. If you like watching Wrestling, Boxing and Ultimate Fighting matches, then the US Presidential elections is like the longest and most exciting match to keep up with. Take a huge tub of popcorn and watch the news for the next five months. The drama, tension and emotional rushes are sure to keep you entertained.

But on a serious note and, keeping away from taking a political stand, I did find one of the speeches in particular to be quite moving. Marco Rubio, a Senator from Florida gave one of the introductory speeches, and in it, he proudly declares faith in G-d as one of the cornerstones of American life.

"We are special because we've been united not by a common race or ethnicity. We're bound together by common values. That family is the most important institution in society. That Almighty G-d is the source of all we have," Rubio stated.

He continued, "Special, because we've never made the mistake of believing that we are so smart that we can rely solely on our leaders or our government. Our national motto is "In G-d we Trust," reminding us that faith in our Creator is the most important American  value of all."

What a bold statement to make! Nowadays, it is quite rare for a politician to take such a stand. Invoking G-d's blessing, declaring our unwavering faith and trust in G-d Almighty seems to be swiftly moving to the brink of extinction in American politics. Unfortunately, many seem to think that G-d is too ancient an idea to bring along in our progressing society.

Many forget that faith in G-d was one of the founding principles upon which America was founded. It is also an idea that is so central to the success of America. Just look at what is engraved on every single US coin. "In G-d we Trust." Without trust in G-d, we are nothing.

Trust in G-d is crucial from a religious as well as ideological perspective. But to a significant degree, I think it is also a fundamental element that allows us to excel and become successful, making it crucial on a selfish level too.

When one has absolute trust in G-d, then the problems in life, those realities which tend to challenge us and 'ruin our days' don't seem impossible to overcome anymore. Having faith brings a calm to our lives. It makes us content and grateful for what we were given, as well as giving us something to lean on when we are hit with struggles and challenges. If G-d is watching over us and G-d is good, then whatever is to happen in life - even if it is beyond my understanding, - is for the best. So it's not worth it to stress and sweat the challenges.

I always found the words In G-d we Trust engraved on the coins to be a very impressive display of faith. Of all places to declare that belief, putting it on money seems to be the most gutsy. They could have kept it in the constitution or printed it on their flags, but they chose to put it on their money. It says lots about the values of a country, when they put belief in G-d on the thing that tends to pull us as far away from G-d as possible. Perhaps the most stressful challenge in life is the pursuit of money. Money can be looked at as idolatry, when considering how much it is served and coveted, taking priority to holier, loftier pursuits. By remembering that it is ultimately G-d who decides how much money we will earn and how our lives will turn out - always for our best, - then we are able to maximize our potentials, becoming better spouses, friends, businessmen and people.

So if times are tough for you, (especially here in Cabo, where everyone is bracing themselves for a month or two of quiet and lack of cash flow,) remember that even money declares our trust in G-d almighty and his wonderful plan to life. It will all turn out for the best, I promise.