A grandmother in our community shared with me that ever since her 9‑year‑old granddaughter watched a news segment containing violence, the child has been unable to fall asleep.

"She refuses to close her eyes, " she added, "and only drifts off when she’s physically too exhausted to keep them open. She’s terrified that something bad might happen to her.

The grandmother asked how she could help her granddaughter.

I explained that there are many professionals who can help, as well as plenty of useful tips available online. But since I teach parents how to be healers for themselves and their children, I’ll share with you a powerful, lifelong tool. One you can give yourself, your children, and grandchildren at any age to help cope with fear, anxiety attacks, or any challenge—the tool is faith.

So how is faith connected to coping with challenging life situations? And how can faith help the granddaughter overcome her fears?

Story from the "Restart" Program 2021

In 2021, during the final week of the Restart program, one mother shared: "I'm afraid my faith isn't strong enough."

I asked her: Faith in what?

"That the Creator will really help me in my life," she replied. "That I'm worthy of receiving help, that my prayers are even heard. I don't believe I have the ability to persevere."

I asked her: "What DO you believe in?" After a few seconds of thought, she answered: "I believe in love and giving."

I told her: "That's very powerful. You have faith in very positive things. Share with me, what does it mean that you believe in love and giving?"

She responded: "I believe that when there's love in my life and when I'm giving, everything will be good. It brings a lot of hope, calm, and peace to my life."

I told her, “Whenever you feel scared, worried, or discouraged, remind yourself of your faith in love. Have an inner dialogue around this idea, such as:”

• When I embrace love, love will return to me and my family
• Love will heal the situation
• I need to find someone to give love to because it always empowers me
• When I give love to myself, I feel loved by the world
• My love protects my children and grandchildren
• My giving always brings blessings in return

I asked her: "Do you think there are other people around you who believe in love and giving?" "Yes, definitely," she answered. "So maybe your husband, parents, and friends believe in the same things. When people around you believe in the same things, it strengthens your faith."

Example of Two Patients

Consider two people with the same illness:

• The first believes her body betrayed her and she goes to fight it
• The second believes her body is wise and chose illness as the best solution

Both suffer from the same illness, yet their lives unfold very differently because of their beliefs. The first feels helpless and angry, while the second remains calm and determined to work in harmony with her body.

The Solution for the Granddaughter

In one of the Restart programs during COVID, a grandmother shared that her 12-year-old granddaughter had anxiety attacks when left alone with her younger sister. The grandmother guided her:

"Close your eyes and see me hugging you tightly." The granddaughter immediately felt relief.

The grandmother instilled new faith in her: "Grandma can always be with you, anytime, anywhere. All you need to do is close your eyes and see me hugging you."

After a week of practice and phone conversations, the anxiety completely disappeared.

One of the strongest things within a person is their network of beliefs. When those beliefs are negative, they limit; when they are positive, they empower and uplift.

I wish you a network of strong, positive beliefs that will support you and radiate goodness into the world.

With love,
Hannah ❤️