Radical Trust: Lessons from faith
Radical Trust: Lessons from Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa
By: Kristina Valdez, MSW and CEO of Along The Way
The season of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa offers profound lessons on radical trust in times of uncertainty and adversity. Central to these traditions are stories of resilience, faith, and hope, which serve as a powerful reminder of the strength derived from trust in divine providence and communal values.
Trusting God’s Plan: The Christmas Miracle
The story of Christmas is rooted in radical trust. Mary, a young woman in an occupied land, accepted the divine message that she would bring the Savior into the world under extraordinary and challenging circumstances. Joseph, her betrothed, also displayed unwavering trust by standing by her side despite societal judgment and uncertainty. Their faith was not just personal but transformative, paving the way for a divine plan that changed history.
This theme of trust amidst trials encourages us to find faith when life feels out of control. Just as Mary and Joseph trusted God to guide them through their challenges, we too can find strength in trusting a higher purpose, even when the path ahead is unclear.
Hanukkah: Trust in God’s Provision
Hanukkah commemorates the miraculous provision of oil that lasted eight days instead of one during the rededication of the Second Temple. This story is a testament to the faith of the Jewish people in the face of persecution and the belief that divine intervention would sustain them.
The lesson of Hanukkah aligns with radical trust in uncertain times. It reminds us to focus on what we have, however little it may seem, and trust that it will be enough. This powerful message encourages gratitude and hope, even when resources and circumstances appear insufficient.
Kwanzaa: Trusting in Unity and Collective Purpose
Kwanzaa, rooted in African traditions, emphasizes the principle of “Umoja” (Unity) and “Kujichagulia” (Self-Determination). These principles reflect a deep trust in the strength of community and the belief in our collective ability to overcome adversity. By coming together in solidarity and leaning on shared values, individuals can build a brighter future.
This trust in community mirrors the radical trust seen in Christmas and Hanukkah—believing that, through unity and shared purpose, obstacles can be overcome and progress can be made.
Themes of Radical Trust Across Traditions
Across these holidays, the idea of radical trust emerges in multiple ways:
• Faith in Adversity: Trusting that light will shine in the darkest moments, as seen in the stories of Jesus’ birth and the miracle of Hanukkah.
• Community Strength: Believing in the power of collective action and unity, a cornerstone of Kwanzaa.
• Hope for the Future: Trusting that efforts today will create a better tomorrow, guided by divine providence or shared human values.
Living Out Radical Trus
This holiday season invites us to reflect on how we can embrace radical trust in our own lives. For me, personally, I place my radical trust in God, believing that Along The Way’s mission is not about me (though it is dear to me), and that its impact has the potential to be far greater than anyone on Earth can imagine; I know this in my core because at its heart, Along The Way’s mission to bring community, acceptance and hope wherever we serve is known by another name, radical love for our neighbors in the most tangible of ways – showing up day in and day out to walk along the way with them.
I encourage everyone reading to think about possible invitations to radical trust that may be calling to you. Whether it’s believing in a higher power, trusting in the resilience of community, or holding onto hope when the way forward seems uncertain, these traditions teach us that faith, trust, and tangible community are vital tools for overcoming life’s challenges.
May the stories of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa inspire us all to nurture trust—in ourselves, in each other, and in the divine plan that guides us.
Click here to watch a short video reflection on how radical trust shows up for me in my leadership of Along The Way.