Kanaka Thinking - Spiritual Strength

Ola no ka mea akua, make no ka mea akua 'ole

He who has a god lives; he who has none, dies.

Indeed our spiritual underpinning is based on the fact that humans are weak. But when we have a foundation of faith in an omnipotent God, we can perservere. This is the way of the Native, no matter what geographic location, which is based on the acknowledgement of spiritual beings which created the universe. Gratitude and respect for nature and the environment are ways of worship. The acknowledgement of the contributions of our kupuna or elders keep us based on family ties and expectations. The sense of community/family is strong and very unlike the "modern" way of life that seems so egocentric and Me centered. When one is down and out in an egocentric existence, who is there to turn to but depression and sorrow.

But when one lives a life of faith, hope is the element that allows us to endure the most trying times. To live a life of gratitude and respect is a blessing indeed.