Resilience, Faith, and a Sense of Meaning: Anchoring the Soul in Purpose
In times of uncertainty, disappointment, or fatigue, what keeps a woman of faith grounded? Beyond strategies and skills, there is something deeper—a sense of purpose. It is this inner focus on meaning that bolsters resilience, guiding a woman through the complexities of leadership, caregiving, advocacy, or simply staying present in a world that constantly pulls in different directions.
What Is “Sense of Meaning”?
A sense of meaning is the belief that life has purpose, coherence, and significance. It’s the internal compass that helps someone endure hardship without losing direction. As Viktor Frankl (1984) wrote in Man’s Search for Meaning, “Those who have a ‘why’ to live can bear almost any ‘how.’”
For women of faith, this sense of meaning is often deeply spiritual—grounded in the belief that they are intentionally created, called to a greater mission, and cared for by the divine even amidst suffering.
Resilience and Meaning: Why They Need Each Other
Resilience is often described as the ability to adapt positively when facing adversity. However, meaning gives resilience its purpose. Without meaning, resilience can turn into just endurance or mere performance. When it has meaning, resilience becomes transformative.
Studies in positive psychology affirm that individuals who report a higher sense of meaning:
Are more likely to bounce back from trauma,
Experience reduced rates of depression and burnout.
And are more likely to engage in prosocial leadership behaviors (Steger et al., 2006).
In other words: meaning not only sustains the self but also empowers the leader.
Faith as a Source of Meaning
Faith traditions across cultures have long emphasized that meaning is not self-made; rather, it is received, uncovered, and embodied.
Faith fosters meaning in several key ways:
Narrative: Scripture and sacred stories frame personal hardship as part of a larger story of redemption, renewal, and legacy.
Identity: Faith affirms that every person is known, loved, and purposeful by God—not for comfort, but for influence.
Belonging: Spiritual communities provide a space to work through pain, find purpose, and stay connected to something greater than oneself.
A woman of faith doesn’t just ask, “What am I going through?” She also asks, “What is God forming in me through this?”
When Meaning Feels Distant
Sometimes purpose feels hard to find—when routines weigh us down, when guidance seems unclear, and when inner strength runs low. These moments aren’t signs of failure; they serve as reminders to pause and reconnect with spiritual truth.
Some questions to explore:
Am I living from a place of pressure or of purpose?
Have I mistaken productivity for meaning?
What does faith invite me to remember about who I am and why I am here?
Practices to Deepen Meaning and Strengthen Resilience
Reflect on Your Journey. Journaling your life’s turning points—especially where faith and challenge meet—can help uncover your unique sense of meaning.
Return to Scripture or Sacred Texts. Identify verses or teachings that affirm your identity, remind you of your purpose, and speak to seasons of struggle.
Engage in Acts of Service. Meaning often becomes clearer not in isolation, but through giving. Serving others reinforces a sense of agency and a sense of contribution.
Name What Matters Most. Regularly revisit your “why.” What values or beliefs do you want to shape your life and leadership?
Reflection Questions
What provides my life with meaning, even during painful or uncertain times?
How has my sense of purpose evolved or strengthened through challenges?
What spiritual truths help me re-center when I feel disconnected from meaning?
A Final Thought
In times of fatigue or grief, a woman may feel as if her sense of purpose has slipped away. But faith reminds us that meaning isn't always something we need to create—it is something we can receive, revisit, and live from. By doing so, we not only regain resilience but also become a source of strength and hope for others.
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References
Frankl, V. E. (1984). Man’s Search for Meaning. Washington Square Press.
Steger, M. F., Frazier, P., Oishi, S., & Kaler, M. (2006). The meaning in life questionnaire: Assessing the presence of and search for meaning in life. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 53(1), 80–93.