I am amazed by Hillary Clinton. I am amazed by her performance during the debate with Donald Trump on Oct. 9.

In the face of a relentless onslaught of attacks against her record, her husband, her judgment, her decision-making, her integrity, her veracity, and her character, she remained disciplined in her responses, dignified in her demeanor, and composed despite (I am sure) having her blood pressure spike to levels that could be lethal.

I am a Hillary admirer — although I am not oblivious to her flaws, failings, and bad choices over the years. I also recognize that there are those who consider her overly tied to the political and corporate establishment.

However, what strikes me repeatedly when I see her in action—on the campaign trail and on the debate stage—is her ability to stay steady, rein in impulsive responses, smile when she might want to scream, and discipline herself to stay on message and out of the gutter.

This past Sunday while debating Donald Trump—who taunted, scolded, threatened, and insulted her—Hillary Clinton rose above his viciousness and returned over and over again to talk about the real issues: foreign and domestic policy, improving the lives of children and families, energy and climate change, health care, the Supreme Court, and tax relief.

Hillary quotes Michelle Obama often saying, “When they go low, we go high.” And somehow, in an almost super-human way, she did just that.

I have been wondering how Hillary Clinton can remain so poised and dignified under a tsunami of pressure and scrutiny, as well as devastating accusations, slurs and affronts. As a pastor, I have found myself wondering if Hillary’s faith is keeping her upright, steady, and sane.

When asked directly about her faith, Hillary will speak openly about her beliefs, but she does not introduce the topic into campaign speeches or Presidential debates. She is careful when speaking about her Christianity and does not use it as a badge of honor or a way to win over evangelical voters.

Asked about her faith at a recent town hall-style event in Iowa, Hillary said this:

“I am a person of faith. I am a Christian. I am a Methodist … I think that any of us who are Christian have a constant conversation in our own heads about what we are called to do and how we are asked to do it.”

Later in her response she added, “… I do believe that in many areas judgment should be left to God, that being more open, tolerant and respectful is part of what makes me humble about my faith, and I am in awe of people who truly turn the other cheek … who can go the extra mile that we are called to go, who keep finding ways to forgive and move on.”

Hillary’s long, thoughtful and measured response to the question — which afforded her a rare opportunity to speak about her views on Christianity and the Bible — gave me insight into how she may be coping with the punishing rhetoric and nasty accusations swirling around her.

She said that the instructions she received from her family and her church growing up shaped her life. And I believe they did. I sense that Hillary learned how to fill a well inside her with prayer, faith, and a close connection with God — a well she can now dip into when the assaults on her character come fast and furious, and she is tempted to go low when go those around her go low.

I do not think Hillary is a perfect person, a perfect Christian, a perfect anything. But I do think that there is often a serenity on her face that I attribute to a deep sense of alignment with God. As a pastor, I believe that there is quiet center inside each one of us where we can rest in the comfort of God’s love, peace, and grace. And I am choosing to believe Hillary retreats to that place often.

Something is helping this woman deal with mind-numbing fatigue, bone-crushing schedule, and heart-wounding attacks. I hope her faith is fueling and sustaining her at this time. I hope that despite the torrent of assaults, Hillary is able to withdraw to a quiet and even holy place inside where she can rest.

The Rev. Andrea Ayvazian, pastor of the Haydenville Congregational Church, writes a monthly column on faith, culture and politics. She can be reached at opinion@gazettenet.com.