When it comes to me and my soul, I believe. What a powerful statement that is, but do you know of what I believe in, would you know & would you know why? I have seen men pray, pray with their hands, pray on their knees, pray on the ground, and pray to the sky, I have seen men pray. I have seen men pray with smiles and some with tears all while shaking in their faith whether it be from an overpowering trust or a questioning fear. We’ve all been witness to a miracle and to a tragedy, and by many of whom may read this your answers of what you believe in will vary, but I ask you where does your faith lie? When the sun rises each morning do you too rise and embrace the infantile breathe of a new day with it’s innocence and lack of intention; is it a miracle or a tragedy? Belief is powerful, it is the Alpha and the Omega, the Several Pillars on which we form ourselves, the Dozen or more Principles we base our foundation on, the Karmic harmony where perhaps the only solid ground is the very Earth you live on, but the Nirvana in which your belief manifests is always reserved for one, you. So you tell me you read the good book, alright, which one? Should I be asking you what you believe in and with absolute conviction swallow every word that spills out to be authentic to the life you live, or should I be watching what your actions unfold placing my confidence in the force you are? Is this blind trust or is this faith? The difference between the two is doubt and hope, where faith lies you find hope, and with blind trust you are doubting. So I’ll ask again, where does your faith lie? There are many certainties in life and it seems many refuse to count on self reliance and their own faith to see them through this journey in which we are all aware we walk alone. Our path is our very own, and ah yes, I can hear it now…my last statement of walking alone is surfacing to many as a disbelief. To those of whom who call this derisive, we know where your faith lies and for that you are not alone. With this I would ask or let’s say challenge those of you who know where your faith lies to walk your path and to bridge amongst those you love, but do not force others to adhere to your own. Faith is not found in a book or building, but rather faith is hope, faith is love, faith is clarity, faith is personal, and faith is not found; faith is a trust only you can build within you. The resolve of a man built with an enduring devotion in his faith will certainly be unwavering, and I place my faith in me. There is no question, I am the keeper of my soul, and my actions will speak volumes as to my words in this life I lead; my misfortunes and glory are my own. I may not bow my head or get on my knees in prayer, alternately I place my hope alongside a more personal narrative, in the fortitudinous of my very own soul.
To confide in where my faith lies is to wonder at the prospect of the ideal I’d like to become. So though I do not pray, I endeavor forward to a greater understanding.
I am not religious, but I believe in faith. -SM