Faith doesn't....

...have to be religious.

First, let's start with a definition of faith (there are a couple, but this is the one I'm working with here):

faith

/fāTH/

noun

noun: faith

 complete trust or confidence in someone or something.

Thank you Google search for making it easy.

Most people associate faith with some type of deity. That works for a lot of people. It keeps them riding the path of the righteous, so to speak. Faith applies to so many areas of life.

I have several friends who believe different things; who have faith that what they do helps them or helps others. I understand all walks of faith. Religious faith, natural faith, healing faith, spiritual faith, they all serve a purpose for individuals. Faith is love, faith is caring, faith is empathy, faith is sympathy, faith is joy, faith is solidarity, faith is many things to many people.

Sometimes, that's all it takes is faith. Studies show in some cases placebos (a harmless pill, medicine, or procedure prescribed more for the psychological benefit to the patient than for any physiological effect [thanks again Google search]) work better than the actual medication or procedure because the person has faith that whatever it is they're doing/taking will work.

Now, I'm not talking the quacks that peddle themselves as faith healers (you know the people I'm talking about "send me all of your money and I'll pray for you and you'll walk again").  I'm talking about real people, people who find themselves drawn to things other than standard Western Medicine or standard Christianity (if you can say there is such a thing).

Whether or not you believe in them is neither here nor their, but by passing judgement and attempting to shake the faith of people who believe differently than yourself, you're doing damage. You're doing damage to something that is ultimately none of your damn business.

I was brought up through the Catholic Church (which is no longer where I fit, not that I'm sure I ever did). When my father died, I lost faith in God (I am two years older than my father was when he died). It's that simple. I've tried over the years to regain that faith to no avail.

I'm generally a good person. I've made mistakes, but I try to do the right thing. I have always tried to have faith in the fact that being a good person will bring good things to me. I'm trying to teach my children that same philosophy.

If I let go of that faith, everything I've done is for naught.

~Kim