What is the greatest belief?
Beliefs are plentiful
There is no number that could adequately represent the amount of beliefs humans have. The thing that differentiates them is the depth. Believing in something with all your heart and soul is really deep. We learn those words early on in life and reserve them for the important stuff. When I was young enough to have mastered riding a two-wheeler, I really wanted a bike. But I didn’t ask for one for Christmas. I was a very obedient child. I really didn’t think Santa would bring one and the practical side of me made a list with the toys I thought he could manage. When you have multiple siblings, you temper your requests because you know from experience that it ain’t gonna happen. I was super surprised when I saw two bikes near the tree on Christmas morning. My brother got a bike also. I loved my bike. It was fun to ride, and I didn’t even have to tell anyone that I wanted it. My silent belief was answered.
Religious beliefs
Previously I stated that I wouldn’t say alot about these beliefs because I like folks to have their own deeply held convictions about the universe. But let’s visit these home-grown thoughts to appreciate everyone’s perspective. Religious beliefs typically come from our original family and culture. They are beautiful representations of our higher selves. Weekend services have stirring music, impressive buildings, devoted followers and activities meant to make us better people. There is little to argue with any of those thoughts. But they can separate us into camps. If you ever went to camp, you know about rivalry, pranks and the thrill of victory over the other less-cool cabins. It’s really true, our lessons are learned in our youth.
Similar Thoughts
These won’t be new terms to you. Faith and Hope. I think they mix very well. If you have faith in anything, you also have hope. Most religions rely on very similar wording. That is remarkable since we can’t get the world to agree to many things. These rock-solid beliefs hold us to a high standard. They create levels of behavior that rule our laws and the way we should treat each other. When humans interact one on one, there is a reduction in animosity. We cooperate more when we see each other as individuals and not as just others. Faith and Hope. Ideals are slippery to define but help us feel good about ourselves when we follow a version of them. If disparate religions create separation, ideals connect. The walls tumble down when we look at each other as the same. After all, religious beliefs shouldn’t really break us up. That’s just what the powerful forces want so that they can keep their ranks numerous. Nobody really knows what the truest of all religions is.
Thoughts and Prayers
This line is repeated whenever there is a crisis and someone behind a podium needs to have something to say. It may have sounded good the first time, but it is worn out. But we have thoughts and prayers every day because thoughts can be prayers. Think about what comes out of your mouth when you know that a fallen tree narrowly missed your new car, or the rain stopped just in time for you to run into a formal occasion, or you got paid early enough to feed your family for a holiday. Those are prayers. You might not have folded your hands or bowed your head, but you prayed. With love in your heart. You dodged something. Had you asked for it? Maybe not. But that didn’t mean that you didn’t deserve it, just like my bike. Think about these religious beliefs. Faith, hope and love. They were factory-installed in you. Just notice them from time to time. And say your prayers. Your own way.
In the heat of battle, what does your prayer sound like? Do you pray for yourself as well as others?
