#Scintilla Day 6: Still, I Have Faith

I'm one of those people other people sometimes can't stand:

Always smiling.


Always optimistic.


Ready to give anyone the benefit of the doubt.


Positive that it will all work out in the end.

I am this way without irony or deceit or hyperbole. Sincere without being saccharine. I can't help but be this way, and I can't ever remember a time when I wasn't.

I have faith that people are inherently good. Yes, I know the depraved things we are capable of doing to each other, and yes, I have witnessed things that might test my faith in this principle. Still, I have faith.

I have faith that no matter the difficulties I face, there will always be a brighter tomorrow, a satisfactory ending, a way to make the hurting stop. Yes, I have felt pain, and a darkness I was certain would be impossible to climb out of, and I have watched those I love experience worse. I know many never live to see the silver lining. Still, I have faith.

I have faith that those I help along this road will appreciate it, and will be better for it. And I will be better for it. Oh yes, I have been taken advantage of emotionally and psychologically. Still, I have faith.

I have faith that loving another is never a mistake, and that love is possible for all. Yes, I have seen the way love turns to hurt turns to disdain, or worse. Still, I have faith.

Still. I have faith. Because if I don't, there is no point. For life to have meaning, I have to have faith.