Beliefs

Do I believe as you believe?

Probably not.

Did I believe as you believe?

Somewhat.

Will I believe as you believe?

Definitely Not.

To me, belief is like the ocean near the shore.

Big waves forcing me back to the beach.

Medium waves covering me from head to toe.

Small waves gently lapping at my feet.

Core beliefs

I feel, I was born with these.

Equality for all.

Be kind.

Stand Strong.

Hold the hand of the helpless.

Remove the burden from someone’s back.

Protect the child.

Religious beliefs

I feel, I was gifted.

Love thy Neighbor as thyself.

Feed the people.

Place others’ needs before your own.

Bless the children and the animals.

Gather the lost sheep.

Beliefs can be mystical and contain Grace.

They can be the butterfly in a field of flowers.

They can be Evil, causing destruction and Death.

They can be the hurricane in the ocean.

Beliefs can come and go.

Will my beliefs ever match yours exactly?

Probably not.

Will you try to make your beliefs my own or the other way round?

Probably.

Can we learn to teach our children well?

Can we have our beliefs walk side by side?

Definitely.

—Melissa K. Tolliver