FAITH?

I'm not sure as to what I should believe in.


There are a few religions out there that have cornered the faith market like they are the only ones that have it.


You have some that use guilt and punishment to force their ideals.


Others try unrelenting harassment.


Some truly are kind and generous with a hint of weird.


Often I come across those who have been "saved".


I feel sorry for anyone within hearing distance of them, because nothing you do will save you from the flames.


Even if they do have six illegitimate children with four women and spend their whole lives hiding from the support magistrate.


There are people who choose to worship quietly


in the comfort of their own homes.


Now, WHAT they are worshiping is a whole other issue.


Up until now, I have rallied against the conformity of Christianity.


Ten people can read the same bible


and walk away with completely different takes on it.


That's why it was written the way it is people,


So it could be manipulated and twisted into whatever one wished.


I prefer the simplicity of the old ways.


Wicca for instance is built around nature


and all that has always existed,


not men that someone embellished on.


My people had what I consider to be a healthy fear of powers greater than man, powers that controlled the fates and allowed food to be brought to the masses.


Nothing in the forest, on the land or in the waters, lived or died without approval and gifts. If the gods were unhappy, the storms would descend and clear away all that was evil.


Population control came disguised as small pocks.


Or the Paleface.


I have always relied on myself to make it through.


Not such a bad plan, though I can understand the need to believe in something other than yourself.


Something bigger than life.


So you have someone else to blame when it all goes to shit.


There are people that go through most of their lives agreeing to disagree with religion, then they get a piece of ass


and they are miraculously a church-going soul.


If I decide on marriage,


I will be content with a quiet,


natural ceremony.


Perhaps even a Justice of the Peace,


but if you think you'll catch me in those greedy, lying, glass houses


well you have another thing coming.


I believe in me.


I believe in my own strength.


I believe in my own ability to overcome.


Only I can make Me happy.


I can provide my own Peace.


I do not have to rely on criminals and crooks


hiding behind their God.