Merriam-Webster Dictionary define faith as:
1 a: allegiance to duty or a person : loyalty b (1): fidelity to one's promises (2): sincerity of intentions
2 a (1): belief and trust in and loyalty to God (2): belief in the traditional doctrines of a religion b (1): firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2): complete trust
3: something that is believed especially with strong conviction; especially : a system of religious beliefs

I am OK with 1 and 3, but here is the issue I am struggling with- A firm belief in something for which there is no proof (2): complete trust.
I am not just speaking of God and religion, but faith in general. I am starting to lose faith in humanity, faith in compassion and empathy. Faith in the human spirit, faith in a higher power and that there is or should be more and a reason for what we are given and why we have to endure what we endure.
I see so many atrocities every day, violence, abuse, neglect, lying, cheating and stealing- and it seems like more and more the bad guys are winning.
I try, God knows I try to keep a positive outlook, but turn on the news, open a paper or just look at how people treat one another and it makes my heart bleed.
Why are people so quick to abuse when it is just as easy to be kind? Why are people so inclined to violence, especially on those who cannot protect themselves? I am speaking of the elderly, children and animals? How can anyone born with a heart be so cruel and uncaring?
Are we not all born with love and empathy? Can we not all feel and care about the earth and everything in it?
I always believed that there is good in everyone, but I am starting to wonder if I have been fooling myself. If I have been so naive, so blind to what life is really about.
Is the bad outweighing the good? Are we fighting a losing battle? Should I just become cold and uncaring? Just say that is the way things are and always have been since the dawn of time and go on with my daily life as if all is OK in the world?
I walk down the street and see the pain in the faces of strangers- I want to stop and ask if they are OK, if there is anything I can do. I want to reach out and protect them, take away their tears and show them life can be wonderful. I actually feel what they are feeling, and it is taking a lot out of me.
Anyway, sorry to be such a downer- I just needed to vent.

OK, I have to get this off my chest...
It is our countries birthday, and I know we have a checkered past and we may not be proud of everything that we as a country have done, but show me one person in this world who doesn't feel the same way personally. The point is, we learn from our mistakes and we move on and are better for them.
I am so proud to be an American. I am thankful for all that we have, and all the opportunities we are given- even if we choose not to utilize them, they are there for us.
I am grateful for all of our brave men and women who lay their lives on the line every day to protect us and our freedom and keep us safe and secure.
I thank God that we can band together in times of crisis, color, creed, race and religion have no division when we are talking about us as Americans.
We unite through the darkest hours, and complete strangers will reach out and help you and catch you when you fall.
We may not have a perfect government, but our system allows us to make changes, use our voices and our power for our government is still by the people for the people.
I realize many of us will be at picnics and BBQ's with our family and friends, maybe a parade and fireworks to end the evening...
Please look at the faces of our Vets as they walk by, notice the flag and remember what it truly stands for:
Red
Red represents the blood spilled protecting our home.
It signifies valor and bravery.
Red is for the blood of the patriots and those that fight for our country.
White
Purity and innocence
Blue
Blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice
If you were born an American, or took the immigration test and are now an American, you are my family, you are part of me, and no matter where you hail from, what color you are, how much money you make, what your education is or what your political or religious affiliation is, I am honored to have you as a brother or sister.
God Bless the US.

Well as everyone in the world already knows, these past few months have been one helluva ride. Ups, downs, dark and light.. But I made it through! Still at the tail end but all is looking up.

I wanted to apologize if I am not around as much as I would like to be, I am starting a new business as a personal concierge, and this is exciting and painful and all consuming.

I am finding that starting my own business, with no one else to be accountable is as exhilarating as it is terrifying. For the 1st time in my life I am accountable for my success and measured on my sole performance and initiative.

I have never been one to shirk responsibility, and I have often been the driving force behind the success of others, but I have FINALLY come to my own and I am taking this drastic leap.

Funny how this is scarier then the day I said I do, or moved out of my mother's home. Well, they say the only way to grow is to face your fears. I am facing them, and the irony in the situation is my fears are staring me back in the face every time I pass a mirror.

Just a token thought, every person who reads this can make a change in the world for the better. No matter where you started, no matter what path life has led you down, you can change, and make changes bigger than you ever imagined whose impact reaches farther than you ever hoped for. The power to change the world starts at one, and like a spider web continues to grow outward catching the bad and letting through the good. Just remember, you are the one- trust in your inner voice and have the courage to speak out, your voice may be speaking for more than you know.