Keep the faith

This could be another baseball post...given the fact this image is of Boston, with "Keep the Faith" and "Go Sox" off in the background.  It could be about the hope a fan may have for their team at the beginning of the season, the middle of the season, end of season, all the way up to play-offs and, hope above all hopes, winning the pennant.  It could be...but really, it is about something bigger.  

What does it mean to keep the faith?  What does that statement truly mean into a society where we are so focused on surviving, on what we think we want vs. what we think we need?  Does this sign serve as a simple reminder at the end of the day to not give up?  Or just another reminder that we need to keep going, continue on our path and not lose our way?

When I was younger, it was easier to keep faith.  Things were simple. I had faith my parents would be there for me.  I had faith I would go to school, see my friends.  I had faith on the simplest of levels.  I believed with the simplest of thoughts.  As time has passed, that simplistic approach has changed.  

Somehow along the journey of my life, my heart has been broken, I have learned people cannot always be trusted, learned that those who claim to be there for you will not be when it is not convenient for them.  I have learned to not reveal my heart as an open book due to those that have abused my heart.  I have learned sometimes, regardless of how hard you may try, if the other person is not willing to meet you even half way you will get hurt.  Suddenly the things I had faith in on the simplest of levels has now become complicated beyond measure.  That spirit of carefree, loving enjoyment is gone.  

Sometimes I need the reminders that things will be okay, or that I can do something.  Sometimes I need a reminder that this is a beautiful world, a beautiful life.  Sometimes I need that billboard shouting out to keep the faith, because it is a reminder in action to take it upon myself to continue on, ever being thankful.