Beliefs take a hit when your world is rocked and something so out of the ordinary is thrown your way. Belief in ourselves, in humanity, and in a "Higher Power" are shaken down to the very core of one's existence....... perhaps that is why some say they have none.....

With no hope, there is nothing invested. Nothing is lost. In my opinion, that is not a life lived.

The kids and I came to this land of idolized images and perceptions perpetrated, with great expectations and good intentions. Had our belief system hinged on man's ways and what money secures, we would be sunk, let down left and right......... however,

"Hope is the anchor for our souls which is firm and secure....."

As a woman and mom, I have always tried to offer the best of my beliefs to my kids, not cramming in through control, but modeling by my lifestyle. Here, the climate is not conducive even to the basics; there then, is no foundation to build from. Nothing is firm. Nothing is sound. The ground shifts. There is no progression.

When loss hits, there's a chance to rebuild......... your beliefs, the basics.

There have been tough lessons for my 20 year old to learn lately......... issues of incompetency in every arena; hoping for help but finding there is no one to care in this SoCal climate. Self preservation prevails......... it is The Beautiful Letdown.

My belief remains that each lesson learned and opportunity taken is meant to add to the quality of my life, in one way or another. Hope is a hot commodity; easily taken or traded away; hope needs to be protected. For some, it is all that is left to build upon........

Hope is a belief in the better.