Faith also gives, and receives. It gives one confidence to believe in Truth, in values, to rely on others and to trust. One can also find consistency, actuality and steadfastness. For example, faith-healers need implicit faith in themselves and a very deep conviction of faith in the people they treat and "cure".

Faith is a confident belief that does not rely on logical or material evidence. Only faith can make one believe in "miracles". To keep a faith can, at times, be a difficult thing. When one is faced with the unkindness, the injustices and the sorrows of life it is almost inevitable to feel abandoned by God; but faith returns when one realises the unending love of God.

Belief and trust in God as presented in the scriptures, or any sacred work, can be a source of great inspiration. Also, the suffering of others can arouse great feelings of admiration and acceptance that God's way is the only way.

Religion is essentially a way of life: belief in dogma and routine worship; obedience to rules; sharing experiences; learning to accept people of all races and creeds, and to care about them. The word Religion often conveys feelings of superiority but, in essence, it is the expression of Man's belief in a supernatural power that created the Universe. Another form of religion is to become a very keen collector of things. One often hears it said that so-and-so makes a religion of his hobby. So it would appear that, although religion can take many disguises, faith is an entirely different concept. It can be seen as the roots, and religion as the branches. Faith goes deep into the soul and nurtures the heart and mind. Religion is the cover spreading its leafy branches over it all.

When I first caught religion (seriously) I was still a child, nicknamed by my family "Holy Jean". As a child I was always impressed by the show of religion: The communal singing and heartfelt joy expressed by some; I loved the clapping and arm movements; the general volubility of the clergy. It always appeared to me to be a performance enjoyed by all, especially the children. As I grew older, religion became a more secret thing inside me. I lived in a non-religious community, and I suppose I found it was less painful to be quiet about my inner thoughts. I remember the explosion at home when they discovered I had been concealing my religious thoughts and doings from them all. Nonetheless, I survived and lived to fulfil my desires. Later (much later) my Mum said I was the only one of her children she felt truly loved her, and added "I expect it's because of your religion. You really have had time for me."

Now that I am old myself I realise how very much old people can be a drag on the younger generation, especially as we so often know the answers to various problems. It becomes a very great temptation to say "I told you so", but if we are sensible we hold our tongues.