Whom do you trust? What do you trust? Do you trust?
Trust is a word seldom spoken these days unless it is used in legal terms. If it is used it is with great caution and it is often considered to be a weakness, such as having blind faith. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary refers to trust as “assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something”. The word’s root is in Old Norse, an ancient North Germanic language of Scandinavia and it’s meaning was “strong”.
So somewhere in the history of the word trust, the meaning must have communicated strength; and the giver of trust was one who had “assured reliance” on the outcome of trusting.
Trust, in its original ideal, was more dependent on the person trusting than on the person or object to be trusted. In other words, to give trust implied that one had confidence in his or her choice. That the person giving trust had vetted well enough to be “assured reliance”. This is not “blind faith”. This requires a strength born of knowing, not simply hoping, that the gift of trust will be rewarded.
Trust is a tool we can use, not abuse and not one to hide behind. It is a gift we give to those who have proven beyond a doubt that they are worthy of our trust. That is the strength of trust. It is wholly dependent on the reasoning and the wisdom of each of us; and it is born of our discernment.
As we go through this very complicated moment in time, where truth is hidden and lies are boldly told, it is imperative that we revive within us the wisdom of trust. Trust is a powerful gift that should not be given lightly.
So when you consider giving the power of your trust to a salesperson, politician, doctor, clergy, facebook or anyone else, it may be wise to remember that your trust is your strength, not your weakness…and perhaps the most important trust is in your Self.
This piece aired on Thursday May 17 on WDRT‘s “Consider This”.
