The word “believe” is tossed about in a variety of ways.

• I believe anything is possible!
• There are creeds that state, “We believe in God the Almighty….”
• I saw “Believe” emblazoned on the side of Santa’s mailbox on a recent trip to the mall and plastered on many signs throughout the store.
• There is believe as in the Miracle on 34th Street variety!
• In an account in the book of Acts, after a massive earthquake a despondent jailer woke up to learn that his prisoners escaped and he was bent on killing himself for fear of retribution.  He asked the question of Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household” – Acts 16:30-31

The dictionary puts it this way – “to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so”.

Personally, I like the version of believe that has one person infusing a confidence in another person, perhaps when they lack the confidence in themselves.  The kind of confidence that says:

• “I am on your side.”
• “I have your back.”
• “I know you can do it.”
• “We’re in this together.”

I had the gift of belief given to me last night.  A gift of belief bestowed on me by my wife, Jackie.  In the pursuit of my writing endeavors, she let me know I have the green light to move forward in some areas – she let me know I have her support.

In the words of a famous commercial, it was to me – Priceless!

Starting something new is exciting, but there are moments that doubt would like to creep in.  It is nice to know that she was saying, “We’re in this together”.

As you watch this clip from the movie, Cinderella Man, absorb the belief James J. Braddock’s wife (based on a true story) instills in him as he is about to face the fight of his life.  Although she has her own fears, she tells him who he is.  The scene is transformative.

Is there someone in your world that can use an arm around his or her shoulder where your words or actions tell them you believe in them?

One side note – please excuse the video clip not extending full frame.