Issues of trust.

Trust is one of the most troubling issues in this day and time. We talk about trusting our politicians, those we work with, neighbors, friends, parents, children, and specifically our spouses or significant others, I understand there are many more that we place trust in or want to, but you understand what I am saying. Instead of talking about the individuals that we do or don't trust, I want to talk about TRUST itself.

What is Trust? This is how the Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines trust:
noun

Etymology: Middle English, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse traust trust; akin to Old English trēowe faithful true

1a: assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something b: one in which confidence is placed

2a: dependence on something future or contingent: hope b: reliance on future payment for property (as merchandise) delivered credit

3a: a property interest held by one person for the benefit of another b: a combination of firms or corporations formed by a legal agreement especially one that reduces or threatens to reduce competition

4: archaic; trustworthiness

5a (1) a charge or duty imposed in faith or confidence or as a condition of some relationship (2) something committed or entrusted to one to be used or cared for in the interest of another b: responsible charge or office c: care, custody in the care or possession of a trustee


Sometimes when I read a definition I see blah, blah, blah as I am sure a lot of you do to. So what I want to bring out from the definition are the words in bold print. I see these as very important when it comes to trust.

Lets start with the word True. You have trust in someone who has proven themselves to be true, truthful. They do not lie. What a concept this is!!! To know that someone you look towards is able to tell you the truth with no distortions. I like that.

Next is Hope. Specifically a hope in the future. I may not have this quite the way others do but I see it as a hope that the future will be as it is now along with a belief that it will be even better later. There will be a return for something done now in the future. Credit is in the same line as this in the definition so again, as I see it, based on how we are trusted now we will receive credit, but at the same time be expected to show responsibility and give back for what we have received. Trust does not come without expectations.

Trustworthiness looks simple but is not that easy. "Trust me" says someone. Well, that all depends on how you acted in response to trust before. In the past when you were trusted with a situation did you succeed. Trust successes equals trustworthiness. I like to think that I trust first but if you forsake that trust then you have to earn it back. Earning trust back can be very difficult and in some situations it can never be attained again. I want to believe that I am trustworthy but I know that I have failed at times too. To attain trust again I feel that accepting your fault and not just saying that you will do better, but actually putting forth the effort and showing gains helps us to earn the trust of others again.

Care and Custody are the final words associated with Trust. In a relationship we are trusted with the care and custody of someone or some thing. That is a giant responsibility if we accept it. If you are in a relationship you had better accept it or trust is gone and possibly for good. To know that someone trusts you with their life, health, family, security or finances is an awesome responsibility. To be able to trust someone for your life, health, family, security or finances. Wow!!! No wonder issues of trust are so often talked about.

So lets look at those that want us to trust them. Our politicians, those we work with, neighbors, friends, parents, children, and specifically our spouses or significant others. Are they truthful, and is there a hope in the future due to our trust in them. Have they displayed a trustworthiness about them that we can look forward to and depend on. Next are we able to put our care and custody into their hands. Finally something to really think about. Can others look at you and say "that person is truth and I have a positive hope in the future by trusting them. They have proven how trustworthy they are and I can put the care and custody of myself as well as others in their hands."