Absolution on Center Street:

   Today I met a man who washes windows for a living.  He had no socks in his shoes. He's had a hard life.  And when he asked me if I was a religious person, I did not lie, when I shook my head no.  He was defeated, looking for an absolution.  I did not lie when I told him, we all fall on hard times.  I told him what is laid in front of us, is our own battle, that we are chosen for such hardships because we can handle them, they are ours to bear.  And we are strong enough to make it, because it was ours always.  I told him that although I do not believe in a god, I believe that we must have faith in ourselves. Always.  To which he smiled.  He said for a nonreligious person, I was very spiritual.  And that he was happy to have met me.  He said he felt lighter, and that he is ready to fight his good fight. 
  As I walked back to my aunt's house from Starbucks, it hit me.  I saved a man from committing suicide today. And he opened my eyes to the millions of people who fight their good fight quietly. And to them, have faith in yourselves.  Because you are strong, and this life is meant for you.