What you believe

In the cinematic masterpiece Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Indiana’s estranged father, played by Sean Connery, is kidnapped while searching for the holy grail. Indiana Jones, played by Harrison Ford, must pick up the search for the grail (that he doubts is real) in hopes of rescuing his father.

After hijinx and bonding, Indiana and his father reach the place where the grail is hidden but are captured by Walter Donovon, who knows that only Indiana can retrieve the grail. Indiana refuses so Donovan shoots Indiana's father in the stomach and says:

"You can't save him when you're dead. The healing power of the Grail is the only thing that can save your father now. It's time to ask yourself what you believe."

When we are pressured to pick a side, it's usually because someone wants to control us. Remaining open and curious is critical to being a well-rounded person. This posture prevents us from becoming isolated and dogmatic.

Curiosity is the vaccine for dogma.

But there are rare moments in our lives when we are actually forced to decide what we believe. True forks in the road, like losing a job or a loved one, having a baby, or beginning a marriage.

When Indiana's father was in danger, he abandoned his doubt in the grail, hoping to save someone he loved. His love transformed his doubt into hope.

Trial is often a forcing mechanism to decide what you truly believe.

It's my favorite part of every story.