Truth or Lie

I have been contemplating the difference between a lie and the truth. 

To lie by definition is to mislead or deceive; yet is it bad to tell your child there is gold at the end of a rainbow, that fairies do exist and that if they cross their eye’s they will stay that way? Those things could be considered ‘lies’ yet they do not cause pain but generate dreams and creativity.  They cultivate imagination and the joys of childhood.  Other lies such as stealing, cheating and manipulating can be so harmful to businesses, countries and families, they are corruptive. It is interesting how a lie can be so painful but others can be so great.

Likewise, the truth can ‘set you free’ yet the truth hurts if it is harsh or biting.  You never want to hear you look fat in a dress or your new hair cut is awful.  The truth also can teach you diligence and hard work; you must work harder to get a raise or hit that goal.

So which is better?  Which should we strive for? I recently learned the ‘truth’ to my beloved brother’s death and it hurt.  It did not give me warmth or joy, yet neither did the lie. With this new found truth I am no longer able to create a childhood imagination of dreams but am harshly brought back into reality with a thud.  It hurts and I am left wondering if I would have created a different ‘truth’- had I had the choice.  I am confused and I am sad.  That is the truth!