"Religion kept some of my relatives alive, because it was all they had. If they hadn't had some hope of heaven, some companionship in Jesus, they probably would have committed suicide, their lives were so hellish"

This quote by Octavia Butler speaks to the power of faith in supplying hope and companionship to those who are suffering. For some of Butler's relatives, religion was the only thing that kept them entering the face of tough and oppressive scenarios. Faith provided them with a sense of hope for a better future, and a sense of friendship in Jesus. Without this hope and companionship, they may have felt so hopeless that they would have thought about suicide. Religious beliefs was a source of strength and resilience for Butler's family members, and it permitted them to keep going despite the hellish conditions of their lives. Religion can be a powerful source of comfort and expect those who are struggling, and this quote functions as a pointer of its importance.