To start off this letter, I would like to remind you that every single person has struggled with their faith in God from the beginning of time. After all, if man had 100 percent faith in God, than we would all be roaming around in the Garden of Eden right now and there would be no mortal sin. While yes, straying away from God is not good, there is something important that you must know: You can always come back to Him.

Throughout my short 20 years on this Earth, there have been many times that I have questioned God. The incidents that have caused me to question my faith have been as small as, "Why did that boy in high school break my heart?" to "Why did my grandmother have to be so sick that she could not even make it to my graduation?" The point is that life is extremely difficult and just because we have our mind set on a certain plan, does not mean that is what God wants for us.

There is really good news: Whatever battle God brings you through is for a purpose. While it may not seem like it during the time, God brings us through challenges because He has a lesson for us at the end. For example, because that boy in high school had broke my heart I decided to apply for a retreat that ended up introducing me to people who would quickly become my best friends. With my grandma? While she may not have been at my graduation, she was lucid enough to tell my grandfather that she was so proud of me and I was going to do great things.

With faith, you have the opportunity to clothe yourself in armor knowing an amazing God is fighting for you and right by your side. Faith was the only thing that kept me going during some of my hardest times. When I strayed, God was still waiting for me in the Blessed Sacrament with open arms to welcome me home. Always remember the famous Bible verse to carry you through your struggle with faith, Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know well the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Even in the worst of times, you have an amazing God behind you. Don't forget that.

Sincerely,

A friend.