Religion. We have this huge emphasis that if you're religious, it's the only one you can acknowledge, and if you aren't, well you wouldn't get it. Well I am here to tell you that it is all about experience.

Growing up in a Catholic setting, where faith formation classes once a week was a necessity, church on Sunday, and occasional get togethers through the month was my entirety with church. And to be honest, I wasn't really accepting the whole "there is a God in Heaven" thing that we'd been educated throughout our lives. I didn't feel that connection with a supposed Father that looks over us and watches/helps us in our everyday lives.

It wasn't until I was in my stubborn age of 15. The beginning of high school, where our appearances define how our subculture will function in our entirety of the 4 years there, through all the late nights of unprepared homework and finally the acceptance of our peers. How through all the craziness did I find my true love for God? It was one simple verse in John 11:35, "Jesus wept." Seems so simple to question why I adore this so much.

My understanding is the story behind the verse. I won't go into much context about the story, but it articulates that we are happy, sad, angry, etc. but so is Jesus. This defines how Jesus feels the same way we do. He loves when we love, and he hurts when we hurt. Growing in a well oriented city, I was blessed to have God look over all of us. But as my world changed, I was faced with many difficulties that had me question why me and my family were so deeply affected. Through my times of hardship, I believed I was being punished for what ever reason. But as I grew fonder of God through my confirmation classes, I recognized that He knows what is going to occur, and He emphasizes that through hope and trust, our path will always be going the exact way we need it to go.

He taught me that, with all the hurt, you should be kind. With all the sorrow, you should be happy. He taught me that we, on this earth, are meant to help each other through His eyes. He has taught me that loving others unconditionally is what warms the soul. He taught me that losing someone you love means they get to meet Him first. That helping those in need of guidance, is what strengthens your relationship. I have learned so much through these 4 years of truly understanding His works, yet, there is still so much more I need to learn. I am so blessed to be living through His eyes, and I cannot wait for what He has in store for me.