I haven't always been vocal about my faith. If I'm honest, that's something I struggle with because of my introverted personality. However, as I grow older and continue to become my own person, I realize more and more just how important my relationship with God is.

I've dealt with many things in my life: being introduced to pornography at a young age by a supposed "friend," struggling with anxiety since I could basically talk, having my heart broken a few times, trying to figure out this world's sometimes-bogus view on relationships (still haven't quite figured that out yet), and a low self-esteem that still has its ups and downs.

If anything, I think we can all agree that today's society has somewhat altered the image of a perfect relationship. According to society, a perfect relationship consists of two highly attractive people who are constantly enthralled with one another, rarely ever argue, and break the rules whenever they deem fit.

Well, let me just say, I'm almost 20 years old, I have big glasses, imperfect skin, extra weight around my stomach from binging Reese's, and I'm anything but perfect and put together. I'm stubborn, I have trust issues, I'm kind of tall for a girl, and I didn't even have any prospects in high school. (On second thought, maybe I watched all those Nicholas Sparks movies in high school to make up for the lack of a boyfriend...)

But even now, after I've experienced life with my first boyfriend, it's not nearly as "perfect" as Hollywood would have it. The truth is, no earthly relationship will ever be perfect, but there is a perfect man that chases after my heart. And no, it's not my boyfriend or dad or any other man on this Earth. It's Jesus.

I was raised in a Christian family and the name of Jesus has always been of importance to me, but it didn't quite take heavy importance until the second half of my senior year. I've talked about my struggles with anxiety in other articles so I won't get into it now, but I wouldn't have become stronger in my faith without those soul-shattering moments. And that's just what they were...moments.

But the name of Jesus means eternity.

An eternity full of unconditional, perfect love from a Father that never wavers in his care for his children. An eternity of singing praises in the presence of a man that paid the ultimate price (his life) for his family, you, and me. Even as I write this, I am overcome with joy for that future!

The truth of the matter is that Jesus Christ died for you and me, for our sins, in order to bring us back to the family of God - even though it was us that messed up in the first place! He paid a debt and fate that we would never be able to survive or manage. He knew we couldn't do life on our own, so he gave up the life that humans hold so dearly in order to place Himself closer to us.

Jesus draws nearer to us, not the other way around.

Any time we call out his name, he's right there waiting to hear us out. Waiting to hear what we need and long for. Christ desires to give us an amazing life that we don't deserve. I don't know about you, but the message of love that Christ preached through his words and actions shines so much hope into my life. And I am all the more glad for a life and relationship with Him - the perfect man that sacrificed himself for his children.

And that is love and the outcome.