I was someone who was raised in a Christian home. We went to church on Sundays, prayed before each meal, and wouldn't dare use the Lord's name in vain. As I grew older I got a bit more religious freedom. My family's faith did not change, but a few who had a big impact on my religious tendencies became ill and no longer had an influence.

Throughout middle school/high school I was surrounded by Christian friends. Friends who would attend bible study with me during the week and youth group with me on the weekends. Our idea of fun was church retreats and pizza night at youth group.

Although when I got to college, my faith obviously did not change. If anything, I probably needed it more then than ever before. I found a great youth group I liked and amazing, strong Christian friends to go with.

This all sounds ideal, right? Walking by the Lord, reading my bible, surrounding myself with good people. Yes, yes it was. The only problem was I thought because I did all of this it meant that this was an excuse for everything else I was doing.

Regardless of my actions, I'd make an excuse about how I'd pray about it, I'd go to more youth groups that week, or that I'd be forgiven. Sure, I'd be forgiven, that doesn't change, but that doesn't mean I'm living for God. That's me living for myself. Living for God would be to feel so blessed and loved that I didn't need to do everything I was feeling guilty for.

Being in college makes it especially hard because of my surroundings, my peers, and the increased temptations. I think this is a good thing though, oddly enough. Because with all of the pressure, stress, emotional relationships, being so exhausted, and the endless school work, the only person I think to turn to is God. Yes, I have a great support system of family and friends, but nothing is quite like turning to your faith. There are times you will need something: a friend to share exciting news with, a shoulder to cry on, a call for help, someone to count on. 100 percent of the time you always have that in Him.

If you are not religious, and this article has you questioning it, please do turn to someone you know who is a Christian, and I'm sure they will/can lead you in the right direction. If you are too embarrassed, you are always able to go straight to Him. There's always a welcome church, a welcome youth group, and many peers who could soon be your sisters/bothers in christ.

Romans 15:13 "I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace as you trust in him. Then you will have more and more hope, and it will flow out of you by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Romans 8:26 "Also, the Spirit helps us. We are weak, but the Spirit helps us with our weaknesses. We don't know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit himself speaks to God for us. He begs God for us, speaking to him with feeling to deep for words."

1 Peter 3:18 " Christ himself suffered when he died for you, and with that one death he paid for your sings. He was not guilty, but he died for people who are guilty. He did this to bring all of you to God. In his physical form he was killed, but he was made alive by the Spirit."