I have learned that I must be completely honest with myself. I have learned to not only be honest with myself in the easy times, but also in the hard times. Our lives are ephemeral, and I believe the time I have been given is a gift and with it I will make a difference in this world. To make that difference, to use my time wisely, I must always be true to who I really am. If I lie to myself and feed myself a false reality, what am I living in? I believe the importance of staying unique and original is so vital to our existence as human beings. I find that often times people conform to others from lack of confidence, security, hope and love. I feel as if society often steers people in the wrong direction. Everyone is constantly being influenced by others’ decisions and the media. Watching television is one thing, but modeling one’s life after it is completely unacceptable. Who are you then if your life is modeled after someone or something else? Are you really staying true to yourself? I believe and know that I personally must live above the standards society sets for me. I am and will continue to be a light shining in dark places where all hope is lost. I will love others like God has loved me and I will reach out a loving hand to someone in need. I am already doing these things, because I know who I am and I know who I am in Christ. To live above the standards that are expected and set, I must be ready to face ridicule, persecution and hate. Many times when your doing the right thing people will hate you for it. In the end is it worth the risk? The risk to do the right thing in tough situations can have multiple outcomes. That of un-acceptance, and being looked down upon, but it can also have positively beautiful outcomes too. I would rather do the right thing and suffer than do something wrong and be accepted for it. Our generation and humans in general are looking for some sort of acceptance, whether they find it in alcohol, drugs, money or friendships. Not everyone, but many will go to massive lengths to find this.  I believe that I must watch what goes in and out of my mind and mouth. I believe I am what I watch and listen to. Since today’s society is so influenced by the media, and many are living their lives after it, what will happen to our generation? Will people only start to care about what the celebrities do and say or base their lives off reality shows? The fact is, I know there is a problem. Maybe we need to start opening our eyes to the world around is and see that there is far more happening than what’s in our tiny realm of existence. The need is far greater and is increasing everyday. More people need love, more people need help, more people need food and shelter than we are aware of. Personally, I want my heart to break for what breaks God’s. I want to love without holding back and make a positive change in this world. I know that I will. I know the only way this will ever happen is if I continue to pursue my dreams, my goals and my vision for life. I will. It is not all about me, it is about loving others, it’s about doing the right thing even when it’s the toughest thing to do. It’s about mercy, forgiveness, and grace, and often times I think that’s where we go wrong. I don’t know everything, nor will I ever claim to, but maybe we’re just missing the point, maybe we’re not opening our eyes to reality. What I do know is that I will make a positive impact on my generation and I will continue to influence lives who are hurt and broken till the day I die.

Love,