One of the many personal challenges I faced was becoming a Christian and

changing my ways in order to live life righteously. Attending a church where I

learned spiritual pondering teachings and met interesting people with interesting
lives. From its teachings to the tribulations I faced trying to live for my soul and not
gold; meaning living for my souls needs instead of living for my desires was
difficult. With a new way of viewing life and a new outlook on balancing what I need
and what I want became an enormous challenge.
Coming from a rough background, struggling through domestic violence and
drug addicted parents; I had thoughts of running away and sometimes even
thoughts of suicide. At the age of thirteen I began using marijuana, and abusing
sleeping pills. I never thought of or saw a need in attending church; I didnt think it
was really necessary. So one Sunday after going to a church service with my mom
she thought it would be a good idea for my sister and I to go on an upcoming youth
retreat. As angry and frustrated as we were, we ended up going. The first night at
this retreat was unexplainable; I had never felt such a presence overflow throughout
my body, my eyes pouring in tears. There I was on my knees crying and repenting;
for my lifestyle had been pure burden and my soul the burden barrier. Afterwards, I
felt as if the world had been lifted off my shoulders, I felt peace. And then I realized I
was compelled to feel this the rest of my given days, but it required abandoning my
old ways.
Going into high school as a Christian kid and finding the right friends was a
challenge. I didnt want to fall into old habits. Having to reject temptation when
coming across it, trying to resist myself from being involved in mischievous
activities around me. Trying to do right instead of wrong, had created an
atmosphere of total awe for friends that knew me before. They did not believe a bit
of what I was now endorsing. I lost friends and jokes were made on a daily basis. I
faced criticism for my every move, every choice, for every step. I comprehended
that this would be no easy ride. At times I would feel convinced that this path wasnt
for me, I felt like a hypocrite. I would even regret being given such rectifying
wisdom. But I remained focused by staying faithful, constantly praying and
practicing scriptures. I crucified (symbolically) my earthly being along with its
desires when I chose to follow the steps of Jesus, for I sought spiritual guidance that
would console me.
Living a Christian life, I felt and experienced what the world cant and will
never give me, peace within my soul. I learned through ethical teachings that a
balance in life must be made, and that one must be able to decipher the significant
from the insignificant; in other words balancing what one needs and what one
wants. It also taught me how to cope with tribulations, how to live a life of bliss in
the most simplistic manner. I soon realized that some seek peace in the wrong
areas, some through drugs and others through materialism. By seeking these
terrestrial pleasures one can be led astray. Lastly not only do our bodies have
desires and needs, but needs greater than any else.

Changing my life during my adolescent years from a troubled, lost and

confused teen to a follower and believer of a benevolent figure like Jesus Christ
shaped my character in a positive way. I see life a lot differently and I am still in a
constant battle with myself, with either living for my soul or gold. Ive obtained the
ability to recognize my needs and wants, and sufficient wisdom to help me keep
fighting the great fight living in todays society. I learned that the time is always
right to do what is right, even though trying to do right from wrong can be difficult
and painful at times. This new way of life had much ethical providence I gained from
and I feel like it will help me help others guide them onto the right path.