I have a diverse group of friends with different religious beliefs, backgrounds, and ideologies. My faith is a significant part of my life. Though I have strayed from my faith at times, I have grown to realize in my later years that prioritizing faith and gratitude has brought me peace, comfort, and the freedom to do what's right without being influenced by others. Some may argue that having faith is pointless when members of the same faith condemn my choices regarding who I love. But, I believe that faith is not just a set of rules but a relationship with Jesus Christ and meditating in his word. It is through this relationship, that I have accepted myself as I am and believe that Jesus accepts me and loves me unconditionally, as I am. I don't feel the need to apologize for my relationship with my faith, or who I am and who I love. Whether my friends be Christian, Atheist, Muslim, LGBT, or whatever. I do not force my beliefs on anyone. But what I hope your see is that my faith brings me joy and encourages me to live a life in love. And it is through this walk of faith, I hope that my testimony inspires others to see the internal joy that faith has given me. Jesus' message of love remains clear and relevant to this day, offering me guidance and hope amidst a sea of challenges where I believe that following this path is the best way to live despite people's judgment of who I am and who I feel God has destined me to love.

Love is love… 

Please remember this...

Don't seek evidence that you're not enough in the world, because you'll always find it. Our worth and belonging are not determined by others. We carry them inside our hearts. I know who I am and I won't compromise that to fit in with others. Doing so would be a betrayal to myself, and I'm no longer willing to do it.

Dreams...

Dreams without goals are simply illusions, and ultimately, they lead to disappointment. On the journey to realizing your dreams, it's essential to embrace discipline, and most importantly, consistency. Without commitment, you'll never take that first step, and without consistency, you'll never reach the finish line.

Your voice matters...

I understand how difficult it is to stay silent when you feel like your words aren't valued. Your silence communicates exhaustion and a sense of having nothing left to fight for. It's a way of expressing that you've reached a point where explaining your feelings feels too draining. Your silence also signifies acceptance of life's changes and a desire to move forward without complaint. It's a form of self-healing and an attempt to let go of unfulfilled expectations. I can see that you're trying to maintain your dignity as you navigate through this challenging time. It's clear that the pain of being silenced while others disregard your emotions is overwhelming. Remember, it's important to find your voice and speak up for yourself.

More than you know...

One of the greatest tragedies in life is that you will always be loved more than you will ever know. Someone in class finds your presence inviting and warm, even if you've only ever exchanged a few words with them, maybe none at all. Someone on the street loves your smile, and it brightens their day as they walk down the next few streets. Someone you used to be friends with still wishes to fondly call your name. Someone you used to be friends with five years ago would give anything to be in the same room as you today. Someone who regularly comes into work is disappointed when you aren't there to brighten their day. Someone missed you today. Someone noticed you were gone. Someone loves you when you're there. Someone loves you when you're nowhere to be found at all. You might think you have always disappeared when you're no longer in the picture, but you've never left the frame. Your impact lingers in ways you might never fully realize, so remember, even in your quietest moments, you are deeply valued. Your presence matters more than you know.

Let go ...

When someone treats you like one of many options, help them narrow their choice by removing yourself from the equation. It's important to prioritize your well-being and self-respect. Do not give part-time people a full-time position in your life. Know your value and what you have to offer, and always strive for what you truly deserve.