From a young age, we are smothered by the pressure of figuring out our future plans. Whether that be between deciphering our professions, deciding how we plan to conform in society, hoping to someday build a family, buying a home or moving to a new state, etc., these expectations can and often do become overwhelming. As a result, we have the tendency to shut down or give up due to stress and the lack of hope for any future brighter than our current situation: our struggles.

Beginning as early as elementary school, the question: "So, what do you want to be when you grow up?" is asked with the expectation that we know an answer. As the naïve children we once all were, we respond with only our wildest dreams: by becoming a world-changer, policeman, firefighter, rockstar, doctor, or maybe even president. The list goes on-and-on but as we mature, as do our dreams. Peeled apart layer by layer, logic by logic: we evolve from being optimism dreamers, full of imagination and never-ending ambition, into members of a narrow-minded society where we tend to settle with the easiest things in life. What happened to the motivation, the determination to become great, the inspiring energy we once embodied for consistent innovation? Where are those people: the dreamers?

The problem is we, as a society, have constructed a secular mentality that we can do all things on our own: we can get through our toughest times alone. We begin to empower our struggles by letting them define who were are, and transform us from the inside-out. Why do we fall into becoming the people we dare not wish to? Why do we stray away from our own personal authenticity?

The "why"s behind this logic:

#1. We are notorious for self-doubt.

It's a part of human nature; we are all guilty for battling our own levels of self-doubt. The hurt, the pain, is what builds our character and makes us strong. We must rely on the one consistent stronghold in our life, and that is our perfect savior Jesus Christ. There is a blueprint for everyone's lives, but it is up to us to seek our purpose and trust in trial/error. Be confident in standing alone, and trust in yourself that you will succeed! We must fall to learn how to stand strong. God did not promise Christians a perfect life here on Earth; He never once claimed to abolish all future struggles because one becomes a believer. In fact, he did exactly the opposite of that, let's take a look at 1 Corinthians 10:13:

“No temptation has overtaken you, except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will NOT let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He WILL also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

#2. We lack leadership.

"Following the crowd" is an easy trap to fall into, especially during our most impressionable years. It's in our nature to possess the drive to be socially accepted; it's what motivates us to do the majority of things in our lives. Leadership has become this rare characteristic, that when people come across it, they value it greatly. This is great, but little things such as stepping up for someone or standing your ground firmly enough to venture away from the fads in society, shouldn't be so hard to find.

The need for leaders has no expiration date. How else would we function? Operating as a line of dominos- following one another as one falls, the others do exactly that? We must rediscover the ability to find comfort in our independent thinking once again.The optimism and hope for reading our wildest dreams must be restored for the sake of any future human innovation. If we cannot think or act for ourselves, then who can?

#3. Kindness has become a taboo (to an extent).

Since when did kindness become a sign of weakness? I will never understand the mentality of those who intentionally hurt, and cause pain to others. Is it out of spite, or because of personal insecurities? I feel as if many in today's society squirm in discomfort when confronted with competition or any success that is not ours. I know there are circumstantial reasonings, but I will not sit back and allow someone to justify the bringing down of someone out of jealousy.

Jealousy is something we are all guilty for feeling, but feeling and acting are two different categories. If someone is striving to better themselves, reaching their goals, and building a life for themselves: why discourage it? Why make them feel ashamed of their accomplishments? Instead, we should work together, arm-and-arm, to lift our each other up!

I believe in miracles, and I believe that the Lord is working on overtime in each and every one of us every day to make this world exactly how He envisioned. This world is full of trial and error, but the prize awaiting us at the finish line is greater than any secular trophy possible. Our motivation: the determination to receive salvation and run through the gates of Heaven someday shouldn't run dry because of the secular struggles we face. These obstacles do NOT define who we are despite how diminishing and vast our problems may seem, they are not forever issues; but instead are tests of faith to rely on His understanding that everything DOES happen for a reason and the one stronghold in our lives, the one thing that is forever and will never waiver is the unconditional love our God offers us with open arms.

I believe in miracles, and I believe we can make a difference. No matter where we may stand today in our faith, finances, relationships, and hardships, I believe that every day is a second chance: a fresh-start to leave our yesterdays in the past and only look forward to many more tomorrows. I believe in us, and He knows it's in us because He provides us with our weapons for war. Let's take this world, and start believing in brighter days once again beginning with ourselves.

"Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken."

Psalm 62:6