Session 2 began with a creative using shadows against a projected backdrop to tell two stories about youth finding the Lord after the trials in their lives. (Photo: Patrick Ruiz)
I am that type of person who is always doubtful in everything and anything that I do.
When my parents encouraged me to apply for university, I thought, “Not smart enough to maintain straight As”.
When asked to step up, I thought, “Not prayerful enough for service”.
“Not good enough in my talent,” not this, not that. So many excuses! Especially when dwelled upon on, thoughts like these are exhausting and can really take a toll on a person. They definitely had on me. I avoided prayer time, closed my heart to the Lord, and took matters into my own hands. I see others who go through the same except they dive into a bigger pool of wrong solutions. We need to recognize that those thoughts and actions are selfish and a waste of time and energy; they are the work of the devil.
Session two was entitled “More Than Enough” by sister Evony Evangelista, the full time pastoral worker in Mountain Region. The session began with a really cool creative that reminded me of The Silhouettes from America’s Got Talent. (Check the CFC-Youth Canada’s YouTube page for videos that include the creatives!) She then had three sharers; Jeanine Marte from Mountain Region and Michael Mendoza and Ajay Neyra from Pacific Region. The three sharers assured to me that I am definitely not alone.
Despite having a very loving CFC-Youth community, the feeling of loneliness is still present at times. But from reflecting, I realized I allowed myself to be lonely. I do not open up and ask for help from my brothers and sisters; I do not fully allow Christ in. All of us are bound to go through struggles, some more than others, but struggles nonetheless. In times of emptiness, it is so easy to stray away from the practice and doubt our faith. But that shouldn’t be. “Trust in someone greater, trust beyond our own understanding”, Evony said. These struggles should have an aim to seek the Lord furthermore.
“We should deal with our own emptiness the same way that our beautiful mother Mary did: with humility”, she said. Mother Mary, the most holy, recognized that she also needed to be filled in her emptiness. Despite that, she still trusted and submitted herself to the Lord! This is amazing to me because it only shows that we need Christ to be our cornerstone no matter who we are. Even Mother Mary needed God despite being the most holy and ever so immaculate.
I challenge all the brothers and sisters out there to highlight Christ in any obstacles that you face. Recognize Him. Be aware of His love. Remind yourself of Mary and do whatever He tells you because we are more than enough.
I am a CFC-Youth: a missionary, model of excellence, champion of the poor, patriot, 100% free, single-minded for God, and source of unity to the family. I am a CFC-Youth. Our God is a God of greatness. Therefore, I am destined for greatness.” (Tanya Uy)
That in all things, God may be glorified!
Charlene Puche, CFC-Youth Pacific Region
