Do not give up...

So I was praying this morning in the chapel... it was a long night... but basically it came down to the fact that I couldn't sleep. When I was praying this morning and trying to listen to the Lord's voice, something inside of me stirred up my heart to say "Do not give up... whatever you do, do not give up."

I wrote it in my journal three times.

Another confirmation of it was this afternoon when I went to confession. Father Brad said to me, "At times when you sin, you can get discouraged. You begin to say this is not worth it, or that you can't do it anymore." Brothers and sisters...

Do not give up.

Our weaknesses and failures can get the best of us at times. I know it is hard. Christ never said it would be. The difficulties, suffering, failures, pains, wounds, sicknesses, etc. make up our cross. And we must carry it every day of our lives.

Do not give up.

Just know that there is a prize that awaits all of us. Some of us are given bigger crosses than the rest. Whatever our cross is, let us know that it is ours to carry. Do not compare your cross to someone else. God only gives us what we can handle. But the prize that awaits us is glorious. No more pain. No more sorry. Joy, excitement, peace, fulfillment. No tears, no pain. Everlasting love and freedom. The best part is that it's not just a destination - heaven. It's an eternal journey with the Lord, and it makes the most enjoyable experience on earth seem like nothing.

Do not give up.

We are in this together. Christ died not for individuals, but for a Church. We make up that Church, and we are joined with our brothers and sisters in Heaven who have gone before us. Most importantly, we have our Jesus, who went before any of us to open the doors to eternity. We must help each other make it. We are our brother's keeper. Do not leave a brother or sister behind.

I love all of you so much. Know that you are in my constant prayers. Please pray for me if you can remember. I need as much help as you all do, if not more. God bless and I'll see you soon...