The founder of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students implored nearly 10,000 young adults to put Christ first in their lives so they can help change the world. "You were willed into existence because you were meant to be amazing. The invitation Christ is extending is to choose him first and become the man or woman you were meant to be," Curtis Martin said during his keynote address Jan. 4 at the SEEK 2015 conference. "If you allow Christ to be the principle and foundation of your life, you will be a world changer," he said. Sponsored by FOCUS and held Jan. 1-5 at the Opryland Hotel and Resort in Nashville, the conference drew young people from college and university campuses across the country. Martin told attendees, "The great truth of the Christian Gospel is not that we love God, but that God loves us. ... We need to respond with a full, all-in effort. If you become who you are meant to be, you will set the world on fire," he added. "Go set the world on fire." Attendees felt inspired to do just that. "It moves my heart to tears to see people encountering Christ," said Gage Shirley, one of more than 75 students from the University of Kansas in attendance.
In the quiet, dusty corners of our hearts, we often harbor blueprint drafts of how we think our lives should unfold. We carefully map out our timelines, hoping for a smooth path, and it is only natural to feel a bit lost or weary when a sudden storm alters our course or a door we prayed would open remains closed. Yet, our Lord does not stand at a distance during these moments of uncertainty; He is a tender Shepherd who walks beside us, gently whispering, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" ( Jeremiah 29:11). When our own plans crumble, it is not a sign that He has abandoned us, but rather an invitation to fold our hands, release our grip on the pen, and offer our own quiet fiat—letting Him guide us into green pastures we could never have found on our own. Placing our trust in His loving providence allows us to breathe deeply and find rest, even when the road ahead is shrouded in mist. E...