By: Gabriela Yareliz
It is in moments of transition that life asks us who we are, not who we want to be, but who we are in the present. Really, the present is all we have for sure.
This question of our identity can be scary, tricky, and sometimes confusing.
There is the part of us that may want to protect itself, another part that wants to please or rebel from others, a part that wants to conform to society or a particular group–but who are we when everything fades and our souls are still and breathing in pure solitude?
I have realized that:
If it weren’t for the risks, I wouldn’t be here.
If it weren’t for the support I have received from people who love me and believed in me, I wouldn’t be here.
If it weren’t for the tears that cleansed my soul, I wouldn’t be here.
If it weren’t for my stubborn determination to make it despite not taking the typical path or coming from the typical background, I wouldn’t be here.
If it weren’t for the times I put myself in uncomfortable situations that forced me to grow, I wouldn’t be here.
And above all, if it weren’t for God and His patience with my growing faith, I wouldn’t be here. He has an amazing plan.
The most unexpected things have happened. I have learned that life ends up being all about the people who surround you and the times you fight mano a mano (hand-to-hand) with fear and the bad that attempts to disarm you.
What has brought you to where you are? Where do you want to be? And what can you do now to get there?
Keep fighting.
GABRIELA YARELIZ 
Isn’t it amazing when we look back? I often feel I can see only 200 ft. in front of me–sometimes 2 ft. But trust that God sees the longer road ahead and steers me in the right direction.
It is amazing. So amazing. May God continue leading you, and let us always do our best to walk by faith. It takes courage, and it’s daring, but there is no safer place to be.