Every day we make choices that influence the direction of our lives. Some choices result in decisions that shape the future in the most significant view. My decisions to attend Catholic grammar school and Catholic high school have influenced my worldview greatly. Thanks to the religious education I have received, I became the person who I am now. My faith has taught me many things that guide my life path and constitute my personality.
My experience of attending Catholic educational institutions has taught me to make each, even the smallest, choice, based on the values my religious considers central. It refers even to such everyday things as choosing what movie to watch or what book to read. While considering any of the variants, I always recall the most fundamental lessons my religion has given to me, including staying faithful to your moral principles, treating others they way you want to be treated, keeping your heart open to love and your mind close to temptations, etc. Catholicism has given me the right vision of the world and the ability to judge everything I meet in my life through the prism of the teachings left by Christ.
My faith has taught me that I am not alone and that can always find help and consolation by praying to God. In such way, my faith has made me stronger and more determined. I am not afraid of accepting challenging opportunities and facing the difficulties because I know that as long as my decisions are pleasing to God, He will help me to get through all of the harsh situations and accomplish the tasks.
I know that I am not a lonely vulnerable creature surrounded by the hostile environment and left with no hope for good. On the opposite, I am a child of God who always stays behind my back ready to comfort and support me. Such understanding makes me the person who is valiant and not afraid of challenges faced by everyone who tries to live the life according to Christ’s commandments. Every time I need to protect a weak person or oppose unfairness, I feel the power to confront those who do unrighteous things because of the support provided by values and faith based on my religion.
Catholicism has also given much inspiration to me to live this life in such the way that changes the world for better. Probably, the greatest sources of such inspiration are the Catholic saints. I remember how impressed I was when I learnt about the life and legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi while studying at the Catholic high school. The knowledge about his personality has influenced the way I see the path to redemption.
The life and deeds of this saint have taught me to stay away from the materialistic temptations and love every creature I meet in this world. The life of Saint Francis of Assisi became an iconic example of how being devoted to God and following the righteous path despite any challenges can make a huge change in the world. He and many other saints became an endless source of inspiration for me as their lives show that even one person loving God can change this world and influence millions of people.
My religion has provided me with the powerful foundation based on which I make the choices in the life. I believe that Catholicism has become the essential source of knowledge shaping the way I see the world. My faith has given me the strength to cope with difficulties, the courage to oppose unfairness, and the inspiration to try to make this world a better place.