Natalie Gonzalez Moreau First-year Experience Erik Oswald 15th October, 2021 To Reason Like Christ I believe that navigating life decisions is a trial-and-error type deal. If there was a morally correct answer for every decision, then I believe that the world would be a much better place. Unfortunately, we live in a world where Satan is real, so we must continue to come to the Father and ask Him for discernment in all circumstances in our lives. I believe that first, we must clearly know where we belong in this world. Knowing who we are sets a firm foundation of beliefs that we base every decision upon. I am a Christ-follower, and I believe that every answer is embedded in the word of God. I find my identity in Christ, and therefore I allow my feelings and judgments to be guided by His truth. One way to grow in faith is by creating Christ-centered relationships. We can do this by having vulnerability with each other. Brene Brown spoke in her Ted Talk about “The Power of Vulnerability” and discussed the struggle of going through life alone due to hidden insecurities and walls we put up when we are around people (MFYE Week 1). I understood my need for God, and because of that, I needed to not only be vulnerable with Christ but with humans too. Sharing testimonies, for example, requires a great deal of vulnerability, and when you open up to someone about your story, it allows for an intuitive, trusting relationship. As a Christ-follower, serving others in this form is essential. I believe that a life-giving relationship can be defined as a connection between two people that allows for spiritual growth. Spiritual growth is what I believe we should all strive for in life because without conviction and living for a greater purpose other than yourself, then what value do you hold in this life? Olivia T. Taylor, Grotto, explained the “5 Signs You're in a Toxic Friendship,” and a quote that she mentioned was that, “The best kind of friendships are the ones where you leave with a smile on your face.”(MFYE Week 4). This allows us to reflect on what kind of relationships we are investing our time in today and question whether they are life-giving relationships. I see no purpose in a community where there is no mutual spiritual growth. God called us to be in a community with other active believers to hold us accountable to do the will of God every day of our lives. During my time here at Notre Dame, I have intentionally built relationships where I know mutual spiritual growth will be. I believe that I actively seek self-knowledge every day of my life. I’m blessed to see so clearly what my purpose and belonging are in this short life. Seeking the will of the Lord every day grants me fulfillment like no other, knowing that I’m a faithful servant and that God is pleased with my devotion to him every day. It is vital to maintain an eternal perspective to allow us to value the uttermost meaningful devotions in our lives. In his Ted Talk titled, “Should You https://canvas.nd.edu/courses/28199/modules/items/109571 https://grottonetwork.com/navigate-life/relationships/signs-of-toxic-friendships/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlLWTeApqIM Live for Your Resume... or Your Eulogy?” (MFYE Week 2), David Brooks described two different life perspectives. It is essential to stop and think about what we are living for. If it’s not for God, then what is the purpose of your life? If it is for God, then how are you living your day-to-day life to glorify Him? I raise these questions to myself whenever I feel a sense of worthlessness and confusion. Even though sometimes I don’t feel His presence or see Him working in my life, I remain faithful and rely on Him to guide me through today and every day forward in my life. Professor David Fagerberg wrote an article titled “Faith Brings Light to a Dark World,” in which he states that “Everything speaks of God, nothing is ordinary” (MFYE Week 3). I believe that I pursue truth by keenly asking God to work through me today and to reveal His truth to me so that I may live for what is right and not be deceived to fall for what is wrong. We must not only seek to know God’s truth but also desire to have wisdom. In the book of James 1:22, it says, “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.” If we notice ourselves becoming too comfortable with just listening and agreeing with God’s word and not actually doing anything about it, then are we living a faithful life? It is important to keep God in the center of our lives because He deserves to be, not because we allow Him to be. It is my frequent prayer to ask God to give me wisdom in every circumstance and to give it to me generously. In any uncertain situation, I seek His truth to guide my every decision. I believe that my purpose is to live out the plan of the Lord. I believe that it is important to follow personal desires and make a career out of that, but I also think it is equally or more important to seek the will of God because that is what we are created to do in this world. There are times when your desires align with God’s plan, but you will only achieve that if you choose to live for Christ and not for the world. We can make many plans, but that does not mean they will be carried out the way we want them to. In Sorin's Letter to Father Basil Moreau, he said, “Man proposes, God disposes” (MFYE Week 5). This means that you can ask God to grant you the wishes you want and to help you live out your plan, but ultimately His plan for you will prevail. It is in proverbs 18:21 where this is said. Knowing this has given me comfort in knowing that God will change my heart to love whatever He wants me to do in the life that he gave me. I find peace and comfort knowing that I am made in the image of God. I know He is the author of my life, and I find joy in knowing that he designed my background. I (Natalie Gonzalez) wrote a poem about Where I'm From (MFYE Week 6). I believe that many people know there is a God and that He created all things on earth, so there isn’t much of a challenge I face when I trust that God knows me better than I know myself. He knew me before I was born, He knows me now, and He knows my future. He knows of my sin, yet He still chooses to love me. It is a perspective I will never understand for myself. Like Christ, let's invest time in getting to know each other’s hearts and understanding that other people’s beliefs are based on past experiences. In her Ted Talk titled “The Danger of a Single Story,” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie mentioned that stories are defined by how they are told, who https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlLWTeApqIM https://grottonetwork.com/keep-the-faith/belief/faith-brings-light-to-dark-world/?utm_source=fall_2021&utm_medium=class&utm_id=moreau https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o56woQDq3QrRkziT8eYrvYly5CQaP2Vb/view https://nd4-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/ngonzal4_nd_edu/ES7725--Fs5PpSDZ6mDyTv4BKGpFg18l7iLNhbQLldGrNQ?e=D1Wb1N https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story/up-next https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story/up-next tells them, and when they are told (MFYE Week 7). We should all have a curiosity-driven mindset to understand each other’s perspectives because when we choose to base a belief only on one story, then there isn’t much personal or spiritual growth to be done. I seek to love my brothers and sisters in Christ and pray that I may serve my community according to God’s will. I am actively doing this on campus, and whether it’s grabbing dinner, going to Bible study, or worshiping together, these events open opportunities for deep and fruitful conversations.