When you have a Saint Augustine

     There's always that one child who is more independent. More daring. More wild than all the rest. I don't think there is a family around that doesn't have one. They could be male or female. The one trait they all possess is "seemingly tough taming". No matter how you beg and plead, they are still convinced that their way is the right way. So you continue on your knees, day after day, night after night, praying for a breakthrough in their senseless Pride. They're senseless excuses. They're obstinence is unyielding and they're refusal to see the Light hinders their progress of resignation to God. The self they were created to be takes a back seat to all reasoning that they are "not" really the one in control. Even though they have convinced themselves that they are. It's their life. Their body. Their choice. Days, months, years pass and even though the net is thrown out to them constantly in deep waters, they still think that they can swim against the tide. It's hurtful to watch.... But not hopeless.

     The Spiritual War that rages inside them is a discernment that there is Hope. The tug and war that pulls them back and forth means there is greatness to come for them. Something greater lies ahead for that child that is thought to be so rebellious and so uncontrollable. St Monica and Saint Augustine showed us that. As long as our prayers for them are said, rest assured that they are heard. Heard by our God, who can never ever be overcome. Can never ever be defeated. Especially, when it comes to having a little sheep come back to the fold. 

     In the sorrow of having to witness such a struggle, is to me, in a sense, the fuel they need to see the Light. Never being forgotten in prayer, the rebellious child is slowly drawn to the Heart of God. Baby steps towards the realization of God's loving arms, outstretched to catch them before they fall too far. 

     Never stop praying for them. Never give up Hope for them. Pray that they will feel God's Mercy and come back home. Home, to where the heart is.....