Catholic solutions for young adults and teenagers

    I am 14 and have to deal with problems just like anyone else. I am self-conscious, worry about image and have to decide between right and wrong. But the Holy Spirit guides me to make the right choices, and I want to give solutions to some of the more important issues weighing on teens today.
    The most important is this: Pray for guidance and trust in God.
    Twenty percent of teens in a survey said that drugs and alcohol were the biggest issue facing them today. Indulging in these substances only brings you down. If the people pressuring you say that to use these substances is the way you can remain their friend, they are not worth fighting for. Try to convince them to do right if you can.
    Teens also face peer pressure. Some peer pressure is good, like if your friends are trying to get you to do something positive, such as talk to your “crush.” But a lot of the time peer pressure tries to influence you to do bad things, such as drinking and smoking. In this case, follow the above advice and say no.
    Many other youths worry about education. All I can say is they should concentrate on their work and ask for help if they need it. They can go to a school counselor or a teacher.
    Many others worry about the future, career and finances. Education is the best path to a career. I suggest that if they worry about finances, they should put money into a savings account so it is safe and take a class in economics or accounting so they can handle their money well without worrying.
Prayer is the answer
    As for the future – and for all problems – pray to God for help. Also, you could speak to a counselor for practical issues or a spiritual advisor or priest for moral issues.
    Other issues include morals, attitude, lack of respect, treatment from society, parents, safety, and feeling that nobody listens. Parents see their children as their babies no matter how old they get, as has been reiterated in countless Hallmark movies and Lifetime specials. They worry about the safety of their kids in an uncertain and unsafe world and get involved to do all they can to make sure they make good decisions.
    Teens worry about violence and gangs, and rightly so. They should see their counselor for advice on how to stay safe, and pray to St. Michael to intercede to God that they be protected.
    Teens also worry about war, terrorism and world affairs. Teens can pray, donate to charities, volunteer and write to world leaders. It’s important to write because even though civic leaders are busy, they do receive these letters and emails, and you might be surprised at the replies and results you get.
    Though we are only one among billions, we can do a lot with hard work and perseverance. This has been said many times before, but it is very true. All of these issues can be solved with the help of God and the guidance of the church and her officials.
    Byron Heffner is a freshman at Holy Cross School.