Giving up control and letting your life and allowing yourself to be under someone else’s will, is not an easy thing. The very idea of surrendering, waving a white flag, is very difficult for the majority of people, especially when it means surrendering to Jesus. For me, when I struggle to surrender to Christ, I tend to distance myself from Him. Handing over my life to complete uncertainty and faith in God’s plan, is not an easy task for me. In every walk of my life, I have learned to acknowledge when I am taking too much control and surrender it to Him. Usually, I can begin to tell when I have taken over control when I obsess over something or let it affect everything I say and do.

During my junior year of high school, my family underwent a significant change and because of the uncertainty of the situation, I felt as though I had to take control. The “what ifs” and fears that consumed me made me terrified of letting any uncertainty be put into someone else’s hands. With help from family and friends, my eyes were opened to the fact that clinging onto control was making the situation worse. Once I sat down in adoration, laid prostrate, and authentically surrendered my control, fears, and uncertainty to Jesus, everything changed.

Having trust in the Lord and beginning to see his wonderful works be put into action, I had the strength to make it through with my utmost confidence in my Good Shepherd. During this time of constant surrender, I began to memorize short prayers that returned my eyes back on Jesus and His plan. Listening to songs, memorizing short prayers, and keeping Saints’ quotes around my room are the three main ways in which I respond to many challenges I face and continually give complete control back to Jesus. Here are some of my go-to’s:

Self-Acceptance

Quote: “Have patience with all things but first with yourself. Never confuse your mistakes with your value as a human being. You’re a perfectly valuable, creative, worthwhile person simply because you exist. And no amount of triumphs or tribulations can ever change that. Unconditional self-acceptance is the core of a peaceful mind.” -St. Francis de Sales

Song: Beautiful by MercyMe

Prayer: Jesus, help me remember that I am made in your image and likeness and that is more than enough for me. I surrender all my thoughts into your hands.

Fear

Quote: “Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear; rather look to them with full hope as they arise, God, whose you are, will deliver you out of them. Our Father will either shield you from suffering, or he will give you the strength to bear it.” -St. Francis de Sales

Song: No Longer Slaves by Bethel Music

Prayer: I feel so consumed by fear Lord, help me to see you through it all and keep my eyes fixed on you.

Desire for Control

Quote: “If you should fail, be humble, make a resolution to be submissive to God’s will and then get up, and carry on.” -St. Padre Pio

Prayer: Lord, I release from my hands my desire to control. Instead, I fold my hands in silent prayer and surrender to you. I will place my heart and life into your strong, secure hands.

Friends

Quote: “Love everyone with a deep love based on charity,… but form friendships only with those who can share virtuous things with you. The higher the virtues you share and exchange with others, the more perfect your friendship will be.” – St. Francis de Sales

Song: Lord, I Need You by Matt Maher

Prayer: Lord, you know my heart and my desires, help me listen to Your Word and trust your timing, allow my eyes to be open to all the people you put in my life.

Family Issues

Quote: “To maintain a joyful family requires much from both the parents and the children. Each member of the family has to become, in a special way, the servant of the others.” -St. John Paul II

Song: Shoulders by For King and Country

Sensitive Topics

Quote: “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.” -St. Teresa of Avila

Song: Confidence by Sanctus Real

Prayer: Jesus, give me the strength and fortitude to allow your words to be spoken and face this time with love and respect.

Time/Dedication

Quote: “Dedication to God means at the same time, dedication to the whole of creation.” -St.Edith Stein

Song: Set a Fire by Will Reagan

Prayer: Allow my thoughts and actions be united to you through every part of my day and help me stray away from procrastination and sloth.