Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, so you may discern what is good, pleasing, and the perfect will of God.

I was not a typical teenager. I was a lot stronger than many girls my age, and the youngest of 4 siblings. In the first grade, I could do every dance and sang every song from Dick Clark’s American Bandstand. As my older siblings had parties and friends over, there I was in the midst of all of the activities.

I also realized at a very young age that I was smart. Education would be my ticket out of a dysfunctional family situation.

I went to an all girls Catholic High School in Norwood, Ohio, which is almost in downtown Cincinnati. I was a country girl, and lived very near, what is now Kings Island, in the Mason Montgomery area.

Regina (Our Blessed Mother) High School was 20 miles away. Thus, extracurricular activities were impossible. You guessed it! I was not Miss Popularity. What’s more, I could have cared less.

Oh! I dated some, but having a steady boyfriend was not part of my plan. I was cute, rather shy, and stuck to a moral code.

All teenage girls are hyped with emotions at times. It’s part of growing up. However, I was not a drama queen. In fact I ran from it.

I remember a very specific situation. I made a close friendship my freshman year. She, in turn, made another friendship that I didn’t care for. Not hard to figure out, Being a country kid, she chose the other friend over me.

It’s hard being a teenager. However, I was strong enough in character and ran from drama. Avoiding confrontation was always at the top of my list. I have had little contact with high school friends. I’m still close to my college room- mate, and a few friends from that era. However, my soul mates are the friends that I have made in the last 30 years.

My Girlfriends…My Annam Cara’s…It’s a Gaelic term for Soul Providers. I am so blessed to have them in my life. Three of them would come in the middle of the night, if I needed them. All of us, as friends, love unconditionally. As Granny and Mom

always taught me in their infinite wisdom, “Show me your friends, and I’ll tell you, what you are.”

My dear friend Gracie coined a phrased that we often referred to, as we viewed those that were full of themselves. The definition of Puff Fluffs: Those who are vogue on the outside and vague on the inside.” That pretty much sums up high school drama queens.

Choose relationships wisely. Test them. Don’t conform to behaviors that will mislead you. Stand strong, firm, and pray for God’s guidance.

Thanks Dad, for your strong work ethic, belief in education, and rising above your raising. You loved us, wanted better for us, and were a great provider. Thanks Mom and Granny, for your strong faith, love, wisdom, and laughter.

Heavenly Father…………….

Thank you, for teaching me over the years, how to choose Godly Friends, that nurture my heart and soul. Thank you for Your Word, which guides me in my path to righteousness.

Sue Cutler

Fearless Faith