Failure’s often a dirty word. But failure’s far more positive than we often paint it.

This is an important message for us. Our failures often cause us pain, regret and disappointment. Yet, failure is something that is normal, and something that is human.

This is something we’re reminded of in the first chapter of Isaiah. The Israelites had failed to follow God as was expected of them.

Yet, in the midst of the litany of failures listed at the start of Isaiah, we read that God remarkably offers forgiveness to his people.

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool". (Isaiah 1:18)

If you feel like a failure...

If sometimes you feel like a failure, then remember that’s totally normal. As a Christian, you are part of a long heritage of failures.

Yet, through ‘failure’, God has provided forgiveness. And as fellow-failures, we too should offer forgiveness to other fellow-failures.

And, we should welcome failure as a most valuable teaching too, even though it can often be a most expensive lesson!

hey dear anon!

i know, it is hard after you graduated college, because nobody is waiting for you out there. and the even more frustrating thing is, that your professors and mentors made you believe exactly that! that you are wanted and you will soon work on a well-paid job. but unfortunately this is not the reality. depending on the field you’re in, you are only one of too many. i know, this is not helping a lot, but it shows, that it’s not you, it’s the system. you are not a failure, please never believe that! you are only taking a detour. 

but let’s talk about your options now.i don’t know in which field you studied, but maybe have a look around if there (or maybe in a related field) exist any internships. these are a great way to gain some experience, which is important if you apply for a job later. you sort of have a “foot in the door” and get your name out there. and there is no gap in your cv. it can also help to completely change the field. f.ex. you graduated in business, go and see how it works in a hospital or a nursing home. maybe you find some new interests. and it also looks good on your cv.if you can afford it, traveling may also be an option. you can do some sort of work & travel and maybe you find something that fits you and your interests “on the road”.but most important is probably persistence. don’t give up, don’t stop looking for jobs or internships, keep your eyes open and your horizon wide. opportunities come to those who wait and keep patience. you are good, you know your worth. you are not a failure!

I have always overplayed this, but after I almost cried on the bus just because someone ignored me today I feel like I need some kind of help.

I overly obsess over people I find attractive (have a crush on one could say). I don't want my emotions and whole life to be controlled by a person I have talked a sentence with since the beginning of this year. I kind of adapt to the person and listen to music I imagine them liking, check accounts he follows to see if he interacted with any posts, cook and watch stuff from his culture and can't wait for the next holiday or his birthday to have an excuse to text him etc.

Of course, I have tried stuff like going out with friends more and getting hobbies (basically distracting myself), but I'm afraid that even if this attraction passes, a new person will come along and the whole thing repeats itself.

Dear anon,

I've been there in your shoes and all I could say is that, you should always keep your mind busy and keep distracting yourself on things that you must need to accomplish in your life. Don't dwell on those crushes of yours because life has so much more to offer and having a crush is just a little portion of it.

Make sure that you focus yourself on your growth whether it may be in your career, personal life, etc. because if you're suppose to end up with a specific person believe me, they'll catch up on your journey called life.

All the best and take care always! :)

Sincerely,

Oh, and now I know how I'm going to sign myself, if you don't mind!

— ☕

Now you're coffeeanon <3

I can make coffee and bring it to bed every morning if you want!

That's one of the sweetest things I've ever heard! <3

And for me you passed the test. Let's get married

Oh no...I feel like this is a trick question lol

I'm 14, and I don't know what love is supposed to be. I'm eager to feel some sort of love just for knowledge or like for any thing that can replace the lack of love in my heart.

Just last Christmas I found out that a guy liked me, I made the first move and texted him asking if the rumours are true. He said yes, He said he was actually smitten and that he will never stop liking me. He also said that he won't ever move on and even if I don't like him he'll just continue. (He's just months older) then this valentines, He gave me chocolates. My first ever valentines gift. And then a few weeks after valentines, My friend came to class and was laughing abt (let's just say the guys name is.... Marcus?), so she was laughing abt Marcus texting her and saying "I LOVE U" To her and all I could do was like laugh and say "yeah I didn't like him anyways, take him" but it hurt, it actually hurt. I don't know what to do anymore. My friend (let's call her Vanya) "Vanya" is pretty and nice. She's super fun to be with and i know every boy wouldn't pick me over her. What should I do? Do I just avoid her? Or him? Or both of them?

dear anon

you might not like what i am telling you, but you are so young. at 14 love doesn't mean and feel the same as it does with 20. and by this i don't mean, you can't fall in love head over heals with 20 or act like a madly in love teenager with 30 or 40. but with 14 there is nothing to be ashamed about, if you don't know how it feels to love somebody or if you never had a boy-/girlfriend. and i am pretty sure there isn't a lack of love in your heart. what about your friends and family? you love them as well, it is just a different kind of love. love has many faces.

but let's talk about your friends marcus and vanya now. first of all, i'd like to tell you: don't hide your light under a bushel! your friend vanya is pretty and nice and fun and so are you! there is no need to believe, that every boy would pick her over you. looks aren't everything if it comes to love. or do you love your family and friends only because they are good looking? i bet that's not the case. i can't tell you, how honest marcus was with his gifts and messages. there is always a chance, he was trying to get at your friend through you. or the other way around, he wants to get a reaction from you by flirting with your friend. i guess, you will only have closure by confronting him and her. ask him about this valentines gift and the messages he sent to vanya and what they ment to him. and tell him, you are hurt. and talk to vanya, too. because i don't think it is ok to act like she did, especially because she knew what was going on with marcus and you. this needs a lot of strength and courage, but i believe in you. you can do it!

keep your head up, keep your heart strong!c