Unwavering Faith .

My friend Brandon is one of the strongest people that I know. I'm not talking physically... I'm talking spiritually. When I first met him, I saw the things that most people probably see -- the athleticism, the goofy jokes, the Air Force uniform. What I didn't realize is the depth and profundity of his relationship with Jesus. Since I realized that Brandon had this other deep side to him, I have been inspired, motivated, and eager to maintain a solid spiritual relationship.

I think that there is a part of me that is struggling with that. That struggles to connect, that struggles to talk... But there is also a part of me that yearns for connection, and I think that Brandon was really brought into my life to reinforce that side.

I haven't been to church in a few weeks. To the extreme Catholic, maybe this is blasphemous. But years ago I adopted a philosophy that if you weren't getting anything out of church, then you shouldn't go. Granted, sometimes you can be missing out on an opportunity to spark interest or thought. But in this case, I just needed a break. This doesn't mean that I want to stop praying, or give up Catholicism. It's actually the exact opposite. I think distancing myself a little bit will give me a chance to "miss" the things that I like about church. More importantly though, there is something about my church in Jersey that is just so blasé. It's not my cup of tea. And so I'm hoping I can find something a bit better in Oregon.

Brandon has some of the strongest faith in anyone I know. He is trusting, knowing that God will point him in the right direction, even if that sometimes means suffering a bit. He knows that someone is always looking out for him. And in almost every conversation we have, he reminds me that, above all else, God is good. It's great to be able to talk to someone about anything. It's great to share my religion with someone who feels so strongly about it.

But you know what the best part is? He's humble about it. He doesn't rub anything in your face. I didn't even know he was religious at all until I really got to know him. I think, at the end of the day, Brandon exemplifies the qualities that are meant to be present in a truly good person. What about you guys? Got any friends that truly inspire and time and again blow your mind away?