Mama said, "There'll be days like this."

Having one of those days where I wish I had someone that has gone through the exact same relationship and career planning problems that I have and could guide me on what steps to take next. But each of us is on our own journey and to wish that someone's matches yours entirely is being too idealistic, isn't it? This is a trial from Allah (swt), I know, and i'A I'll come out of this stronger and equipped with the experience to help the next generation of Muslim-Americans.

Recently, at a khutbah, the speaker made a very illuminating point: he said whenever a problem befalls us, we look to Allah's creation for help, whereas we should look to the Creator Himself! After all, He has made the problem so of course He knows how to solve it. And the way to converse with Allah (swt) is through reading the Qur'an. I picked up my lovely Qur'an today and read for awhile and subhanAllah, this is what I came across:

"And those who, when they commit and immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins - and who can forgive sins except Allah? - and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know. Those - their reward is forgiveness from their Lord and gardens beneath which rivers flow [in Paradise], wherein they will abide eternally; and excellent is the reward of the [righteous] workers." - 3.135-136

"Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet made evident those of you who fight in His cause and made evident those who are steadfast?" 3.142

"Allah wishes for you ease and He does not wish difficulty for you." [2:185]

Showing the characteristic of "steadfastness" is a common theme in the Qur'an and I love it because Allah loves it. For the past week I've wanted to do something really drastic like move to a different state or go live at home with my parents and attend our local State University. But by putting me five hours away from home, Allah (swt) has a plan for me, I trust Him and am going to stay strong. How are we going to enter Paradise if we aren't tested? It's much easier said than done, I know, but if any of you sisters are feeling something similar to this, pick up the Qur'an and read about Allah's favorite qualities in a human and try to attain them. Nothing comes easily and we can't run away from our problems, for example, learning how to walk came with many, many falls but if we gave up on it (not ran away from it, because that'd be impossible ha...ha..) because we didn't like the failure, then where would we be now?

Peace.