For the past 2 ½ years I have been living my life from a place of fear. In the span of four days, both of  my parents were diagnosed with life threatening illnesses. When my father passed away a month later, I had to figure out how to care for my mother. I barely felt capable of caring for myself, how could God charge me with such an awesome task?  The doubts and “what-if’s” haunted me daily; as well as the question,“ Is this really what God has called me to be?” And it was all a result of fear. I should have approached this from a place of faith and put my trust in God that He wouldn’t give me any more than I could handle.  Now that my mother has returned to her heavenly home, I still have questions.  But I’m approaching them from an entirely different place.  If you think God is calling you to the priesthood or religious life, stop worrying about the “what if’s”.  Take the first step and immerse yourself in an environment that will remove the distractions so you will be able to hear God’s voice tell you whether or not you are truly called.  No matter the answer, it will help you to become the best you that you can be.  Our late Holy Father John Paul II always said, “Be not afraid.”   And remember, the will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.