Strength

​I was in boot camp, I was 17 years old, it was our final test, they made it clear if we did not pass, we would not graduate and be sent back and start all over again.

It was the night before rifle qualification day. In time, we all grew to love each other and care for each other, enduring a gruling 11 weeks of training.

However, Gomez was struggling and could not qualify on the pre-qualification day. It was his last chance. I just felt I had to do something. I learned how to pray as a child.

So I decided to do the unthinkable.

 That night, while the Drill Instructors were fast asleep, I quietly approached the guard and asked him not to tell on me. 

He asked me what I was planning to do? I told him I was going to pray. He didn't understand, but said he would keep quiet and not report me. 

I then remembered four boys of faith like me, I went to their bunks one by one, quietly woke each one up and led them to Gomez's bed. They asked me what we were doing? 

I whispered, we must pray for Gomez, that he qualify tomorrow and graduate with the rest of us.

Miraculously, they all agreed.

Gomez, woke up and asked what was going on? I told him don't move, just stay in bed we're going to pray for you, so he closed his eyes.

 We prayed with all our heart for God to have mercy on our friend, said Amen, then we quietly went back to our bunks and went to sleep. 

That graduation day, that wonderful day, standing there with my friends, was one of the best days of my life.

"You don't ever realize how strong you are, until being strong is all you have left."

I love you all