Every Step of the Way

"When is God present? When is God absent?" In this fourth volume of Stories by Teenagers, young people write about experiences in which they recognize the presence or the absence of God in their lives. Readers will witness the receiving of gifts that are so fulfilling that the recipients can imagine only one possible source, a loving God. Readers will also witness pain and loss in which the writers can find no evidence of God's presence. In either case, the stories demonstrate how young people wrestle with questions about God's existence and are willing to grow and learn through all challenges.

"He looked into my eyes, and I could see God in him. I burst into tears all over again, releasing my joy in a flood. I knew then and there that I was doing a good thing and that it was the right thing. Ryan was crying too, and we hugged each other tight. I don't know if he is the person I will spend the rest of my life with, but we will always share a close bond because of this experience. It is a bond no one can break because it is a bond with each other and with God." (Laura Kay Slavicek)