So I just read an essay written by a Penn Teller about why he believes there is no God. I in no way wish to try and prove him wrong, or call him naive. He has reasons for why he does not believe in God. Those reasons, in fact, are very similar to the reason I do believe in God. He writes that he won the"genetic lottery" with having an amazing family. I also have been utterly blessed with an amazing, supportive, loving family. I won the genetic lottery, but I cannot think of it as chance. I was given a beautiful family, not for myself, but for others. My family has taught me about giving to others. Not feeling sorry for others, but understanding how they are feeling and helping them. Because of who my family was I have been able to be used to help my friends through their rough times, whether it be with a house to live in, or a fat cuddly friend to hug while watching A Walk To Remember.

There is epic pain and extreme evil in the world. I believe this easily as I have had to witness it. I also believe that these are not for nothing. We do not simply have a God that sits back and lets evil occur. We, instead, have a God who allows us to grow and learn closer with him through the pain in our lives. If we have not known utter sadness, how are we to know utter happiness? If we do not have to crawl blind in the dark, how do we know when we have reached the light? Sin creates pain and hurt and evil in the world, but God, God gives us beauty and love and shelter of the body and soul.

I cannot not believe in God, not only because of the good I've witnessed, but also because of the evil. Evil that can only exist due to an absence of God in a person's heart. The Love I have witnessed and felt also allows God to be seen. I feel God's warmth every time I hold my fiance's hand, or every time I hug a friend, or get tucked in by my parents. I cannot deny that God exists because I have felt him in my heart and seen him in eyes and hearts of the people I love.

I want everyone to take this opportunity to think about why they believe in God, or don't depending on the situation. Think on it, and really examine your own heart.