Lately I've been doing what I sould be doing- going to school and abstaining from sex. Just recently (couple days ago) all hell broke loose - I got a little drunk and high and everything went down the drain. I still haven't gotten my beliefs together and am just trying to feel alive. I am really considering the army because it'll be exciting but I don't want to die...but when I'm living day to day I can't find any happiness out of it. I don't know what to do.

You messed up. It happens. Now get up and start anew. Are you going to Confession? Are you going to Mass? Are you praying and reading good spiritual books? That's what you need to be doing. You need to be pursuing God, not excitement or feelings of adrenaline. He will give you peace and fulfillment.

In addition to what Puppi said, refrain from alcohol and drugs. Not only is their abuse sinful and, as you've seen, a quick trip into worse sins, but if you're seriously thinking about the Army, that is the best possible way to screw up your chances to get in.

"Though art man, temptation has come upon thee, conquer it."-St. Ambrose of Milan to Emperor Theodosius

That quote was from a letter given to Theodosius AFTER he ordered 6,000 people in Thessalonica to be mass-murdered. Ambrose refused to give him communion until he made penance for his sin.

If a guy like that can overcome his sins, so can you.

We all make mistakes and I have done some less than admirable things. Just remember that Christ is the cornerstone of your life and everything must be measured against that.

techno.doll, no temptation can force us into sin. Pray the Our Father frequently. When you say "and lead us not into temptation," you are praying that God will give you the grace to fight off those nasty temptations. We all have to fight it. Confess when you slip up, then work on your spiritual strength and remember that the near occasions of sins are all persons, places, or things that may easily lead us into sin.

techno.doll, I think highly of the military, but such a decision is a big step. Frankly, it sounds as though you are awfully confused. I’d recommend sorting your life a bit more first. Also, as dominicatella said, go to Mass, confession and read GOOD books.

However, if after you’re life is a bit more stable, and you still want to go into the military, I’d consider wearing a St. Michael medal as well as praying to him. After all, he is the patron saint of battles and against temptation. I heard an amazing story from a priest once, about a young Marine who was saved by St. Michael. This young man recounted his story in a letter to his mother. Inspirational and worth reading.

Doll, who are you hanging out with?

It does make a difference.

you guys need to be aware this thread is almost a year old

Ok. A young woman who has not completely overcome the temptation to falter sexually should not join the military. That's based on stories I've seen about the rate of STD contraction amongst women in the military, particularly in war zones. For one reason or the other it doesn't seem to be a good environment for safeguarding one's chastity.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I decided not to go into the military until I get my 4 year degree...and even then I'm still unsure about it considering the amount of tension between countries.

It is unlikely that if you join the military in a position that would see live action that you wouldn't end up over there at some point. There's seems to have been a war at least every 20 years for the last hundred, at least. Another way to look at it is that we have been "at war" for probably 25 of the last hundred years.

I realize this is an old thread, but I would like to comment. I am hoping to give techno.doll and anyone else that stumbles across this thread a little encouragement. I just want to say that it is natural to desire the opposite gender. God put this into our soul and wants us to be fruitful so don’t feel bad if you have these urges. Just realize that these urges are natural, but they don’t need to be acted on until the time is right. I also want to say that joining the military is a good thing and I hope all the best. I also agree with newbie to pray the st Michael medal. St Michael is the protector of those who work for peace, safety, and security.