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There will be times when people shut you down and question your beliefs. There will be times when people dont understand you and will mock your actions. There will be times when people will take a bat and attempt to shatter your foundation with a single blow. There's nothing you can do to prepare for these times, except be aware of the strength and quality of your foundation. 

Everyone has a foundation, it just depends how soundly yours has been built. Your foundation doesnt comprise of your family background, what you have been taught or even what have seen. Each stone is placed placed based on your actions; an image of your faith. Only your faith builds your foundation. Some bricks are placed more hastily than others, which makes our foundation a bit more unstable in places; but none the less it can still stand firm and tall. 

Every step I've taken towards my goal in life has been a matter of choice and never a matter of habit or convenience. At first this has made it so much more difficult for me to be a practicing believer; however, its forced me to really dig deep within and act based on my connection. When is the next step to move forward? What is the next step forward? The journey has definitely been an interesting one; but it has made my faith only stronger. 

You can't rely on family, friends or outside resources to walk you along your path; only Allah can do that. While we may be fooled at times, because of how "comfortable" we get living in this physical world, we need a way to remind ourselves of what truly builds our foundation and what does not. 

I really should have written this post last night-- but I couldn't because I was so upset. I was questioned, mocked, and torn down by people who I felt had helped me be on the path that I am on today. I made a decision a few days ago to take the next "step" in my path and clearly I was not supported. It really upset me that people so close to me, couldn't support me on something that I wanted to do. But when it comes down to it at the end of the day its between you and God anyway. Sure it makes it easier when your surroundings encouarge your beliefs and values; but you HAVE to be strong enough to continue to do whats on your path whether others agree with you or not. Your connection has to be that much stronger and you need to be that much more alert, so that you realize you cannot act based on others. This seems like commonsense, but it is very hard to do. When you are not supported you feel rejected, and alone--- which makes you doubt your beliefs. This is where your foundation comes in play. How soundly did you built it? Who was there to watch? No one except God.