Living Through God: The Meaning of a Christian
“Without God, the thinkers of the world will never grasp the meanings of life, origin and destiny”, so the strong spirited young woman remarks about life. Teenagers today appraise their lives through school, work, and friends. Often times, there is one type of teenager that displays a greater attitude, in which whom goes beyond the obvious by simply shining a little brighter. A courageous teen of determination, providing inspiration, possesses such positive attributes, gives reason to classify her by inspiring and strengthening the youth of today. On October 25, 1985, an individual, so concise, diminutive, or what seemed to be not much of great impact of this world, was born. Subsequently, becoming one that gives profound importance in the hearts of those she will touch. Arica Helaine Ingratta, a teenager of uniqueness in every way, persists by perceiving life by one entity, God.
Initially, Arica procures from a family consisting of a younger brother, an older sister, a set of parents, one dog, two cats, and a hamster. Indeed, one may perceive this family to be a little unconventional; it is. Born and raised in Windsor, Ontario, Arica grew up with a strong grasp on life from the very beginning. Her story entitles one to be unique, inspiring, and meaningful. “Arica Helaine”, derives from her father’s name, Ericolino, and Helen, the name of her mother. Her beginnings of education sets out at St. Gabriel’s catholic school where, in grade 4, she transferred schools to the Maranatha Christian Academy and later to First Lutheran Christian Academy where she developed a fundamental Christian basis. She was an intelligent, little princess that was often called “peanut”. An asset to her character is her genuine smile. Filled with energy and ambitions, she carries a strong spirit in whatever she does or is determined in becoming; soon to discover the meaning of life. Having acquired from a Christian family, she learns the meaning of God through her parents and school. While the world celebrated the coming of the New Year on December 31st of 1998, Arica was celebrating a rather different event.
At a Christian concert, she became saved by accepting God into her life. She developed a personal relationship with God while continuing to live through Him. While many young teenagers were thriving about their girlfriends or boyfriends, their physical appearances, or the newest pop artist, Arica, by age 14, determined in becoming a youth Evangelist. Ever since, her injunction of “loving God” has modified to being “in love with Him”. Meanwhile, Sandwich Secondary high school was her next destination. Entering a new school presents a place where alienation, isolation, and peer pressure exists. However, her perception ploys as a place of new opportunities, seethed goals, and an exhibition of challenges. Her positive, enthusiastic, yet unique attitude surprised many. She never conforms to the things around her, nor does she let the struggles of being a teenager stumble her. Her involvement in school is not often heard of, with the exception of the Interschool Christian Fellowship, her actions of love and compassion speak louder than words. She made “happy notes”. Notes given not only to the outcasts of the school, but also to the “popular” kids. As what made these ordinary pieces of paper so significant is what was written on them.
There was a list, some of significant length, strong qualities that she admired in that person. Her actions were greatly appreciated, even though some thought it was inadequately strange. Nevertheless, their intuition never stopped her perseverance and love for others. Arica prominently sees through a disguise. She understands people and recognizes their difficulties, yet she does not illustrate perfection. Life as a teenager is difficult for her. Instead of trying to please other people, she pleases God, a monumental responsibility. Her life is not filled with parties, drugs, or drinking, for she never feels the pressure of “missing out on the action”. Her relationship with God continues to grow each day, providing that she puts all her trust in Him for her care and future.
Evidently, Arica is not a doctor or scientist, nor has she ever won a Nobel peace prize or an Academy Award, other than a few simple speech competitions in elementary school. For throughout her life, the biggest accomplishment is her missions trip to Deer Lake Ontario where she was to spend ten days on a Native Canadian Reserve presenting a summer children’s vacation bible program for those that needed God’s touch the most. Through many sacrifices, she helps plan this trip for almost a year. After thirty hours of bus rides and almost an hour on the plane, she finally arrives at her destination. Uncertain at the beginning, she soon discovers her purpose by God when she arrives at the reserve. Everyday, personal reflections with God over powerful prayer meetings are held. Soon after, she conducts a vacation bible school for the children, for which she is known as by her nickname “crazy lady”, in display of her outgoing, enthusiastic personality. Arica teaches games and bible stories, building a strong bond and lasting memory with the unfortunate children. Her teachings bring independence, teamwork, leadership, love and hope. Her accomplishments set out to touch the hearts of hundreds of children who previously were strangers to her.
Although there is wrong in the world, Arica lives like Christ in order to set an example for others, “Show people Jesus through your life, not your words”. Her moments of despair, weaknesses, and troubles, are solved by her relationship with God, her parents, and her siblings. “God is Love”, she says, never afraid in defending her Christian vocation. In addition, in living out her faith, she perceives herself in the future as a youth pastor helping children see God through missions and devotions. Her seemingly futuristic goal is to save the world. Nevertheless, her plans for the future rest in God’s hands.Moreover, the bible says that we are separate from the world. Arica’s remarkable strength and willful dedication to God, influences and blesses her life. Despite her welcoming attitude and generosity, her personality portrays a much different demeanour. The bold, hard-working teen, often times come across a little odd. Instead of going off to the movies on a Friday night, Arica’s relatively unique style would more willingly rather hang out with friends to play “Legos”, bake cookies, colour, or go to coffee shops – not to mention squirting pedestrians with little water guns. She also possesses two plastic pink flamingos named “Neil” and “Mark”, after a break up with a boyfriend and a fight with a girl. “Stick with flamingos” she says, “they’re less complicated”. In all resolution, she continues to inspire and provide guidance to each of us. Whether in times of need or simply expressing the joys of life, her helping hand reaches out to touch a heart of someone in the world each and every day.