Growing up, I always wanted to be noticed or recognized. I longed for my peers, teachers, and family to look up to me and be proud of me. One of my desires was to become Homecoming Queen or Prom Queen during high school. (Silly as it sounds, I thought that being given one of these titles would somehow comfort me in a time of self doubt and insecurity.) I was the one who excelled in academics and participated in extracurricular activities. I didn't hide the fact I believed in Christ, and sometimes felt alone in those awkward moments of adolescence. I was often picked on and called the "goody-goody." I would come home in tears, asking why no one was interested in taking me on a date. In eighth grade, I was given the privilege of being on the Homecoming Court. It was lots of fun. I got to dress up, experience a bit of the limelight, receive a rose, and attend a football game free of charge. I didn't win queen that day, but being on the court was definitely an honor. I th...