Sarah Foster's Manifesto

I was never introduced to the word “manifesto” until now and quite frankly feel this introduction could not have come at a better time. When I was given the assignment, to write a personal manifesto, I began to panic. I had no clue what a manifesto was, but as soon as I found out, I realized writing a manifesto might be kind of fun. This assignment would help me reexamine myself and understand what I stand for. A manifesto, by definition, is “a public declaration of intentions, opinions, objectives, or motives, as one issued by a government, sovereign, or organization”. Every person holds the parts of a manifesto, intentions, opinions, objectives, and motives, very close to their heart. These things are what make up each person and make them the unique individual they are. Lately, I have been thinking in depth about my life and who I am. I feel that in the past couple of years I have been venturing to find the real me and not until recently did I realize exactly how to do that and what I was doing wrong in my quest. I had been trying to do things on my own. I was now old enough, legally, to make my own decisions, apart from mommy and daddy. So, why would I not start experiencing things for myself? Experience I believe to be okay, but thinking I am smarter and do not need help in life is where I went wrong. Everyone needs guidance. My strength and foundation for all I do is found in God. I would not be where I am today or anywhere close to where I want to be in life if it was not for Him. My motive in life is to bring God glory. I know that I am not a perfect person but I also know God is forgiving. He knows sin is inescapable for man alone and therefore has taken the debt of our sins upon His son, Jesus Christ, to save us and give us freedom. Since I know my sin cannot hold me back or give me any excuses, I intend to exceed to my greatest potential in life. I know my happiness is what brings God glory, along with His identity being revealed through me. My ultimate dream in life, which striving for brings me happiness, is to be married and be a stay at home mom. Now I know it would not be right and do not want to achieve my dream without hard work. I am now working toward a smaller dream I have had for my life, to be a teacher, because of the “what you put in is what you receive” kind of attitude I just cannot seem to shake off. I am not throwing my ultimate dream out the window, but yet working hard to assure it will come true, through becoming a teacher. I plan to continue through college and graduate. Then I will begin teaching and saving money for my future. Hopefully, I will be married by this time and both my husband and I will be working to support and begin a family of our own. I already know I will be marrying the man I am now going out with and that he has a secure career that over time will be able to support a family, if our plan is God’s plan. We do not know the set time that everything will take place, but if all goes as planned, my dream of being a stay at home mom will come true. I strongly believe people should work for where they get in life and even though I know I can achieve my ultimate dream, I also do not have total control in the unpredictable. I must therefore work and pray that God will help me to succeed and gain joy in this world. As one can see, I am at the present working towards making my dreams come true. I am also trying to become the woman I know I need to be. I must learn and study the Bible, God’s word, to continue to grow and know what God sees best for my life. I want to be His to use now and forever more. I hope one day through all my hard work and commitment that I will become the godly wife and mother I know God wants me to be.

I know my life is still a work in progress but hopefully I will succeed by having great determination and faith. Hopefully, not only have you learned a little more about me, but also learned a little more about yourself. I challenge you to also look at your own life and find what is most important to you. I believe with all my heart that you as well will be able to learn something about yourself by doing it and if you put forth an effort, you will succeed.