No doubt your aunt thought she was giving you something helpful, but I agree with your mother: Don’t go down that road. Although your aunt is sincere, she’s looking for guidance in the wrong place, and you shouldn’t follow her example.

Instead, I encourage you to turn to God for the direction you need. Elsewhere in your letter, you mention that you’ve just turned 16, and I couldn’t help but think of what was happening to me when I was your age. I was like most young people, trying to have fun and not thinking very much about the future. But one night, I gave my life to Jesus Christ, and I knew I would never be the same. I knew I now belonged to Him and that He would guide me and help me.

Giving my life to Jesus was the most important decision I ever made — and it can be yours, as well. By a simple prayer of faith ask Jesus to come into your life today — and He will. The Bible says, “To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

Then ask God to guide you and help you as you face the future. God loves you, and He knows what is best for you. Furthermore, He has promised to give you the guidance you’ll need in life. The Bible says, “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6).