University Life and Friends

God,
Why is it that the average uni student only finds joy in being smashed off their face?
I struggle with the notion that a good time must involve heavy drinking, provocative dressing and random 'hook ups'?

This has been a huge issue in my life over the past 3 years and something I am still struggling with now.
Last year I started university and met a whole group of new friends, none of them Christian. To begin with, friends from church told me to simply make new friends, thinking that these new girls would not encourage my faith and act as a bad example. I chose to think of these new friends as a new opportunity to show my faith and love for people who did not yet know god.

However, I found myself very quickly going to desperate lengths to fit in with these new friends. On the first day we shared drinking stories and before I knew it I was recieveing daily invitations to go to clubs, bars and pubs around the city.
It was almost comical how excited I was to finally leave the baggage of high school behind and start fresh- with friends who would love me for me- yet how it took no less than 10 minutes for me to be talking, swearing and encouraging behaviour that was the furthest thing I deeply believe in.
I am weak.
One time I went out clubbing with them- so nervous and embarassed I drank way to much and make myself sick. Low point. They loved me for it- I hated myself for it. They felt they had finally cracked me- I was finally being thr fun friend they had always hoped I would be.

At one point I built up the courage to explain that I do go to church. My two friends looked at me puzzled and I quickly back tracked to explain my church as more of a fun place for young people to hang out, listen to bands and find boyfriends. Having known these girls for a year and a half I have still not found the confidence to tell them about one of the most important parts of my life. I am weak. God, I truly need your help. How can I call myself a true Christian if I am to embarassed to talk about my love for your word and life?

After a year of me constantly rejecting their offers to go out drinking and dancing I think they have finally given up on me as a good friend. Sadly, I hardy consider them friends anymore either. In my bible study group last week we were discussing the importance of doing the most with relationships we have in out own lives. I am sadened on how quickly I have given up on them, since our friendship started challenging me. How can I show my 'friends' I love them without conforming to this behaviour I feel so strongly opposed to?

Thoughts? Opinions?

Peace xxxxx

Introduction

Hey readers
I am a 19 year old girl living in Melbourne and am making this blog as a place to share my thoughts and ideas about my struggles as a 19 year old Christian girl trying to fit into regular life in the suburbs.

I hope this can be a place where others can learn and add to my ideas about the constant battle of trying to be the best Christian we can be, while still trying to fit in and feel normal in the world.

Please give me ideas about things you want me to discuss and talk about.

Much love
xxxxxx