Why religion is important to me...

Becoming a step-parent then parent has taught me many things.
Someone once told me that the 2 most difficult phases of one's life are (1) growing up as a teenager and (2) parenting a teenager. I've gone thru (1) with a strict dad and am going thru (2) now with a teenager who thinks I'm too strict?? Irony??? Not really... Like the Chinese joke says, "The policemen in the past used to wear shorts".
Despite a mere 19 years age gap, which is really short compared to most biological parents, there are things Samantha does that I can't comprehend. Among other things, I can't accept her 'aggressiveness' towards boys...how she calls them instead of the other way round, initiates outings with them, goes to meet the boys first before going out together (as tho' picking them up), etc... To me, girls should be more reserved to maintain our integrity and command respect. Her 'hard-up' ways (almost to the extent of acting cheap) really irk me to the bones...
Therefore, my religion is really important to me. As a Christian, I believe that God is in charge of our lives. I take heart that while I may not be able to control/know everything that my child does, God is able to do so and that even when things happen, He allows it cuz He has a special purpose for it. As His faithful servant and follower, I can only count on prayers that God will do His Will according to what's best for us...