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About Susan Milillo
Expertise
Whatever is on your mind, I would love to share what God's shown me through life and through His Word. I really care, and really will take your thoughts seriously.

Experience
I have been in 'youth groups' and helped out with them, and have worked with youth in other areas as well (in a school setting). Many kids and youth have felt comfortable opening up to me. I am very real and open.

Organizations
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)

Education/Credentials
I have a bachelors of science in Bible from Philadelphia Biblical University, with a minor in Counseling/Church Ministries. I grew up in a Pastor's home.

Awards and Honors
Musical awards, salutatorian in senior class (of 11)

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Christianity --Youth Issues - Confession

Expert: Susan Milillo - 11/3/2009

Question
I am thirteen years old and is a Catholic. OK, this is really embarrassing to say online, but I'd rather do it here than talk about it with my mom. Sometimes I masturbate, think dirty thoughts and look up 'stuff' online. I know that it's wrong, and I've recently stopped doing it and focus more on what's important in life; like school and what I wanna be when I grow up. I pray to God so that he would help me stay strong and forgive my sins. I go to church every week with my family and ask for forgiveness. But somewhere inside me I don't feel like it's official unless I do a confession with a priest. I know that when I do, a huge load will be lifted off of my shoulders. The problem is, I'm scared that the priest will think bad things of me and that our chat during the confession won't be confidential. What should I do? Please help. Thank you and God bless.

Answer
Dear Justine,

Good News! Jesus is your Great High Priest. If you have come to Him on His good merit, not your own, and said 'Jesus, all of my sin separates me from God, and it's only your sacrifice on the cross that saves me! Please forgive me for all my sins, all that I've done, and help me walk as a new creation in Christ.'
There is a Bible verse that says, "There is one God and one Mediator between God and man, the Man Jesus Christ." (I Timothy 2:5)
But if you feel like you need to open up with somebody and follow the mandate of James
"Confess your sins to one another, and pray for each other, that you may be healed" (James 5:16)- it's a great way to overcome sin habits. Remember you don't have to give all the shameful nitty-gritty details.
And also remember that all of us are in the same boat when it comes to the sinful nature, and being helpless without Jesus' gift of His life.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God - not of works, lest anyone should boast." -Ephesians 2:8-9

Much Love,
Susan M.

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