Right now I'm serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. But before my life as a missionary, one of my favorite hobbies was to read comic books. Growing up, I still remember watching Saturday morning cartoons with my dad. As I grew older, I lost in touch with my super hero side. But one day while in a Border's book store, I stumbled upon the comic section. It has been many years, and I thought comic books were no longer needed. However, I bought a novel and took a read later that day. Evidently I was hooked, reading of stories of people who did miraculous things. Yet, thanks to the great authors and story tellers, the characters didn't seem to "super" after all. All suffered from everyday set-backs and problems. They were human.
One of my favorite super heroes that I was reading every week was Captain America. Being revised by a new author, the stories got me hooked! In this series, one character was brought back, his old side kick, Bucky Barnes. Only being 16 years old, he was hand chosen to fight along side the living legend himself. With no powers or super capabilities, Bucky was skilled in hand to hand combat. He grew up on an Army camp, being an orphan. Tough, hardworking and smart, he would always show the GI's who is boss! Along with Captain America, Bucky became a rally figure for the youth in the United States. Together for 4 years, they lead the war against the axis forces. Sadly, things turned to the worst, and Bucky was presumed to be dead, after falling from a plane. 
Throughout my mission, I have reflected a lot on the past choices that I have made. And there are a few in which I am not proud of. For a very long time, it troubled me. I did my best to forget and to move forward, but it wasn't enough. Through studying the Gospel, and the life of Jesus Christ, I found a few answers. Answers that helped me personally overcome my guilt and helped me reform who I am.
1.Prayer. Discuss openly with your Father in Heaven of what may be troubling you. I learned to be humble, and seek His guidance and wisdom. Ask for forgiveness for the things that you have done, with all honesty. After a while, I realized how prayer can bring much comfort. And knowing there is a God who loves me and cares for me brought peace to my heart.
2.Scriptures. The scriptures are the word of God. More importantly they testify of the Jesus Christ and His mission. Along with the Holy Bible, we have the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ. Through much study, prayers will be answered. And new perspectives will be formed on how we can improve.
3. Restitution. Maybe the past choices we have made hurt another. We must somehow fix the problem and heal the wounds. Do all that you can! Ask for forgiveness. Yes, it may not turn out the way we want it too. But I promise after you give it your all, you will feel much more at peace.
4. Use the Savior, Jesus Christ. After all that is said and done, through Jesus Christ we can be free from all things. Jesus is also known as our Redeemer. He took upon him the sins of all. But not only sins, but also our pains, guilt, sorrow, sickness, and trials. Through His grace and mercy, we can be transformed. Exercising Faith and Repentance in the Savior, we will feel the forgiveness in our hearts.
5. God will forgive. After doing all of these, God will forgive. If we hurt another person and they didn't forgive you.. that's alright. Pray for them, love them, and they will.
Bucky was given a second chance. He later became the new Captain America and fought for the good of all. Like Bucky, we can all get second chances. We will. It is my testimony through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we may learn from our mistakes and move forward. Start this day to let go of the guilt and be free.
We may not be able to change the past, but with Jesus Christ, we can give the future a chance.
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