motion can be rough on teens, especially when we think we’re the only ones affected by something. But the fact is, when you think your life is so horrible that no one else’s could ever compare, bah, there’s somebody going through pretty much the same thing sitting across from you in your math class. They’re just as good at hiding it as you are; that’s why you’ve never noticed. We think we’re alone, but we’ve barely scratched the surface of the aching throngs around us.

People will tell you that when you face temptation, you never face it alone. As teenagers, we laugh in those people’s faces. We think: nobody knows what I’m feeling, what I’m going through.

We all share a common thought process; we all have similar weaknesses, though not all of us at the same level. This became fully clear to me in March, when I traveled to Florida with my band to play at a music festival called RealFest.

I’ve always struggled with the purity of my own thoughts; I mean, come on, what teenage guy doesn’t? My dad told me that every guy struggles with temptation to some extent. I did what came natural to me; I laughed it off and thought: no way.

Then, in Florida, I met a guy who shares his testimony on every stage he’s ever played. He has tattoos, seven bars through his left eyebrow, a Mohawk and a top hat. One of the first things he said to me was that he struggled with a pornography addiction for years. It blew my mind. Here’s a guy, mid to late thirties, who comes straight out and says he struggles with the biggest temptation I’ve ever faced. That takes courage. Later, two guys from a second band shared that they, too, struggled with that. People twice my age were sharing a life struggle with one another. It opened my eyes to a realization: my issues are other people’s issues. The struggles I feel are shared by pretty much all other guys.

Jesus struggled with every one of our temptations as well. The Bible says that he was tempted in every way, so that he could remain perfect. Who’s to say a hooker didn’t try to pick him up? What’s important is that he stayed strong and, by his example and with his help, we can as well. (1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 2:18)

Editor's note: The "Totally Teen Talk" columns reflect the perspectives and experiences of the writer.