In my new, crisp undergarment, I felt safe, knowing I was protected from bullets, fire, knives, and all manner of evil-and more importantly, from Satan, the destroyer.

I looked at my reflection in the mirror. My cycle had begun. I was now a woman. I was ready to do God's work.

It was easy to believe when everything was good. But when bad things happened, doubt sowed its seed in fertile soil and burrowed deep. It was my duty to root it out.