Sophianne Durand // PCSU // By Faith
Before I start I'd just like to say...HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE [insert a tonne of Christmas emojis here]
Hi! Most of you may know me as part of the SU committee (or the one who complained how tired I was at the SU social for being in school for 15 hours...) and I have felt in my heart to share just a 'little' bit about me and of course, Christmas. I'm Sophie and I'm lower sixth and study French, Moving Image Arts and Art. I'm a die hard fan of The Walking Dead (probably not expecting that) and have this crazy passion for film. But all in all, gotta say I love God the most 🏼 This year has been probably the most challenging of my life so far. Yes I haven't been on the earth that long but many things I have found haven't panned out as well as I hoped (apart from being part of SU cause that's where it is at!)
To start off the year, I began to have a problem with my intestine, making me loose a lot of weight too quickly. Cutting the story short it led to me having the dangerous "red flag" and had to have numerous X-Ray's, tests and procedures in order to know what this "red flag" problem was. The worst part I'd say was having to have an operation the day before my French exam and being told that I was definitely NOT allowed to take it with a general anaesthetic still in my system. But let's say God lifted me up and gave me strength to face the exam without any regrets the next day and ending up with full marks (what?). Overall without getting prayer from my whole church, family, amazing boyfriend and really supportive close friends, it could have turned out a completely different route. It was at that moment, I realised how powerful prayer really is and how we can't always just depend on God whenever we are in trouble and need him the most. If matters could get worse, I somehow managed to break my nose at an outdoor swimming pool, typical me... "Your not a walking dead you're a walking disaster" ~ Wise words from Jasmin Hamilton.
Like I said this year has proven a challenge. I've had disappointment upon disappointment almost everyday but I've learnt something very important. God has a plan, He is in control...no matter what. A God, who can move mountains, who can raise the dead and bring his son to cleanse the whole earth has a specific yet fantastic plan for every single one of us. Whether you too are facing a pretty tough year, if you think God isn't answering prayer or has just given up on you, he has his hand on your shoulder pushing you to finish the race.
The way I think of struggles and disappointments is like a marathon. You prepare, train your body to the limit (and probably take those weird protein shake thingys) until you know yourself, you're ready. When the moment arrives, you're standing at the starting line, you have been waiting for this for so long and finally it is here. The race is well underway but suddenly, you fall, damaging yourself and thinking straight away about failure. Disappointment is the only feeling you have left in your body. But you just have to get up, cause there is something inside of you that is pushing you on. This fire that is telling you to never give up, that is God.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. ~ Romans 8:18
This Christmas, God wants to reignite that fire in every single one of you. Disappointments are only temporary, they'll fade away and soon you'll realise that the only permanent thing in life is Jesus. What matters most is not your iPhone whilst you're reading this, or new clothes, new makeup or new video games...this Christmas I ask you to remember one thing, Jesus is the greatest gift of all. You may be fed up of hearing the nativity story over and over again and you may even forget the true meaning behind it all. It's that Gods everlasting love never fails, even if it means sending his own perfect son for us.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. ~Psalm 100:5
So this Christmas, eat all the crap you want, enjoy time with your family and friends and remember to always give thanks to the man in the sky who offered you the greatest gift this Christmas.
Recommended tunes:
1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3l9MXJYDp0
2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rMNIDW8Vho