As many of you don't know, this week is suicide prevention week. I didn't know that until last year.
There are many of you that think that suicide will never affect your life. I hope your right, BUT that's what I thought. I'll be honest. I thought that suicide was for depressed people with a bad home life. I thought that it would never affect me. Well, that's what I thought about cancer too. "Cancer is something that happens to other people." That's what I always thought. Apparently, I'm wrong about a lot...which I don't admit to very often. Both cancer and suicide affected my life in 2008 and still does. Once something happens, it will never be completely gone...no matter how hard you try. It will still be there. At least that's how it is with me. I'm not trying to discourage you--believe me, that's the last thing I want.
In February of 2008, my dad was diagnosed with cancer. It flipped my life upside down.
Here's my story:
Katelyn's Story from Mark Cox on Vimeo.
At the Student Takeover, Katelyn told her story about her dad's rough battle with cancer and how it affected her family.
Suicide is a dangerous topic. People don't like to talk about it. It's taboo. If it is killing lives, let's do something about it! Last May I spoke at assemblies at my high school about my experience with suicide. People came up to me afterwards thanking me for sharing because they or someone they know are dealing with suicide. I know what it's like. I just want to stop it. I would love the opportunity to share my story with more people.
If you personally haven't been affected, you may be wondering why I'm writing this. There is something you can do. There is always something you can do. If it's asking a friend what is going on...if it is just being there for them...OR...if it's just a simple smile you give to the person you see down the hallway, there is always something you can do.
This week was suicide prevention week. Why can't we try to prevent suicide everyday instead of 7 days out of 365 days a year? Just a thought.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Community-Coming Together as One
In March of 2011, a sophomore at Bryant High School was diagnosed with cancer. His spirits remained strong throughout the ordeal because he was determined to beat cancer. The community banded together to support his battle. They bought bracelets, prayed prayers, and just encouraged him to keep fighting. He is now cancer free.
In July of 2011, a senior at Bryant High School was diagnosed with cancer. I hope and pray that the community can come together to pray for her as she continues her battle against cancer. I personally know her family very well and they are in high spirits publically. They are a sweet family and I love them to death. I don't personally know Kate, but from what I hear she is brave. That means so much when facing this kind of disease.
Last night, I was overwhelmed with the posts on twitter about #prayersforkate as I know her family was also. I think this is amazing. She needs the support of everyone who is willing to devote a minute to lift her up. Having said that, her family does too.
From being a victim of cancer when my dad was diagnosed, I know that it is hard on the family. It's hard to wake up every day and pretend like everything is okay to everyone. I'm a person who doesn't like to show weakness. I wanted to be viewed as strong. Seeing a family member in pain from treatments and cancer in general is not an easy task. Then, I thought I had to put on the "everything is okay" face whenever I left the house. No matter how well the family seems to be doing, continue to pray. There were days when I thought nothing was ever going to go right. Those are the days when the family desperately needs to be lifted up.
I challenge you to pray for Kate, but not only for her. Pray for her family and her doctors. Pray that Kate would continue to be brave and fight against this disease like she's never fought against anything else. Pray that her family will have the strength to support her and each other during this difficult time. Pray that her doctors would be confident in the treatment they choose.
It's Simple. Band together. Pray.
In July of 2011, a senior at Bryant High School was diagnosed with cancer. I hope and pray that the community can come together to pray for her as she continues her battle against cancer. I personally know her family very well and they are in high spirits publically. They are a sweet family and I love them to death. I don't personally know Kate, but from what I hear she is brave. That means so much when facing this kind of disease.
Last night, I was overwhelmed with the posts on twitter about #prayersforkate as I know her family was also. I think this is amazing. She needs the support of everyone who is willing to devote a minute to lift her up. Having said that, her family does too.
From being a victim of cancer when my dad was diagnosed, I know that it is hard on the family. It's hard to wake up every day and pretend like everything is okay to everyone. I'm a person who doesn't like to show weakness. I wanted to be viewed as strong. Seeing a family member in pain from treatments and cancer in general is not an easy task. Then, I thought I had to put on the "everything is okay" face whenever I left the house. No matter how well the family seems to be doing, continue to pray. There were days when I thought nothing was ever going to go right. Those are the days when the family desperately needs to be lifted up.
I challenge you to pray for Kate, but not only for her. Pray for her family and her doctors. Pray that Kate would continue to be brave and fight against this disease like she's never fought against anything else. Pray that her family will have the strength to support her and each other during this difficult time. Pray that her doctors would be confident in the treatment they choose.
It's Simple. Band together. Pray.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
What is Holding YOU Back?
I've recently got involved with Second Baptist Church of Conway. I got invited to a home group which meets on Wednesday night. We had our first meeting tonight and it was difficult. This isn't the home group that is going to avoid the tough questions. That's what I need; even though, there will be times that I don't like it.
Tonight we were challenged to find something that we could each give up for a semester and spend more time with God because we gave up that one thing. Jonathan asked us to pray over the next week to see what God wanted us to give up. I knew instantly. It wasn't a hard question to answer because I know what is holding me back. He gave us a few minutes to pray and I honestly asked God to show me something else because I wasn't "ready" to give it up. HELLO!!! That should have slapped me in the face. I found the thing to give up.
I know this sounds silly, but I get distracted when I'm on my computer and often type in "Twitter." No joke. I keep it on a tab just so I can check in with everyone while I'm doing other things. While that may not seem like a bad thing, it is hindering my relationship with Christ. Tonight, I decided to unsubscribe to texts, move the app on my phone to the last screen, and just restrict myself from reading twitter except during a certain small time frame. Like I said, this may seem ridiculous, but it's completely worth it.
Over the last few weeks, I've really felt the need to stay in touch with everyone since I'm away at college. I know what you're thinking..."Katelyn, you're not that far!" You're right. I just use it to make me feel "at home." I've let myself get so busy that I only devote a small amount of time. Wait a minute, I can't call it devoting because I haven't been giving it that much of an importance. Yes, I read my Bible and have a quiet time every day, but if I'm doing it just so I can "check it off my list" what is the point? It might be hard, but the amount of time a day that I would usually spend on Twitter is the time that I will add to my devotion to follow fervently after God.
My point in writing this is to challenge you--whoever is reading this. Are you devoting yourself to hear from God daily? Do you make it His time? Do you just do it to "check it off your list?" If you struggle with these questions, I want to challenge you to find something you can give up. Find something that is keeping you from being in God's Word without checking it off your list.
I'm as guilty as anyone. You aren't alone. Join me in giving something up this semester. See what it can do in your life. I can't wait to see what it will do in mine.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Not the Same.
Last night was the big Bryant/Benton rivalry, the Salt Bowl. I've gone to this game ever since I can remember. The past three years I've been in the band and have enjoyed each Bryant football game. Yesterday, I came back home from college and went to the big game. I was excited to go and see everyone--just like old times. It's not like old times. I don't know "everyone." I didn't know all the football players and I wasn't in the band. It was a good game...don't get me wrong. It just wasn't the same. I always told myself I'd be apart of the Hornet spirit. I am...in a way. I just never thought it would feel like this.
WAKE UP, KATELYN. You're in college. It's just weird. I don't miss high school. I'm just jealous of that feeling. The rush I got every time I stepped on the field at half time to perform for the crowd is unexplainable. I don't have that anymore. I can't have that anymore. I've begun a new chapter in my life. It's time to find something else that can give me that rush.
For those of you that told me it would never be the same again and I didn't believe you, I'm sorry. You're right. Admitting that sucks...just so you know. Sometimes I just don't want to grow up. Now I have to study all the time and actually make decisions that will affect my life. Having said that, I would like to thank everyone that has made any kind of impact on my life. You know who you are. You've helped prepare me for the things I am experiencing and will experience in the future. I couldn't do this without you.
WAKE UP, KATELYN. You're in college. It's just weird. I don't miss high school. I'm just jealous of that feeling. The rush I got every time I stepped on the field at half time to perform for the crowd is unexplainable. I don't have that anymore. I can't have that anymore. I've begun a new chapter in my life. It's time to find something else that can give me that rush.
For those of you that told me it would never be the same again and I didn't believe you, I'm sorry. You're right. Admitting that sucks...just so you know. Sometimes I just don't want to grow up. Now I have to study all the time and actually make decisions that will affect my life. Having said that, I would like to thank everyone that has made any kind of impact on my life. You know who you are. You've helped prepare me for the things I am experiencing and will experience in the future. I couldn't do this without you.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
CHALLENGE: Sponge or Active
This blog is a challenge. Not only to you, but myself as well. Feel free to close the tab if you aren't up for the challenge. You will, most likely, have to get out of your comfort zone. Consider this as a warning.
I've officially decided that Second Baptist Church of Conway is going to be my home away from home church. This took a lot of thinking and praying. I began praying about finding a church a while back and I'm thankfully surprised that it wasn't near as hard as I imagined. It's amazing what can happen when we trust in God. He is the creator. So why is it so hard to give absolutely everything to Him? I know that I couldn't have made this decision and feel 100% at peace with it without God's guidance.
Having said that, Second Baptist is everything that I dreamed in finding a church. It's almost just like Indian Springs--without the same people of course. Everyone is very welcoming and friendly. From the minute I walked in the door, I was welcomed. Many people asked my to come to their Home Group on Sunday or Wednesday nights--which I am extremely excited about. One guy even bribed me with $20/each week. Not going to lie, that sounds pretty good to a jobless-college student. It really did feel good to be asked by so many people. I'm actually wanted somewhere. The people who barely knew me asked me numerous times to get involved. Who does that? Oh yeah, we don't because it's "hard."
Every church could use a little bit of Second Baptist's college ministry. They know what's going on. They know exactly how to make someone who is completely out of their comfort zone feel 100% welcome. If we are going to call ourselves Christians, we should be the hands and feet of God. We should use our "gifts" to further His Kingdom. When visitors walk in the church, they should feel so welcome that they don't want to leave. So welcome that they can't wait until the next time the doors open. Okay, I know what you're thinking--that's hard and I don't want to do that. Well, I didn't either. For the past 18 years, I've gone to the same church. I've sat in the same relative seat. I've been that "sponge" member. The member who doesn't always feel like welcoming someone. Not anymore. I'm going to challenge you--whoever is reading this (if anyone is)--and myself to be the proactive church member who goes out of their comfort zone to welcome someone so much so that their comfort zone changes and it becomes awkward to be a sponge.
In John 15, Jesus says 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father." How in the world can we bear fruit if we are sitting in the same spot in church--and when we don't, we get a little upset (as if it has our name on it or something dumb like that)?
To remain in God we need to
1. Be in the Word of God (Relationship with God)
2. Get plugged in a Church & Small group (Development as a Christian with accountability)
3. Find a ministry to get involved in (get your unchurched/unsaved friends to church--YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO MISSION TRIPS FOR IT TO COUNT! That's what many of us think. That's what I thought.
Sunday, when the pastor told us we would be in John 15, I couldn't help but laugh. Apparently I haven't been getting the idea of the passage. Yes, I memorized some of it. I heard Mark (old youth pastor) speak on it at leadership on Sunday nights. Still, I didn't know why I kept getting followed with this text. God definitely woke me up Sunday. I have to be a proactive Christian. I can't remain in my comfort zone. I can't tell myself any more that I'm doing "enough" because there is always something else to be done.
You and I have a few days to think about this before Sunday comes. Pray for courage--whatever it takes. Get out there and welcome someone new so they can feel apart of something like I do at Second Baptist.
I've officially decided that Second Baptist Church of Conway is going to be my home away from home church. This took a lot of thinking and praying. I began praying about finding a church a while back and I'm thankfully surprised that it wasn't near as hard as I imagined. It's amazing what can happen when we trust in God. He is the creator. So why is it so hard to give absolutely everything to Him? I know that I couldn't have made this decision and feel 100% at peace with it without God's guidance.
Having said that, Second Baptist is everything that I dreamed in finding a church. It's almost just like Indian Springs--without the same people of course. Everyone is very welcoming and friendly. From the minute I walked in the door, I was welcomed. Many people asked my to come to their Home Group on Sunday or Wednesday nights--which I am extremely excited about. One guy even bribed me with $20/each week. Not going to lie, that sounds pretty good to a jobless-college student. It really did feel good to be asked by so many people. I'm actually wanted somewhere. The people who barely knew me asked me numerous times to get involved. Who does that? Oh yeah, we don't because it's "hard."
Every church could use a little bit of Second Baptist's college ministry. They know what's going on. They know exactly how to make someone who is completely out of their comfort zone feel 100% welcome. If we are going to call ourselves Christians, we should be the hands and feet of God. We should use our "gifts" to further His Kingdom. When visitors walk in the church, they should feel so welcome that they don't want to leave. So welcome that they can't wait until the next time the doors open. Okay, I know what you're thinking--that's hard and I don't want to do that. Well, I didn't either. For the past 18 years, I've gone to the same church. I've sat in the same relative seat. I've been that "sponge" member. The member who doesn't always feel like welcoming someone. Not anymore. I'm going to challenge you--whoever is reading this (if anyone is)--and myself to be the proactive church member who goes out of their comfort zone to welcome someone so much so that their comfort zone changes and it becomes awkward to be a sponge.
In John 15, Jesus says 5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father." How in the world can we bear fruit if we are sitting in the same spot in church--and when we don't, we get a little upset (as if it has our name on it or something dumb like that)?
To remain in God we need to
1. Be in the Word of God (Relationship with God)
2. Get plugged in a Church & Small group (Development as a Christian with accountability)
3. Find a ministry to get involved in (get your unchurched/unsaved friends to church--YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO MISSION TRIPS FOR IT TO COUNT! That's what many of us think. That's what I thought.
Sunday, when the pastor told us we would be in John 15, I couldn't help but laugh. Apparently I haven't been getting the idea of the passage. Yes, I memorized some of it. I heard Mark (old youth pastor) speak on it at leadership on Sunday nights. Still, I didn't know why I kept getting followed with this text. God definitely woke me up Sunday. I have to be a proactive Christian. I can't remain in my comfort zone. I can't tell myself any more that I'm doing "enough" because there is always something else to be done.
You and I have a few days to think about this before Sunday comes. Pray for courage--whatever it takes. Get out there and welcome someone new so they can feel apart of something like I do at Second Baptist.
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