I remember the awful feeling of not fitting in on the first day of eighth grade. There I was, wearing a pleated wool plaid skirt and short gray socks. As I had been previously living in Mexico for six months (as an exchange student) I missed knowing the latest trend in junior high fashion was a navy blue skirt, and canvas shoes without socks! I had a miserable day. The memory is still painful and that’s why I am excited about our blog today.
Lauryn Griggs is young enough to remember tough times fitting in during middle and high school. This Belmont College student shares her struggles in fitting in at school and how she conquered her fears. I really really really hope my readers share her blog with a middle school or high school student. Lauryn really is wise beyond her age and I’m thrilled to have her today. Also, check out Lauryn’s book of poetry on Amazon, Walk by Faith.
Confidence at School
by Lauryn Griggs
Going to a new school can be intimidating. During middle school, establishing genuine friendships was difficult for me because I was still trying to figure out who I was on the inside. Middle school is the phase where many children establish their identity. I tried to change my speech and behavior because those years were my first experience in a predominantly Caucasian institution. I didn’t become buddies with many African American girls either. A few of them described me as being “too white” for listening to Taylor Swift. When I noticed that I couldn’t fit in with many people at school, I prayed for godly friends. During my tween years, I only went to church because my mom would bring me along with her. Fortunately, at the age of thirteen, I established a strong foundational faith with Jesus. I realized that I needed Him to live a purposeful life. God gave me a few people to talk to in eighth grade (of different races), but high school was a major breakthrough. I went from saying three words in a school day to laughing everyday in high school. The Lord turned my mourning into joy.
Hence, you can’t always act on your current emotions. Walking by faith and not by sight is a necessity in life. I remember being nervous about going to ninth grade. I told my mom about being scared of change. She chuckled to herself and told me, “There will always be change in life. Your personality, body, friends, opinions, and other things about you might change. As long as you keep a foundational faith in Christ, you will continue to excel during changing seasons”. After that conversation, I still felt nervous. However, I chose to declare that I would be confident and have a great first day of high school. As I continued to speak positive affirmations, I believed my words more and acted on them. I meditated on Isaiah 41:10 which says “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand”.
As I walked down the school hallway, I trusted God to help me throughout the day. Some students laughed because I asked them for directions, but other peers and teachers were polite. I developed friendships and gained associates by joining the track team and the Future Business Leaders of America organization at my school. I pray that my transparency motivates you to celebrate change. Even when your current emotions and thoughts are contrary to your faith, confess confidence over yourself and act with the strength of the Lord.
It is strongly recommended that you join clubs of your interest. Not only do these organizations look good on resumes and college applications, but these clubs will help you establish healthy friendships as well. Furthermore, I encourage you to step away from the clique mindset. You don’t have to hang around solely with band members because you are in the band. It might be fun to engage in conversation with someone new.
Maybe, you are like me and have unique interests. For instance, I have a strong interest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Similarly, I know young men who enjoy writing poetry and painting. Isn’t it fantastic that God created each person with different characteristics?
During my junior year of high school, I started to mix prints in my outfits. For example, I would wear a yellow plaid skirt with a red leopard skirt. I walked down the school hallway confidently with my shoulders back and chin up. Walking around the house with a book on my head was well worth the result (Haha!). I ignored the snickers and questions such as “Why aren’t you dressed like a normal person?”. As long as I was adhering to the dress code and representing myself with grace, I could wear what I wanted. The Bible verse that gave me motivation in this situation was Hebrews 10:35 “Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. That scripture came true for me because I was rewarded with the senior superlative, ‘most unique’.
Freshman year of college was a whole new ball game for me. I was tempted to engage in activities that were against my faith because I wanted to be adventurous. Thankfully, I continued to listen to genuine Bible sermons everyday and remind myself of my identity in Jesus Christ. Scripture says that the Lord won’t allow you to be tempted beyond your ability. He’ll provide a way out of temptation so that you’ll be able to endure it. Although my first college year had some challenges, I became a stronger person. James 1:2-5 reads, “Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters whenever you fall into various trials, Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity and inner peace]. And let endurance love its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing”.
As we continue to grow from glory to glory, by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:18) I encourage us to daily ask God for grace to fulfill His purpose and plan for our lives. Enjoy the journey because it is truly amazing.
Be Anxious for Nothing
by Lauryn Griggs
Positive affirmations,
Taking control of my thinking, is what I did
To no longer feel weakened.
Vocalizing my opinion,
Cus some things aren’t right,
I live for God and me.
Anxiety must flee,
Was part of my history,
Now I have victory!
No doctor can diagnose,
Who Jesus has covered.
They’ll look at the facts and notes,
He’s the truth that I’ve discovered,
Who I go to each day,
To cast my cares.
What I’m trying to say,
Is my life will never be the same.
It’s not a strict religion,
I’m faithful in Jesus name,
Don’t say it in vain!
You can’t understand with intellect,
Mere man can’t interpret,
What’s under the surface.
God gives me the confidence,
The boldness and words.
His love is undeserved, but He showed mercy.
Said those who love Him genuinely,
He’ll sustain through highs and lows.
We end war in victory,
That’s the story He foretold.
Find Lauryn’s book of poems on Amazon now!
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