To Bloom Despite Adversity
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

To Bloom Despite Adversity

Choosing Faith in the Face of Struggle

179
To Bloom Despite Adversity
Courtney Welch

"The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all." - Mulan

I was reminded of this quote the other day, being the Disney-Classic-lover that I am.

Lately, I've been reflecting on the seasons and how right now, especially in Kentucky, they have been a bit chaotic and unpredictable. Spring is among us, although the weather doesn't know whether or not to agree. Springtime brings rain, but it also brings flowers and abundance of life.

Although it may sound quite cliché, I can't emphasize enough the lessons we learn from looking at nature. I believe God uses nature to teach us about Him, to reveal aspects of ourselves and our relation to Him, and to bring us peace in the midst of chaos.

Winter is not known for blooming flowers or an awakening of life, but there are definitely some flowers, such as Snowdrops, that emerge during a time that is seemingly suffocating and oppressive as opposed to springtime.

All is to say, life can be hard sometimes. And it can be difficult to grasp a sense of understanding or peace in a time of overwhelming stress. But I'm here to remind you that circumstances do not determine one's state of heart or mind. Perspective and gratitude are two of the most important aspects to consider during seasons of hardship. They urge us to cling to our faith and open our eyes to remember that, as one of my professors recently stated, faith is the opposite of control.

So if you're feeling like your life has been out of control or you're afraid of what is to come, it's okay. However, you have a choice. You can choose to try and harness a sense of control within yourself or in a manifestation outside of yourself (which might I add never works out), or you can choose to trust God with your fears and anxieties, following Him with your daily decisions AND thoughts. Your outward actions may say you've got your priorities straight, but don't overlook the impact your mind has on how you feel or what you believe.

"Faith is being sure of what we hope for. It is being certain of what we do not see." - Hebrews 11:1

No matter what's going on around or within you, don't doubt that abundance of life can be found in the face of adversity. When our eyes are fixed on the face of Christ, we can be reminded that we are not alone in times of suffering or uncertainty.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

55633
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35864
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957868
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

186380
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments