Recently, my alma mater was put on lockdown due to a student reporting seeing another student/ students in the parking lot with a gun. As soon as I got the message, my mind jumped to the worst and my heart sank.

The rumors of what was happening were stirring like crazy between current students and alumni. I was four hours away from so many friends that I hold so dear to my heart and I felt so incredibly helpless.

As I sat and reflected after this event was over, I realized that the 3 things that held me together in this situation were also the 3 things that have held me together in every other stressful situation in the past.

1. Praying

I am a firm believer in that prayer works wonders. Through every trial I have ever faced, God has been bigger and helped me overcome it. When I felt so distant from this scary event, I just started to pray… Lord, I am not afraid, for you are with me. I am not discouraged for you are my God. You will strengthen me and help me. You will hold me up with your victorious right hand. Praying this over myself and over everyone at my alma mater brought such a peace over me that I can’t even begin to explain.

Seriously, prayer works wonders!!!

2. Talking to a friend

A lot of my friends were inside that school where a gun had been reported being seen. The thought is extremely scary; however, being able to call close friends that I graduated with to talk to as we found out more details made me feel so much more at ease. Being able to text some of my friends that were inside and assuring them that God had the school surrendered made me feel so much better. Just being in contact with friends (and family) can ease SO much stress.

Having a SOLID few friends is so important and makes life so much better!!!

3. Remaining as calm as you can

It sounds cliché and it’s hard, but it’s crucial. I felt so helpless in this situation that I just started to get worked up and crying, but that was not contributing to the situation. It only stressed me out and made me feel worse. But taking a moment to calm down and breathe made it a lot easier for me to get through the stressful situation of not knowing what was going to happen.

Every trial we face in life is so different, but being firm in prayer, being able to talk to friends and family, and being able to stay calm can make tough situations so much easier!!