S3 Stories of Strength

A Look at Love

Hi! My name is Katherine, and I am a junior at Grapevine High School. I’ve been a part of S3 since 8th grade, and the organization means so much to me!

In the midst of troubling times or prosperous times, when we are surrounded by others, or when we are alone, people are always seeking to find love. It’s natural to seek love and validation, anything that makes us feel happy to be alive, and feeling like we mean something. Unfortunately though, in today’s modern society, oftentimes, “love” isn’t all it’s chalked up to be. Instead of finding value in ourselves, we settle for less than what we deserve from other people and complain that we can’t find true love. We forget what love truly looks like.

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, and it does not boast; it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, and it’s not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

If we truly understand this definition of love, we can better accept ourselves, love others, and strengthen our relationship with God. Replace the word “love” with “God” in every instance in the scripture. It’s still true. God is and does all of those things. He is the epitome of love, and we should find comfort in HIM. He is the one true example of perfect love, and before we can even hope to find love elsewhere, we must first find it in Him.

We should strive to model our relationships on Earth based on what love is. Both in loving ourselves and our neighbors we can all take a page out of the book of our Lord. Don’t buy into the notion many seem to have today that love doesn’t exist, or isn’t worth it. Rather show the world what real love looks like, and allow yourself to feel it from the Lord. The love and relationships we find ourselves in on Earth cannot compare to the unconditional love God gives us, and in those times that we seek love we should turn to Him.

I have found myself seeking Earthly love, and in turn ignored or weakened my relationship with God. I challenge myself, and those reading this, to accept the amazing love we receive from God, and use it to model our life around.

-Katherine, Grapevine High School S3 Student

Do Not Fear, For I Am With You

My journey with S3 didn’t start as a typical club experience. The story behind why and how I started S3 is truly an act of God working in my life, and it still amazes me when I think about it today. In 8th grade, I sadly had to experience the suicide of an acquaintance, and less than a year later one of my fellow classmates passed away.

Fast forward to freshman year, the first day of school, during the 8th-period I was assigned to sit next to a girl I had known since elementary school. I made sure to converse with her since I knew she was a bit shy. The next morning, in my 2nd-period class, my friend had told me that someone had passed away last night, and when I asked who, I was instantly filled with grief. It was the girl from my 8th-period class. I had experienced so much death in the past few years.

That night, I talked to my parents about wanting to do something for students who felt they were alone. I expressed a desire to create a club where all were welcome. Somewhere we could talk about how God works in our daily lives in school and through the trials. Somewhere students could feel that they are not alone.

The next weekend, my stepmom flew out of town, and on her plane ride back she met Terry Ann (the president and founder of Students Standing Strong). Terry Ann told her all about S3 and the amazing things they do. Immediately, my mom knew that this might be the club I wanted to start and it turns out this is exactly where God was leading me. We met with my school and began S3 club in the second semester of my freshman year.

I was very nervous but in Isaiah 41:10, God says to Isaiah, “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand.”

This scripture gave me the strength to not be afraid of the journey God had ahead of me. Since starting S3 at Byron, we have had more than 50 people attend S3. It has been a true blessing from the Lord to meet so many people and change so many lives through a wondrous student-led club.

-Jen, S3 Byron Nelson High School student

My favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding: in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

I constantly have to remind myself of this scripture. I remind myself; everything that is happening is happening because of God’s will, not my own. We need to trust Him during this time of panic and fear and remember He turns everything for His good and He has a plan. There is a purpose. We have to pray and tell him about our fears and worries. During these next weeks of uncertainty remind yourself to use this time to glorify and learn about our Lord. Don’t waste this time He has allowed.

Yes, it is a scary thing to think about a pandemic. BUT if you keep your heart, soul, and mind SUBMITTED to God, He will show you your path. Trust Him, there IS a purpose. God is looking out for you; see HIM, show HIM, listen to HIM.

Know God is in control; be aware of the ways of the world but know God’s purpose behind it. Pour out your heart to God and He will show you your path.

-Laci, Colleyville Heritage High School Student

Be Joyful in Hope!

Hi! My name is Abby. I am in 6th grade and I grew up in a family with a love for Christ, and through S3 have been able to grow closer to the Lord. I first joined Students Standing Strong (S3) when I was in 5th grade, and I immediately loved it!

My S3 leader, Mrs. Lipp, was encouraging towards us all and was always so patient too. I was encouraged by her and I started to dive deeper into God’s Word because of it. She has influenced me and so many others along the way. I think that S3 is a great program for students who are looking to make friends and dive into God’s Word.

 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12.

Throughout our lives, we will most likely never have a time like this again where we required to stay in and wear masks. Will you look back on this time and be proud of what you did during your free time? Or will you look back in tears and regret? Throughout this rough time, I challenge you to take just five minutes out of your time on your phone or TV and think about what you can do to grow closer to the Lord.

-Abby, S3 Eubanks Student

Fix My Eyes Back On God

In this world, we tend to get distracted by the small happenings of the now, but during this time of uncertainty and isolation, it’s time we fix our eyes back on the God that gave us this life. 

I tend to be a person who likes to be busy with everything and feel useful to those around me. But because of this, I tend to lose my focus on why I’m busy and my purpose of bringing glory to God. During this time, I have been able to slow down and really focus on what has been pulling me away from God. I have realized that I wasn’t giving God the attention I did when I was first saved and that I seemed to only be going through motions, rather truly worshipping and loving God.

In Deuteronomy 6:5, Moses tells the Israelites “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Loving God means giving Him our attention and full devotion. Moses doesn’t say to do this in between a schedule or once a week, he says to do it continually with all of your might! It may be difficult for people in high school or middle school to really slow down and really listen to God and what He has to say, but having groups like S3 and having daily time can bring that devotion back to Him. God calls us to look to Him and focus on what He wants us to do, even if that means changing the way you live and think. 

My challenge to you is that you take time to truly devote yourself to God. Spend time reading His word. Immerse your self into worship and prayer and focus on the good God has truly done in your life. Don’t let the fire you once had when you were first saved fade, but rather continue to rage on. 

-Ashley, an S3 student 🙂