January 2017 Articles

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Spiritual Corner

Spiritual Corner:
Last month a former student of mine , Hanna Conley, had a very serious barrel racing accident. This accident resulted in her being airlifted to LSUS medical where they determined that she had a stage 2 brain injury. Since then, she has been moved to TIRR in Houston for rehabilitation. I just recently got to visit her and her mother, Mrs. Becky Conley, and it was so wonderful to see them both. They both looked so good and it was so great to hear and see all of the progress that Hanna has made in such a short amount of time. This sweet girl is living proof that our God is still in the miracle business. I wanted to dedicate my spiritual corner article this month to Hanna and Mrs. Becky and tell y’all just a little bit about this special girl. Hanna is an 8th grade student at Union Christian Academy in Farmerville, LA. I had the privilege of teaching her 6th grade science my first year as a teacher. Hanna is an excellent student. She works very hard to make high grades in her classes. When I had her as a student she was always very inquisitive, anxious to learn more about the subject. She was also very particular, wanting to make sure she had the right answers when working. She cares a lot about her grades and schoolwork, a very important quality that Mrs. Becky and Mr. Brian (Mrs. Becky’s husband and Hanna’ s father) have undoubtedly instilled in her. Aside from just being a hard worker in the classroom, Hanna is a hard worker in life in general. Anything she does, she gives her all to. She loves horses and loves to ride. She enjoys barrel racing and roping. She works hard at these riding disciplines, showing constant progress because of how dedicated she is to her passion. Hanna’s occupational therapist has even started letting her practice swinging her rope as part of her therapy, which I know she loves. Hanna is a very spirited young lady, one who is always willing to stand up for what she believes in . She isn’t your typical teenage girl who is caught up in how she looks or what she has. She is very down-to-earth and non-materialistic. Hanna is also one of the politest young people I’ve ever met. She is extremely respectful to adults and you never have to tell her twice when you’ve asked her to do something. In fact, most of the time she is just ready and willing to help and you don’t have to ask her. She was always one of my biggest helpers when I taught her in 6th grade. Probably what I love most about Hanna is her beautiful and sweet spirit. She is so kind-hearted and such a genuinely sweet girl. She has a smile that can make anyone’s day better and when you couple that smile with a hug, you’re definitely set. Hanna is a friend to her peers and an absolute joy to her teachers. I really wish there were more sincerely sweet and kind teenagers like Hanna. Hanna is an inspiration to me and to everyone. She is a Christian who loves God very much. What I think is so special about Hanna’s faith however, is that it is an active faith. She does not merely live her life TELLING people that she is a Christian. Instead, she lives her life LIVING as a Christian, making her Christianity obvious to anyone who is around her. God created this beautiful girl and through her surrendering to Him, He has continued to develop her and her faith. It is no wonder she is so loved and adored. Throughout these weeks of dealing with her accident, Hanna has remained a fighter. Sometimes it’s hard for me to understand how she can be so strong and tough and fearless. Then I remember just how special she is and how she is confident in God’s deliverance and faithfulness. What an inspiration! This young, 8th grade girl shows me how important faith is. My sweet former student is constantly teaching her former teacher to let go of all the stresses of life and simply trust God, because He is definitely still in the miracle business and will take care of us. She is teaching me to not sweat the small things and to radiate with positivity and confidence from our LORD. I hope this article about Hanna really inspires you and helps you to give it all to God,. That’s what Hanna has done and God is healing her and answering so many prayers for her. He’s taking care of her and she is trusting in Him and allowing Him to use her to further His kingdom. I love you Hanna. Keep the faith and thank you for teaching your teacher so much about our great Creator.
“Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. “ —1st Timothy 4:12 -Dana Alexander
Please pray for Hanna as she continues with her recovery process. Hanna and her family appreciate the prayers more than anything.
***If you would like to donate money to help Hanna and her family financially you can donate through one of the following websites:
https://www.youcaring.com/hannanicoleconley-713877
https://www.gofundme.com/prayers-for-hanna-conley