ADDISON, Ala. — Addison High School’s Emma Cleghorn is starting her senior year, and in this interview, she discusses her relationship with God, and how He has been a help to her since she was younger.
“God means everything to me. He sent His son to die for our sins when we didn’t deserve it. He saved me when I thought I wasn’t good enough or worthy enough, and He still called me His. He guides me through every trial. Without Him, I truly don’t know where I would be,” Cleghorn said. “When I was younger, I was very quiet. I lacked confidence and felt very low at times. When I found God, I chose to stick with Him through it all, and He chose not to leave me. He helped me find my strengths, talents, and gifts, and use it all for His glory. Through Him, I found more confidence, and I’m more comfortable around others. Even though life isn’t perfect, I know who He is, so I don’t have to be.”
Emma leans on a Bible verse to help her out during tough times in her life, and she wants to play a part in helping everyone find God.
“My favorite verse is Philippians 4:13: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’. Remembering this verse reminds me that even at my lowest, the Lord is always there to lift me up. Even when it seems impossible, He is always there to guide me,” Cleghorn said. “It is important to me, because everyone deserves to know that they have a forgiving and patient Father that loves them more than anything. I want to help people know that they can spend eternity with Him in heaven.”
Emma wants to be a Godly role model for kids and mentioned a couple of her own Godly role models.
“Everyone looks at what the other person or what the older person is doing, because I definitely did. Watching an older kid be kind to someone or help someone made me want to do the same, and it’s like that for a lot of people. Being a disciple for Jesus is not only preaching or singing about Him but trying to be an example of Him,” Cleghorn said. “My Godly role models are definitely my dad and Amy Gilliland. My dad is always there for people, even when they might not deserve it. He is always there to remind me that God has a plan for everything. Amy Gilliland has helped me with my walk with Jesus, and I’m forever grateful to have her in my life.”
She took part in a very special mission in Tennessee that changed not only her life but so many others as well. She gave advice to those people that are either struggling or are new when it comes to having a relationship with God.
“Strength to Stand is my favorite mission. It has changed me in so many ways. It’s a student conference in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, that brings youth groups from around the country to raise a generation to stand boldly for Jesus in the face of an ever-changing culture. They had amazing preachers that really inspired me, and it saved many kids,” she said. “I would tell them that it won’t always be easy. I’ve been following God since I was 13, and I still struggle, but that is why God is there: to always come to Him when you mess up over and over again. Jesus died a perfect man so that we might be forgiven, redeemed, and brought into a right relationship with God through His sacrifice.”
God helped one of Emma’s favorite teachers deal with a serious health issue and that helped Emma get even closer to God.
“One of my teachers was diagnosed with cancer and her trusting in God and always having a positive attitude through it all inspired me to always trust in Him. She is now cancer-free,” she said. “Prayer and studying the Bible helps me get through a lot of hard days. I’ve learned that on bad days, God is good, and on good days, God is good. The Lord has a plan for me that is better than mine. I just have to have faith.”
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