Living Like LoLo

A bad grade on the math test. Being sick over the weekend. Losing the soccer game.

So many things throughout the day can be negative, discouraging, and frustrating, yet those events are minor compared to life in general. How can someone keep a positive attitude throughout life and the good and bad that comes with it?

I myself struggle with keeping an optimistic outlook throughout the day, but I recently came across the story of Lauren Scruggs, who could easily be considered the definition of optimism.

Lauren, or as her family calls her LoLo, used to be a model and had her own blog as a fashion journalist, but this was all before her life changing accident.

Long story short, a terrible accident left her walking into a spinning plane propeller during a pitch black night. Hear Lauren and her family recall the event and aftermath here:

To describe Lauren's recovery is a miracle to say the least. Losing a portion of her left arm, her left eye, and having to undergo countless surgeries was no easy feat. Yet through all the negative, she still has an optimistic view on the accident.

In the video, she refers to her horrific accident and says, "The Lord Has such a sweet purpose in all of this...He was Pouring His grace out on me [during the accident]."

She has a memoir, entitled Still LoLo, in which she proves her unbelievable faith and strength to get through all the pain. She says, "My life changed forever the moment I was hit by that propeller, some of my dreams are different now, but I'm not going to let anything stop me from living out God's plan for me."

Take into account she is 24 years old, and even through all the suffering she has gone through, and will continue to endure the rest of her life, she still thanks God and still relies on the hope and faith that the trials of this life are all apart of His Plan.

I hope to one day be able to have that type of faith and look at the bright side in everything that happens in my life. I will try to turn to my faith through the good and the bad because God Has a plan. James 1:3 says, "For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow."

You Only Leave One Legacy Challenge: Try to have a positive outlook on life, and even when it gets frustrating, just remember that if LoLo can be optimistic throughout her life, you can too.

"I've lost an eye...but I've never seen the world more clearly than I do today. I've lost my hand...but I've never been more excited about the work God Has for me to do." ~ Lauren Scruggs (LoLo)

"Beauty can come in so many forms because with time, faith, and love... even our scars can become more beautiful."~ Lauren Scruggs (LoLo).

Small Acts of Kindness

Going to school five days a week is quite exhausting, but think about all the opportunities to brighten someone's day, whether it be a good friend, a new student, a favorite teacher, or someone you may not even know.

What if everyone took a vow to do a small act of kindness each day? It doesn't have to be something huge, but instead just a small act to make someone feel loved and cared about. I walk through the halls at school and have no idea what each person struggles with, but I can guarantee you doing something out of the goodness of my heart for that person can really help him or her out.

Now I know it sounds awkward, walking up to someone and surprising them with a candy bar or some words of encouragement, but it may just help that person out. It's not that uncommon either, as many people vow to perform acts of kindness after tragedies or nationwide struggles.

Need some ideas to brighten someone's day? The possibilities are endless, but it is hard to start going.

Love to bake? Make some a sweet treat and give it to someone that could use an energy boost.

Crafty? Make a homemade card and give it to a volunteer, a teacher, or someone who deserves a thank you note.

Even simpler things make the world a better place.

Hold the door for a few people.

Offer to help a student carry his or her project in to school.

Pick up trash on the ground.

Watch this little pep talk to feel encouraged!

You Only Leave One Legacy Challenge: Anything can make a difference in a world where people are constantly struggling, so don't be afraid to get started today. Start small and work towards bigger things, like volunteer opportunities.

Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless.

~ Mother Teresa

No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.

~ Aesop

Raising Awareness of Famine Around the World

Recently, I was blessed with the opportunity to help out at ROCK Intl. banquet. ROCK, Relief Opportunity and Care for Kids, is a Christian organization that works to bring hope to children around the world. It really opened my eyes to the world that I live in and all the suffering that is going on each day.

My job was to help serve food and drinks, but what I gained from the experience was worthwhile. The speaker and founder of the organization, Nathan Bramsen, spoke of the conditions of Niger, where he currently lives.

What I found amazing was that he only comes to the United States two times during the year. Once for the annual banquet in January (he only stays for one day) and once for a camp he leads each year (less than three days). He is only 28, and has made the ultimate sacrifice. I think he is such a role model to look up to.

The conditions in Niger are horrible, and that is probably an understatement. The fact that 20% of the children in Niger will die before their fifth birthday is unbelievable. There isn't enough food and clean water there, and it is one of the poorest nations in the world.

According to the ROCK Intl. website, over 1.1 million meals have been distributed in Niger from this foundation. Not only does this organization help with the famine, this is a Christian based Non- Profit Organization, and spreading the love of Jesus Christ is one of their main missions.

To me, it is unthinkable that people around the world don't have the resources to eat on a daily basis, yet in the United States millions of dollars are spent on sports. The SEC spends an average of $160,000 per football player during the season. Now let me say, I enjoy football just like a lot of you, but to take into account that millions of people around the world are starving to death and THAT much money is spent on football is beyond me. I'm not saying we should all boycott football, but I just wanted to let that sink in that even half of the money spent on sports in the U.S. could save countless lives around the world.

You Only Leave One Legacy Challenge: I say all of this to bring awareness about this issue. The ROCK Intl. organization needs more spotlight and attention, and I encourage you to visit their website: rockintl.org. Please continue to pray for these people in Niger and around the world, along with the ROCK Intl. organization.


"Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, 'Let the little children come to Me...'" (Mark 10:13-14)

A Different Outlook on the Election

Two Candidates. Two different viewpoints. Two different reactions to the 2012 Presidential Election.

Whether you were pleased with the 2012 Presidential Election results or not, continue reading. During this long and difficult election, I came to the conclusion that regardless of the outcome, I will keep my trust in God. Think about this, the Bible states to obey God, not men.

Acts 5:29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.

Regardless of who won the election, people can always trust God. Unlike humans, He Will never Change His opinion, never Judge us, and most importantly, He Will always Love us.

I think it is so easy to become engulfed in the political world, but I know that the one thing we will always have is a God that shows unconditional love and mercy. I trust that He knows what will happen in the future and He Will Protect his people.

So whether you are nervous, sad, happy, confused, discouraged, or excited for the next four years, always remember to put your complete trust in God, not humans. He Will Be with us regardless of who won the election, how much money you make, how smart you are, or where you live.

"No matter what may be happening today, God has good things in store for your future! It may not be easy to see now, but God has already lined up a new beginning, new friendships and new opportunities for you."

-Joel Osteen