I had been at Magnolia Christian/Carolina Springs Academy for 6½ months, and I had not taken a risk since I had been here, except in seminars. That soon changed after a visit to the library where I checked out , “See You At The Pole”. It is about students across the nation who meet at their flagpole and pray for their schools, friends, and families. At home, I was very much into going to church; however, I was never willing to put my
faith into action because I was afraid of rejection from my peers.
My school had done “See You At The Pole” every year since I was in seventh grade, and every year it brought me closer to God. When I read that book, it made me want to give to CSA all that I had those years at “See You At The Pole”. I went to the administration and told them about it, as well as what it had meant to me. They approved my idea. I got so excited, yet fearful at the same time. Then I remembered a verse in the Bible that helped me out, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I never paid much attention to that verse. I just always knew that it was there. I learned that it was true on September 17th 2003. The day before “See You At The Pole,” an upper level and I were getting all of the final things done.
I was making copies of songs and putting it all together. I was excited and scared at the same time because I didnʼt know what was going to happen. I was the only one who was going to be praying, so I felt like it had to be perfect or it wasnʼt going to be a success for God. That was all that I wanted. I asked two students to help me with the songs and they agreed. I wasnʼt sure if the staff members were allowed to go. I asked the Administration, and they said, “Yes, we will all be out there supporting you.” At that point I knew God was going to do something amazing. It made me feel so important because girls and staff members were so
excited, and they talked about it. I knew that I was taking a very powerful stand for my faith, which felt amazing! “See You At The Pole” was a complete success.
It was an uplifting experience. Girls said that they felt God there like He was flowing through them. I still get chills every time I think about it. The staff members and students tell me that it meant so much to them to have it and that they have never experienced anything as amazing. I have been told that I gave them insight on what I have and what I believe. My Family Rep and all of my Family acknowledged me and said that I took a powerful step into standing up for what I believe in. They were proud of me for following through with something that I started. I am proud of myself and I know that I have touched peoples lives. I never thought that someone like me could do that, but then again I never went “out there” and took that chance. I have truly lived my purpose and my contract. I am a beautiful, worthy, loveable young woman! My purpose is to continue my walk with God while loving others and letting others love me and creating loving and learning experience.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
See You At The Pole
by Emily Howell
enrolled Magnolia Christian/Carolina Springs Academy
February 2003
