FAITH: ‘Always believe in yourself, and with God, all things are possible’: Holly Pond’s Ariona Norris discusses her relationship with God

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Holly Pond’s Ariona Norris. (Courtesy of Ariona Norris)

HOLLY POND, Ala. — Holly Pond senior Ariona Norris has overcome adversity in her life and in this interview, she talked about how her faith helped her overcome it.

“God impacts every part of my life. A few years ago, I went through a very difficult time, battling anxiety and depression. It was a struggle just to get through everyday life. I started praying and reading my Bible more, and God helped me overcome this difficult time. I still struggle with this occasionally, but I have learned that with God, I can overcome it,” Norris said. “Jeremiah 29:11 is my favorite verse, because it reassures me that God is directing my steps, so I don’t have to worry about it.”

Helping a lot of people, especially kids, find God means the world to Ariona, and she talked about a favorite thing that she likes to do with her church.

“That is very important to me. I volunteer in the kids’ ministry at my church, and I also try to spread the gospel to as many people as I can. I want to share my story with them to show them how much God can change your life,” Norris said. “Every year, my church has a Christmas tree fundraiser for missions, and that is one of my favorite parts of the Christmas holidays, knowing that I am helping people that don’t have everything I have.”

Being a Godly role model for a lot of people is so important to Ariona, and she shared not only her favorite Godly role models, but also, the best advice that someone has ever given her.

“It is very important to me to always be a Godly role model, especially for young children,” she said. “My favorite Godly role models are parents and my former kids’ pastors that really impacted my life when I was younger: Steve and Angie Patrick. I would not be the person I am today without the love and guidance they have shown me over the years. The best advice that someone has ever given me is to always believe in yourself, and with God, all things are possible.”

Ariona has made a difference in so many people’s lives during her journey so far, and she will continue to strive to do that moving forward. She gave advice to those people who want a relationship with God but might be new to that kind of experience.

“I am thankful and blessed if I have made a positive impact in someone’s life, because I believe as Christians, we should strive to be a positive impact in their life,” she said. “I would tell them to stay strong and never forget that God is always with you. You can always find a church family that will support you, and find the right friend group, because that makes a big impact with your walk with God.”

Ariona shared her favorite life-changing experience that helped her get even closer to God, and how much that experience made an impact on so many people’s lives. She has taken away so much during her journey so far.

“I went to church camp last summer, and they asked me to share my testimony. It made me feel like I grew stronger in my walk with God. I had several people come up to me after I shared it and told me how much me sharing my testimony helped with their own struggles, and it made me feel very good, knowing that even though it was hard going through it, I can help others who are going through the same thing, and help be a light on their situation. Even though it can be hard sometimes, God is always bigger than my fears, and I can always lean on my church family and friends I have grown closer to through church.”

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