Choosing Joy in the Storms

By Samantha DePriest

A message of hope and of finding joy in the storms was shared during this past Wednesday’s High School Chapel led by principal Mrs. Jones. September is also Sepsis Awareness month and our high school student body was encouraged to make a $5 donation and wear black and red on Wednesday to show support and raise money for TCS student Natalya Manhertz. Together they raised $3,560.00 dollars and a donor matched it dollar for dollar for a grand total of $7,120.00. Every dollar given will go directly to support Natalya in acquiring necessary medical and daily life items.

TCS Senior Natalya Manhertz was life-flighted to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) hospital this past May after she had a typical case of strep throat that turned into a very serious infection. Natalya spent over 100 days in ICU battling Sepsis. She has undergone numerous surgeries to remove parts of both of her arms and legs. She is now at Scottish Rite receiving extensive rehabilitation and working hard to get to come home and come back to school.

Mrs. Jones shared the importance of building a firm foundation to help us when we experience storms in life because we know that there will be storms. We are either in the middle of a storm, just finishing a storm, or the storm is brewing. Storms can affect us in multiple ways whether our health, relationships, families, emotions, and spiritual life. They can cause us to feel uncertain and overwhelmed. Mrs. Jones reminded our students that there is one simple thing we can do to help us weather the storm… “We can worship. When we lift our eyes from our circumstances and focus on praise and worship, it helps to shift our focus.” Natalya is experiencing a storm greater than we could ever imagine but her Faith is strong and her focus remains on God.

Mrs. Jones shared how the book of Psalms is helpful for our souls while in the storms and in fact it was written by people in the storms of life. When we are facing difficult times, we can go straight to the Bible and rely on the Word. We are reminded that we are not alone as the truth speaks light, hope, and life to our souls. We can praise God in the midst of the storms, troubles, and tough times and ask God to help us to trust Him.

Sepsis Awareness Month

On May 8th, Natalya Manhertz was hospitalized after having strep throat that turned into Sepsis. She went from a thriving 17 year old high school student finishing up her junior year to becoming a quadruple amputee. Instead of her days being filled with all the things that senior girls get to experience, she spent over 3 months in the ICU and spends hours each day with her care team of physical therapists, nurses, and doctors in recovery and rehabilitation. Taking the time to learn about the four signs of Sepsis is more important than ever.

Mrs. Jones shared heartfelt sentiments about Natalya that despite her battles, “God spared her life. Her story is not done yet. God is still writing her story. We need to continue to pray for truth, strength, and wisdom from God.”

One of Natalya’s favorite songs is “Look Up Child” by Lauren Daigle. Mrs. Jones played it for the student body to lean in and reflect on the lyrics. The words of the song are filled with hope, provision, and encouragement.

Where are You now
When darkness seems to win?
Where are You now
When the world is crumbling?

Oh I, I-I-I, I hear You say
I hear You say

Look up child, ayy

Where are You now (where are You?)
When all I feel is doubt?
Oh, where are You now
When I can't figure it out?

You're not threatened by the war
You're not shaken by the storm
I know You're in control
Even in our suffering
Even when it can't be seen
I know You're in control

In closing, Mrs. Jones encouraged our students and staff to surround themself with family, church, Godly friends, and TCS family. She suggested writing scripture on sticky notes as a reminder that God is in control. “By directing our gaze away from the storm and on to our heavenly Father, we are reminded that we are never alone and He is with us carrying us through the storms.” And in the faith filled words of Natalya’s Mom “His ways are higher than ours”. We love you Natalya!! God’s got you!