My NSA Story
By Chesed F.
If you had told me two years ago I would be attending an online school, of my own accord, I would have laughed in your face. However, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the absolute blessing that NorthStar Academy has been in my life. Albeit unexpected, I am able to look back and say that this was truly one of the best decisions I could have made for myself.
Before NorthStar, I attended a small private Christian school that I had been going to for five years. It was familiar, comfortable even, like an old pair of shoes with a hole in the side that you refuse to retire. Although I could feel a negative change in myself starting to form, I refused to acknowledge it. I was comfortable, and that was exactly the problem.
Nothing could have prepared me for the time I audibly heard the Lord say; “Did you ask me if I wanted you to go to that school?” I was fourteen, and embarrassing as it sounds, I looked around to see if someone had been speaking to me. No one was around the dusty pew where I was waiting for my parents. The next morning, I prayed: “Lord, if you want me to go somewhere else, you have to make it clear.” He made it abundantly clear the next few weeks the kind of influences I had been subjecting myself to at that school and the change that had begun in me. I knew then that I had actually heard the voice of God, and the magnificence of it astounded me. The uncreated God of heaven and earth concerned Himself with the smallest detail, such as where I went to school. Now the question was, would I listen?
Well, obviously I did. However, the next few weeks were filled with turmoil and questioning. It sounds exaggerated, for such a small thing as switching schools. But I had placed my entire identity in the negative influences I was around and what they thought of me. Then the Lord directed me to the story of Abraham in the Bible. Although my cost of obedience was nowhere near the incredible heights of faith that Abraham had to have to sacrifice his promised descendant, a small part of me resonated with the surrender of one’s self on the altar of God’s promises. The daily reading of that Scripture encouraged me to make my small leap of faith and allow God to catch me along the way.
I am astounded continually at the promises that God has fulfilled in exchange for my miniscule act of obedience. The Lord has gifted me with an incredible community through NorthStar, and even the connection with other Christians near me who have become dear friends. I have been able to excel academically through the classes NorthStar offers and even finish my freshman year of college while in high school. The greatest gift I have been given during my time here has been the depths I have reached in my relationship with Jesus Christ. I feel I have a firm foundation for the rest of my time at NorthStar and beyond high school. Although I may never have opportunity for Abraham-and-Isaac levels of obedience, I pray that I may always adhere to the voice and will of God in my life and trust that the promises He has for me are far better than anything I could ever dream.
Columns: 👤NSA People 🗞️Staff Stories
Chesed F. lives in Colorado with her mom, sister, and golden retriever named Khusi. She is sixteen years old and has been a student at NorthStar for two years. Chesed has been dancing for eight years, with a specific focus on ballet. As well as being on the Navigator staff, Chesed is a member of National Honors Society and spends her free time volunteering to help underprivileged children with literacy. She hopes to pursue a career in law and hopes to always incorporate the beauty of writing and words into her daily life.