the rock girl
2 Sophia’s days
Sophia’s days followed a strict rhythm. After school, she would walk straight home, no detours or after-school hangouts. Her evenings were spent studying diligently, helping her mother with chores, and memorizing verses from the Bible. It was a life of discipline and devotion, one her parents insisted would lead to a fulfilling future.
“There are temptations everywhere,” her mother often reminded her. “But God watches over those who walk the righteous path.”
There were no outings after sundown, no impromptu gatherings with friends. Church attendance every Sunday was non-negotiable. Sophia’s family sat in the same pew every week, her parents listening intently to the priest’s sermons while she tried to ignore the empty rows surrounding them.
It saddened her to see how few people attended regularly. The grand, echoing halls of the church felt lonely except during holidays or special events like weddings or funerals. On those days, the church was transformed, filled with laughter, chatter, and warmth. But once the occasion passed, it reverted to its usual quiet solitude.
“Why don’t people come to church anymore?” Sophia asked her father one evening.
“They’re too consumed by the world,” he replied with a sigh. “They’ve forgotten what truly matters.”
Sophia nodded, though a part of her wondered if it was more than that. Perhaps people felt the church had nothing left to offer them, or maybe they simply didn’t care. Either way, it reinforced her resolve to hold onto her faith, even if she felt like the last one doing so.
At school, Sophia continued to focus on her studies, determined to excel despite the challenges she faced. But it wasn’t easy. Her classmates weren’t the only ones who treated her poorly; some of her teachers seemed to share the sentiment.
Her math teacher, Mrs. Turner, often ignored her raised hand in class, favoring students who were louder or more outgoing. Her history teacher, Mr. Clarke, rarely acknowledged her contributions during discussions. It wasn’t outright hostility, but a subtle, pervasive neglect that left Sophia feeling invisible.
One afternoon, after receiving yet another average grade on an assignment she had poured her heart into, she decided to confront Mrs. Turner.
“Mrs. Turner,” she began, approaching the teacher’s desk after class. “I wanted to ask about my test. I studied very hard, but I feel my grade doesn’t reflect my effort.”
Mrs. Turner barely looked up from her papers. “Sophia, sometimes effort isn’t enough. You need to engage more in class.”
“But I do participate,” Sophia insisted. “You just don’t call on me.”
The teacher’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Perhaps you need to be more assertive.”
Sophia left the classroom, frustration bubbling inside her. How could she be assertive when no one seemed to listen?
Lina noticed Sophia’s mood that day. “What’s wrong?” she asked as they walked home together.
“Nothing,” Sophia replied, but her tone said otherwise.
Lina stopped in her tracks. “Sophia, you’re my friend. You can tell me.”
Sophia hesitated, then sighed. “It’s just... sometimes it feels like no one takes me seriously. Not the students, not even the teachers. It’s like they’ve already decided who I am, and nothing I do will change that.”
Lina frowned. “That’s ridiculous. You’re one of the smartest, most hardworking people I know. If they can’t see that, it’s their loss.”
“Thanks, Lina,” Sophia said, managing a small smile. “But it’s hard to keep believing that when it feels like the whole world is against me.”
“The whole world isn’t against you,” Lina said firmly. “You’ve got me. And you’ve got your faith, right?”
Sophia nodded, though the weight of her struggles still pressed heavily on her.
One Sunday morning, as Sophia sat in church, a thought struck her. What if the emptiness she felt wasn’t just about her own struggles? What if it was about something bigger, a loss of connection, not just for her, but for everyone? The empty pews, the disinterest of her classmates and teachers, even her own doubts—it all seemed connected. People had forgotten the power of faith, of community, of purpose.
After the service, she approached the priest, Father Elias, a kind but weary man who always greeted her family with warmth.
“Father, can I ask you something?” she said.
“Of course, my child,” he replied.
“Why do you think people don’t come to church anymore?”
Father Elias sighed deeply. “It’s a question I’ve asked myself many times, Sophia. People are busier than ever, chasing after things they think will make them happy, money, success, entertainment. But in the process, they’ve lost sight of what truly matters.”
“But how can we bring them back?” she asked earnestly. “How can we show them that faith still matters?”
Father Elias smiled at her enthusiasm. “It starts with people like you, Sophia. By living your faith every day, by showing kindness, love, and strength, you can inspire others. Actions speak louder than words.”
Sophia took his advice to heart. She decided to channel her frustrations into something positive. Instead of focusing on the negativity around her, she began looking for small ways to make a difference. She volunteered to help younger students with their studies, offered a kind word to those who seemed down, and even started a small Bible study group after school.
At first, the group was just her and Lina, who joined more out of loyalty than faith. But gradually, a few other students trickled in curious, skeptical, but willing to listen. Sophia didn’t preach; she simply shared stories from the Bible and discussed how they applied to everyday life. To her surprise, the group began to grow.
Even her teachers started to notice a change. Mrs. Turner, who had always been dismissive, complimented her on her improved confidence during a class presentation. Mr. Clarke asked her opinion on a historical topic and genuinely listened to her response.
It wasn’t a dramatic transformation, but it was enough to give Sophia hope.
Lina, who remained her closest
friend, teased her one day. “You know, you’re not ‘The Saint’ anymore. You’re
more like ‘The Crusader.’”
And so, Sophia’s journey continued—a
testament to the strength found in belief, the power of kindness, and the courage
to stand firm in a world that often tried to pull her away.
Sophia laughed. “I’ll take it.”
https://sites.google.com/view/group-of-books-on-amzone/home
https://sites.google.com/view/love-is1/home
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