Brenna C.
If you’re reading this, let go and let God.
Before I came to Clemson in the Fall of 2022 or even dreamed of hitting accept to go to Clemson in the Spring of 2022, I had a different plan. Since I was a kid, I dreamed of going to the University of Florida, as the fifth thing I learned to say as a child was “Go Gators!” My entire family had gone there, and I was positive I would go too and carry on the family tradition. But when the decision came in the mail and an “unfortunately, we are unable to accept you…” was the first sentence of the letter, everything came to a halt. The place I had supported and cheered for all my life was no longer an option for my next steps after high school. It was shocking, disheartening, and kind of terrifying.
But God redirected my attention from the loss of not being accepted to my dream school to the fact that He knew this would happen. He knew, and He probably even smiled, because He knew His plans were better. A verse He led me to was Proverbs 19:21, which states that “many plans are in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s purpose prevails.” In the moment, I was content with knowing the Lord’s purpose would prevail, but not fully content with not knowing exactly what that was! Then, the Lord wouldn’t stop showing me signs that Clemson was where He wanted me to be. And when I finally gave in and told my family when we were walking off of our Spring Break vacation cruise that Clemson was my choice, a few girls overheard me and claimed they went to Clemson and that “it was the best decision we ever made.”
Now here I am, a senior in Clemson majoring in Film and minoring in American Sign Language. Four years since the decision I made while staring out at the moon over the sea on the cruise porch, being reminded of Proverbs 19:21. With graduation looming this year, a part of me is starting to have the same thoughts I did my senior year of high school: where do I go from here? Does God want me to pursue Film or American Sign Language? Does He want me to get a job or do missions? Does He want me to get married or be single for my time here on earth? A lot of questions are swirling through my mind, but in the midst of all the uncertainty, all I can think of is “many plans are in a man’s heart, but the Lord’s purpose prevails.”
During my time at Clemson, I have learned a lot academically and spiritually. A huge lesson I learned was letting go and letting God. Whether it be in school, relationships, future purposes, or past pains, I have found that letting go and letting God has helped me grow in so many ways. I have recognized that it’s not about what I need to do, but to rest in what God has done for me and what He will continue to do for me.
I don’t have all the answers, and I am writing this from a place of the unknown, but instead of being afraid, I am embracing it, because I know God has good plans; therefore, I will take heart in knowing He will always be with me wherever I go. My hope for you is to try to let go of any burdens you may be holding in various areas of your life and let God work His wonders in and around you. He has proven countless times that His plans are infinitely better than anything I could ever dream of, and I am excited to see what He does in my life and in yours.
He’s got the way, friend!
Brenna C., Clemson University
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