FAITH: Haywood’s Sceals focuses on perseverance

When Haywood senior Anne Marie Sceals sits down to spend time reading the Bible, there is not a specific story that she goes to all the time to find encouragement.

But there is a topic she says is found throughout the Bible that she enjoys reading, and that is perseverance.

“There are a lot of places in the Bible about trials and persevering through trials,” Sceals said. “There is a big one in Romans. It shows that you have to push through everything you do, and that will build character in a person.”

When she is on the softball field playing for the Lady Tomcats, Sceals tries to help her team overcome any obstacle before them.

“Before every game we pray, and I lead that,” she said. “I try to keep everybody motivated and encourage them even when the game is not going our way.”

Sceals tries to be that type of friend to everyone she meets, and she believes that is how she shows God’s love to others.

“I always make sure that I am always there when people need me,” Sceals said. “If they are going through something rough or just need someone to talk to, I make sure that I am trustworthy and not run to someone else and tell their story. I want to make sure that they have someone to fall back on.”

Sceals doesn’t want to sound cliche, but she believes that she feels God’s presence the most on church retreats.

“I am part of the Emmaus community, and that is a big one for me,” Sceals said. “Going through Chrysalis, that whole weekend, I felt Him there, and we were so close to Him.”

Prayer plays a big part in Sceals’ life as she tries to draw closer to God each day.

“I try to stay in a constant state of prayer,” she said. “I try to talk to Him about everything going on in my day. I also try to talk to people who are strong in their faith, and that helps me to draw closer to Him.”

Sceals and her family currently attend Woodland Baptist Church in Brownsville, and she has been active in many facets of the church. She is involved in the youth group, taught Vacation Bible School for the last three years, does Bible drills, has gone on mission trips to Kentucky and Cleveland, sings in the choir and runs the sound board.

“God is love,” Sceals said. “The fact that He has always cared for us and is always there. He provides everything we need.”

Michael Odom, 425-9754

Anne Marie Sceals’ favorite verse

Romans 5:8 – But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.