CULLMAN, Ala. – Good Hope’s Caroline Neighbors will be going into her junior year in August, and she has a very strong relationship with God right now. He’s the reason why she’s the person that she is today, and she leans on a certain Bible verse and song to help her get through everyday life.
“God means so much to me, and He is a staple in my life. I am so grateful for all of the people and opportunities He has given me. He has changed my life so much and has worked wonders for me in ways I can’t explain. The Bible says to not be afraid, to pick up your cross, and prevail. That’s why I put my full faith in Him, and follow Him fully with all my heart,” Neighbors said. “My favorite Bible verse is Psals 113:3: ‘From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the Lord’s name is to be praised.’ This verse means so much to me, because even through the hard times, we still need to praise Him throughout everything. My favorite song is ‘Thank God I’m Free’ by Elevation Rhythm. This song just reminds me that us as Christians, we get opportunities that others don’t, and we should be grateful for what He has given us.”
Caroline want to help everyone find that same kind of relationship with God, and she wants to be that kind of role model for younger kids in and outside of sports and school.
“It’s very important that we help everyone find God, because we need to share His love and grace. I want to make the Kingdom of heaven filled with billions of people,” Neighbors said. “I believe that when you have a good role model, your life is definitely easier. I had multiple amazing role models growing up, and I hope that I’m a good and kind role model for little kids, no matter where I’m at or what I’m doing at the time.”
She has a couple of Godly role models that she’s blessed to have in her life, and she has helped so many kids in VBS when it comes to finding Jesus Christ.
“My mom plays a big role in my faith, as well as my older sister. They have raised me to be a follower of Jesus, and they are my reasons why I keep having faith through the hard times. They have shown me what a good Christian woman is supposed to look like, and I can’t thank them enough for that,” she said. “My favorite mission that I’ve taken part in so far is going to Vacation Bible School and helping all the kids learn more about Jesus and showing His love to them. That is my favorite thing of summer. I love seeing little kids go to VBS and learning about Jesus. I love seeing attendance grow throughout the years, and my little brother and nephew need to be in VBS, and learn about the goodness of God.”
Caroline gave advice to those people who want a relationship with God but are either new or are struggling, and golf, along with faith has helped bring her and her teammates even closer together on and off the course.
“If anyone is struggling with a relationship with God, my advice would be to not let Satan get in your head and break you down. It’s supposed to be hard, because there would be no way to learn from it if it wasn’t. Pick up your cross daily, and keep following Him, even when you don’t think He’s listening,” she said. “It’s been great to have Jesus-loving teammates and coaches. What I’ve learned while playing golf is that you really have to have patience and faith throughout the whole season. There is nothing like having a good group of people who all come together through the Holy Spirit.”
She has learned so many things during her golf journey and her walk with God so far.
“My journey with golf started this past year, and it has been one of the best things I’ve ever started. It keeps me sharp and focused while teaching me things like patience and accountability. Golf has helped me become the Christian I am today by making me be patient, even if it’s when I golf or when I read my Bible. It helps me be accountable for my mess ups and mistakes on the golf course and in life when I’m in my walk with God.”
