CULLMAN, Ala. – Vinemont’s Nora Burks will be a junior going into the 2026-2027 school year, and in an interview with the Tribune, she talked about the role that God has played in her life, and how much she has grown from her experience. She credited two massively important Bible verses, plus an inspirational song, that have helped her out in a big way.
“God means everything to me, and He has played such an important role in my life from day one. I grew up in the church, and I’m continuing to grow with Him every day. I know He has always been there for me and always will. He has changed my life tremendously, especially in the last few months, by giving me confidnce in myself, and opening my eyes to see His work,” Burks said. “One of my favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11, ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ I love this verse, because it really gives me confirmation that the Lord knows my future, and that I don’t need to worry for what is ahead of me. I also really like Isaiah 43:2, ‘When you go through deep waters, I will be with you,’ because I know that He is with me at all times. One of my favorite songs is Broken Hallelujah by The Afters. I will listen to that song on my way to school or practice, and it just reminds me that God wants us to give Him all that we can.”
Nora wants to help spread the Word of God and His love to people of all ages, and she wants to become that kind of role model for younger kids. Two of her own role models have played a huge part in helping her become the Christian that she is today.
“Spreading the Word to all ages is so deeply important, because we will never know the time or date when the Lord returns, and we need to be ready. This is something I need to work on more as a Christian, and it can be hard sometimes, because a lot of people want to live a worldly life. We need to bring them to the Lord, and show them God’s love,” Burks said. “I want the younger kids to be comfortable to talk to me about God. I want to be an influence in their lives, and help them with whatever problems they may have. My Godly role models are my parents. They have showed me how to live a God-centered life. My parents have always been there for me and pretty much started my relationship with Christ by putting me in church since I can remember.”
A very special mission that she takes part in has changed countless kids’ lives and has brightened up their days. She gave advice to those people that want a relationship with the Lord but are either new or are struggling. She’s blessed to be around so many great teammates and coaches in volleyball, and faith has brought them even closer together on and off the court.
“Every year, I love helping my church with Vacation Bible School, because a bunch of kids will come to learn about Jesus, and they will get so excited to be there. You can tell it’s made a difference in their lives by how they act, and how they come back each year. A lot of kids that come may come from a non-religious household or a bad home life, and going to VBS will brighten up their day,” she said. “I would tell them that it takes time. It’s not going to happen overnight, and that your walk with God needs to be continuous.”
Nora added, “I love my teammates and coaches. They have helped me so much this year. They believe in me and hype me up. We all pray together at the end of practice, and I think that has helped us get closer together together. It’s a great way to start or end the practice/game.”
She has learned some very important things during her walk with the Lord.
“I’ve learned that He hears and answers our prayers. We shouldn’t give up on Him.”
