After spending last semester studying abroad in Oxford, I thought I would have to adjust to a normal semester once I got back to ACU. Then I remembered there’s no such thing as “normal.”

One of my favorite sayings is “Keep calm and carry on.” It’s the one that always appears on the red posters and has been recreated into a variety of phrases. Most of the knock-offs are pretty dumb, but some of my favorites include “Keep calm and call Batman,” “Keep calm and push 4 8 15 16 23 24” and, of course, “Keep calm and bazinga!”

Many people are familiar with this phrase, but it’s been manipulated so many times, the origin has been lost. The phrase was used as propaganda by the British government during WWII to raise the moral of British citizens who feared Nazi invasion.

I feel like this semester has been my own personal “blitz.” Along with making the adjustment to being back in the States, my workload this semester has been ridiculous. I’ve barely had time to keep up with any of my friends and I hate the idea that I’m missing out on the full “college experience.”

“Keep calm and carry on” has kind of been my personal theme this semester. I haven’t always been able to follow the “calm” part, but I think it’s safe to say I’ve carried on pretty well.

I’ve learned that whenever times get tough, the only thing I can do is trust. The question is: who do I trust? Myself or God? In the past, I relied on God because I had no choice. There was no other way I could survive. This semester I tried to rely on myself and it was definitely an epic fail.

I’m pleased to say that I’ve learned my lesson. Thanks, God.

I know God won’t throw anything at me that we can’t handle together. That thought gives me strength.

We’ve only got a few more days of stress and torment until we are released for the holidays. The pressures of the past year have given me all the more reason to celebrate this Christmas.

So here’s what I’ve learned from this semester: don’t let anything dampen your spirits. It’s not always easy to keep calm, but no matter what, carry on. And above all, trust God.

Thanks for the lesson. Merry Christmas!