Message from the Head of School – February

Diamonds not Teacups: Developing Strong Children in a Culture of Adversity Avoidance 

The world often sends the message that children should be protected from all stress and discomfort. Yet, this approach can leave them ill-equipped to face life’s inevitable challenges. At Christ’s Church Academy, we take a different approach. We believe in building resilience by teaching students to embrace challenges rather than shy away from them. The creation of diamonds beautifully illustrates this philosophy. 

A diamond’s journey begins in the depths of the earth, where intense pressure and heat transform ordinary carbon into something extraordinary. In the same way, our students’ greatest strengths and abilities are developed under the pressures of academic rigor, social interactions, and personal growth. Shielding them from difficulty only denies them the chance to achieve their full God-given potential. We know that the challenges our students face are not random; they are part of God’s refining process to build their faith, character, and strength. 

Even more fascinating is that diamonds in their natural state often go unnoticed. It takes a skilled eye to identify their worth. As parents and educators, we are called to be those skilled jewelers, recognizing the potential in every student and helping them identify the skills and abilities they have yet to recognize in themselves. Proverbs 22:6 encourages us to “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This requires patience, guidance, and trust in God’s plan. 

Finally, once a diamond is discovered, it must be refined. The rough edges are chipped away, and its surface is polished until its true brilliance shines. Similarly, adversity chips away at our students, revealing their character and sharpening their skills. It is through hardship that they learn to persevere, to solve problems creatively, and to face the world with confidence. 

Diamonds are not fragile; they are the hardest natural substance on earth. This strength is part of their value. Our students, too, are called to be strong—not fragile teacups that shatter under pressure but diamonds that endure and shine. As we prepare them for their unique roles in the world, let us remember that their greatest value lies not in avoiding adversity but in overcoming it. 

Together, let us encourage our students to embrace challenges, grow stronger through them, and shine brightly as beacons of God’s love and truth in a world that desperately needs their brilliance. 

Go Eagles!  

John Stubblefield