The God Who Stays the Same

The God Who Stays the Same

By Cornerstone Prep alumna, Class of 2025,  Bella Barnes

A Cornerstone Story of Faith

This fall, we caught up with one of our newest alumni, Bella Barnes (Class of 2025), a young woman whose faith journey has inspired many, including the very teacher who once prayed for her salvation. Earlier this year, Bella was baptized by her former Bible teacher, Mr. Williams, in the Etowah River, surrounded by family and friends. What began as a student-teacher relationship has grown into a story of redemption, transformation, and the powerful work of God’s grace. We’re honored to share Bella’s story in her own words.

A Step of Obedience

When I first gave my life to Christ, I was excited but also nervous. I remember opening my Bible to Luke Chapter 3 and reading about Jesus’ baptism. The verse struck me deeply. Jesus, who had no sin, chose to be baptized as an example for all of us to follow. In that moment, it clicked for me: if Jesus was baptized, how could I not be?

I texted Mr. Williams and asked, “How fast can someone get baptized?” Not long after, on September 14th, I was standing in the Etowah River surrounded by my family and friends. The water was cold, but my heart was on fire for Jesus. As I went under, I felt the weight of my old life wash away, replaced with overwhelming peace and joy. It was a moment I’ll never forget,  publicly declaring my faith not just before my family, but before the world and before God. 

Full Circle: Being Baptized by My Former Teacher

It was surreal to be baptized by Mr. Williams. He was always my favorite teacher, but truthfully, I didn’t make things easy for him. During my junior and senior years, I pushed back against everything: God, faith, and yes, even him. I used to write funny jabs on his classroom board just to prove I wasn’t going to “be fixed”.

But through all of it, he never gave up on me. He kept believing I would one day know Jesus personally, and he was right. On August 19th at 11:00 a.m., sitting by Lake Acworth, I had a brutally honest conversation with him,  and with God. That’s where everything changed. I accepted Christ that day, and not only did I find salvation, but also a true friendship with someone who had prayed for me the whole time.

Seeing God Move

Since my baptism, I’ve seen God move in ways I never noticed before. It’s like He was always there, I just finally opened my eyes. I’ve been blessed with incredible opportunities through Kennesaw State University's First-Year Scholars Program, gaining valuable research experience, finding amazing Christian friends, and even landing great jobs that continue to grow my faith and confidence.

The Foundation of Faith: Lessons from Cornerstone

Cornerstone gave me the intellectual foundation of my faith. I knew the stories, the verses, and the truths of Scripture. But it was through teachers like Mr. Williams that those truths became personal. He helped me see that faith isn’t about checking a box or following rules; it’s about knowing God deeply and personally.

And I can’t forget the other teachers who modeled Christ’s love daily, Mrs. Kotula, Mrs. Gootee, Dr. Lowrance, and Mrs. Manning. They didn’t have to preach to make their faith known. Through kindness, laughter, and encouragement, they showed me the quiet strength of living like Jesus every day.

Life After Graduation

Life after high school has been a whirlwind of lectures, labs, and long nights of homework. Between balancing school and work, I’ve learned that rest is sacred, and for me, that rest comes on Sundays when I go “church hunting” with Braden Hipps (class of 2025).

I’m currently completing prerequisites to apply for the KSU nursing program, and if there’s one thing God keeps teaching me, it’s patience. His timing is perfect, even when it’s not mine.

Faith on Campus

One of the biggest surprises at KSU has been discovering how many Christian organizations exist, from RUF to WAVE to The Living Room; there are so many ways to stay connected. It’s comforting to see how God has placed believers all around me, even in a big college environment.

The transition wasn’t easy at first, navigating parking, finding classes, and meeting people,  but God has helped me grow through it all. Each challenge has drawn me closer to Him.

Advice for Current Students

If I could give one piece of advice to Cornerstone students, it would be this: God never changes, you do. Whether your circumstances are good or bad, God remains constant. His presence will carry you through anything college or adulthood throws your way.

Find a church, join a Christian group, and stay grounded in your faith early on. You don’t have to face new seasons alone;

God’s people are everywhere.

Chalk Fest & Coming Home

I came back to Cornerstone’s Chalk Fest this year partly because I love art, and partly because I lost last year and wanted redemption (though I lost again, so I guess I’ll have to try next year!). But honestly, I missed the community. Cornerstone’s art program, from Chalk Fest to Stagecrafters, was where I felt most connected to creativity and people.

Being back for the Fall Festival felt surreal. It was the first time I wasn’t volunteering for everything, though I still ended up face painting for Animal Ambassadors! I loved walking around, talking with old friends, and remembering all that Cornerstone gave me.

Why Staying Connected Matters

It’s so important for alumni to stay connected to Cornerstone. We’ve walked these halls, faced these tests, and grown through these moments, and now we have the opportunity to pour back into the next generation. High school can feel overwhelming, but sometimes all it takes is hearing, “I’ve been there, too,” to remind someone that they’re not alone.

Looking Ahead with Faith

Right now, my prayer is for wisdom and kindness, to navigate college well, follow God’s will, and let go of my own plans when needed. I know He has a path for me, and I want to walk it with grace and joy.
Wherever He leads next, my hope is to be a light, to reflect the joy and peace that only Christ can give. I want others to see His goodness in my life and know that it’s real.

Because it is.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

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Bella’s story is a beautiful reminder that Cornerstone isn’t just a school, it’s a family that lasts far beyond graduation. We’d love to see our alumni family back on campus for Homecoming 2025! Join us Thursday, November 7th, from 4–6 p.m. We will once again host the Pop-In Tent for all alumni from 4-6 pm with free popcorn, drinks, and tickets to the game. Alumni will also have a chance to win an Amazon gift card, so plan to pop in and say hello! 

Come reconnect with teachers, old friends, and the community that helped shape your story.