Hello, my name is Louis Darrouzet. I’m a 12-year-old attending 7th grade at St. Rita Catholic School. Welcome to the very first edition of Future Voices. This column is a place for younger people, grades 7 through 12, to share our stories of struggle, growth, and faith as we navigate the challenges life sets before us.
I’ll start by sharing a little of my own journey and what led me here.
One small challenge I’ve faced is being limited to playing only one sport per season. To me, sports are more than games; they’re how I connect with friends, push myself, and find joy. My mom supported my desire to play both football and baseball, but my stepfather, whom I call Poppy, values family time above all else except faith. He believed I should commit to just one sport. After a flight home from New York, he made it clear this would be the family rule.
At first, I was disappointed. But then I remembered a prayer I had whispered earlier that weekend, asking God to help me find more time with Him. Maybe this was His answer, not what I expected, but perhaps exactly what I needed.
Another time, I joined my friends, with my mother’s permission, for futsal games during baseball season, thinking it wouldn’t interfere with family time. When my stepdad found out, he reminded me of the commitment I had made. Missing the championship game was painful, but I prayed through that disappointment, trusting that God’s purpose was greater than my plans, even when I felt extreme sadness.
Then this September, I broke my clavicle playing tackle football without pads at recess. It was a tough setback because I could not play either baseball or football, but it gave me quiet time with God. During those weeks, the idea for this column took shape. I had wanted to spend that time preparing for my first basketball tryout at school, but instead, I found myself writing and realizing that maybe God had cleared space for me to do just that: to reflect.
Not long after, I heard about the tragic death of Charlie Kirk. His faith and boldness in standing for what he believed deeply impacted me. His passing made me think about what it means to live courageously for God, even in a world that often feels uncertain.
Through these experiences, big and small, I’ve learned that God answers prayers in ways we don’t always expect. I’ve also realized that fear of the world or an obsession with things like excelling in sports or school can distract me from what matters most: reverence for God. Perhaps His plan is for me to use my young voice for Him, not just for chasing achievements.
My hope is that Future Voices becomes a place where others my age and older can share their own stories and challenges so that together we can see how God uses even our struggles to draw us closer to Him.
If you want to submit an article to this column, please follow the attached document and email [email protected] with any questions. Thank you.
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About Future Voices
Future Voices is a Sunday morning column in The Dallas Express where young Texans share how faith and perseverance shape their lives. These stories remind readers that God often speaks through the honesty and courage of the next generation.