Made in God’s Image: Proven by Science
Made in God’s Image: Proven by Science
Sue Freeman RN | QuitCoach | Nicotine Recovery Advocate
27/11/2025
An age-old debate about the existence of a supreme being orchestrating the grand design and speaking the universe into existence has sparked numerous discussions driven by diverse opinions and beliefs. As a Quit Coach, I'm curious about how the combination of faith in God and the principles of science can aid me in my role as I guide both Christians and non-Christians to become smokefree.
The Smoker's Friend: A God-Given Calling
As a nurse, I've been privileged to witness countless miracles, and these experiences have reinforced my unwavering belief in God and my commitment to living by biblical principles, which guide every aspect of my life. This commitment is particularly evident in my mission to assist individuals in breaking free from the chains of addiction. Today, we find ourselves on the cusp of an exciting era where science rapidly unravels the intricate workings of our brains and bodies. It's an era where the tobacco industry has, for decades, falsely claimed to be merely supplying a demand for its products. At the same time, it (Big Tobacco) has capitalized on smokers' lack of awareness about the true nature of nicotine addiction, attributing blame to the smokers themselves.
My passion for the sciences stems from my love of science fiction stories and watching the development of technology from the creative imaginations of authors. I am particularly fascinated with the cutting-edge technology that enables us to peer into the unseen world through electron microscopes and intricate scans and the electrical and chemical world that underpins our behaviors.
Source: Neuroscience News
In Dr. Preston's research at Warwick University, she explored the 'Spirituality of Science' through three studies. What's remarkable is that this concept had a positive impact on individuals' wellbeing and engagement with science, regardless of whether they believed in God. It's a beautiful convergence of faith and science, reminding us that the Creator's intelligence is evident in the intricate patterns of DNA, the awe-inspiring cosmos, and the harmonious laws governing our universe. Science and faith can coexist, deepening our appreciation of the Creator's masterpiece.
Today, you are invited to witness a breathtaking spectacle—the spark of life that happens when each of us is conceived.
Video: The Moment of Conception by Hasham Al-Ghaili (right-click show in browser)
It's like watching a mini 'big bang!' But seriously, it's a captivating microcosm that reminds us of the intricate design and profound beauty underlying our existence. It's a moment that transcends the boundaries of science and spirituality, igniting awe and wonder in the hearts of those who contemplate the complexities of creation and science.
Next, let's delve into the discovery of a newfound cell within the mouse retina (see below). This remarkable cell spans several retina layers, from the photoreceptor to the retinal ganglion cells. It's theorized to play a role in initiating a temporal 'memory' of recent stimulations.
I deeply appreciate the diligent work of researchers in the field of ophthalmology, as I've personally experienced the challenges of vision impairment. Having been completely blind in my right eye and with limited sight in my left eye due to trauma, I've undergone life-altering eye surgeries, including two corneal transplants. I hold immense gratitude for the selfless donors and their families who have made my improved vision possible. Both my mother and I have faced issues with macular damage, each with our unique challenges. While my macula detached and scarred, my mother experienced bleeding and required an extraordinary number of eye injections. It's a stark reminder that smoking poses a significant risk to one's vision. While the corneas lack blood vessels, taking oxygen directly from the air, the rest of the eye is susceptible to damage caused by smoking. Quitting and a healthy diet are, without a doubt, the best steps you can take to preserve your vision.
Image: An isolated Campana cell (green) in a mouse retina.
Source: Neuroscience News. Credit: Ning Tian et al.
Can you recall moments when you were awed by something you saw, tasted, heard, or touched? For me, it's always been chocolate, but there's another story there involving allergies. I find myself continually amazed by the marvels of life as new scientific discoveries continue to unravel the profound mysteries of existence. While we sadly witness the annual loss of creatures to extinction, we also find new life forms. I'm particularly fascinated by the fluffy Lamarckdromia beagle crab from Western
Source: McLay, C. L.; Hosie, A. M. (2022)
Australia. This unique creature adorns itself with a sponge hat, a perfect camouflage tailored to fit its shaggy, soft, dense, and hairy body shell. For those interested in trivia, the HMS Beagle was Charles Darwin's ship, and despite being known as the father of evolutionary theory, he developed a strong Christian faith as he studied the intricacies of life.
Let's look at two of nature's awe-inspiring sights and phenomena that never fail to leave us humbled and amazed. The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, happen when particles from the sun bump into Earth's magnetic field and air. This makes the air glow in different colors creating beautiful light shows in the sky near the North Pole. It's like nature's own colorful fireworks!
Image: Northern Lights -Aurora Borealis
Source: Public Domain
Total Solar Eclipse:
The moment when the moon completely obscures the sun, casting a shadow on the Earth and revealing its corona, is a rare and spectacular event that draws people worldwide to witness its beauty.
Image: Total Solar Eclipse
Exploring the Connection Between Faith and Science
Throughout ancient history, humanity has sought comfort, inspiration, and wisdom from their belief in a creator God. This enduring belief predates the emergence of specific religions, cultures, scientific exploration, and spiritual traditions, serving as a common and timeless thread in the tapestry of human existence.
On God's part, he seeks to reveal his character through his creation and the Bible, in which He tells us He is a jealous God and we are to have no other gods. He created us and everything that is seen and unseen. He owns everything, including us. The Bible contains 2500 prophecies, 2000 of which are fulfilled, and over 7000 blessings. Evidence is accumulating every day that Jesus’ second coming is imminent. Satan hates you and is desperate to destroy you and your family. God will be closing the door soon. Please answer his call to come to Him. God seeks a loving relationship with you for eternity (Terms and Conditions Apply).
God vs Big Tobacco/Satan
Positive Mental Wellbeing
It may seem elusive to envision yourself free from addiction, smiling and happy, with no cigarettes or paraphernalia in sight. But imagine it. When you're dependent on a substance, the inability to access it without causing a negative impact on your mental wellbeing can lead to significant physiological and emotional strain. This craving can become so overpowering that it affects your relationships, job, and overall health. A nicotine-addicted brain becomes sensitized to stress, but there's hope for healing. Just twenty minutes after extinguishing your last cigarette, your brain begins recovering.
Nicotine has a particular effect on the brain, making it more sensitive to stress. When you initially quit, the brain becomes hypersensitive to stress as it craves nicotine due to decreasing levels.
God's incredible gift is our self-healing brain. In just three days, nicotine and its byproducts leave your body. It's a reason to 🎉celebrate 🎉 it's over! Unless you reintroduce nicotine, your body is free from it.
The Stressed Brain Unveiled: Understanding Nicotine Withdrawals
When your brain becomes hypersensitive to stress during nicotine withdrawal, it's like having an unwanted guest at your mental doorstep. You might experience heightened anxiety, restlessness, and a relentless craving for nicotine. Concentration becomes challenging, and you find yourself riding a rollercoaster of irritability and mood swings. Sometimes, you'll even notice physical symptoms like headaches or jitteriness. Your brain sends you a clear message – it wants its old 'friend' back. But remember, you have the power to cope with these feelings and find healthier ways to manage them.
Science has significantly advanced our understanding of why some individuals, even years after successfully quitting smoking, may relapse. Notably, the pioneering work of brain researcher Nora Volkow has shifted our perspective from viewing smoking as a self-imposed behavior to recognizing it as a chronic brain disease. Her research, utilizing brain imaging, has been instrumental in this transformation. The Positron emission tomography (PET) images below illustrate how nicotine can affect the activity of the brain's neurotransmitters by replacing them with nicotine.
As we continue to uncover the profound impact of nicotine addiction on the brain, we're on the cusp of a transformative shift in our approach to quitting smoking. Nora Volkow's pioneering work has not only illuminated the depths of this struggle.
These breakthroughs are not merely a matter of academic interest; they hold the power to revolutionize how we view and address nicotine addiction. Understanding its neurobiological roots allows us to develop more effective treatments, support, and prevention strategies.
Source: Research Gate
Let's embrace the power of God's wisdom and value ourselves as unique people endowed with the ability to self-heal. With scientists' intuitive and creative wisdom, we explore and discover solutions to the complex neuro-biological-emotional challenges of breaking free from the addiction that has entwined itself into all aspects of our lives.
In the next newsletter, I'll share the keys to undoing this harm, freeing ourselves from the clutches of addiction, and nurturing the smokefree, healthy lives we were designed to lead. Together, we'll embark on a brighter, smokefree future fueled by knowledge, resilience, and the divine wisdom that guides us in our image.
Say goodbye to smoking and vaping – for good! Dive into our transformative coaching and support program on Xperiencify, which you can access through Quitstrong.org
With personalized care; you will find experiential knowledge, empathy and effective strategies unite, empowering you to conquer Big Tobacco and go into addiction recovery.
Or take the first step with my self-help book: How To Stop Smoking And Vaping: Your Step-By-Step Guide
Embark on a transformative adventure that eclipses mere quitting—it's your chance to reclaim the vibrant life you once envisioned, liberated from nicotine's grasp. Elevate your wellbeing, magnify your self-assurance, and take the reins of your future. Join us on this momentous journey towards freedom. Together, we are unstoppable.
With optimism and heartfelt support,
Quit Coach Sue
