You’d never guess it, because she came in with her quiet demeanor, side glances, and shoulder shrugs, but she loved it. With an “Are we always going to talk about Jesus?” snide remark, we started our 6-week session together.
Okay, Lord.
This is my kind of girl.
I’ve always had a soft spot for the ones that make themselves hard to reach.
Why the wall? Too many reasons
to name and no way I’d ask.
Just wanting her to feel loved, I accept the challenge: how to come just a little closer. No lofty goals, no heart-to-hearts, just a little closer. I just want her to see and feel “safety” with us. If you could have seen her in week 3 of classes, you would have been shocked.
Some walls tumbling down already, sharing stuff I’d never ask, and praying prayers I’d never expect.
And even though I want to go back in time and scoop little her up to keep her from all the hard stuff that no kid should have to go through, I can’t. So, I look straight at God, “What should I do?”
Just listen. Be with her now.
Trusting the one who knows not only all the details of her past but also all the planned redemptions of her future, I lean into him. What will he turn this sorrow into? What will his redemption be like?
I can’t imagine, but I know our God. I know that it will be so much better than anything I could have done or planned or dreamed of.
Welcome to the ranch, Bella.
We are so glad you’re here.
- Emily Pier
*student’s name & picture were changed for anonymity