April 21, 2006

• I just want to share something cool that happened today. A few days ago I shared about the 7th grade girl that I had been working with. I go in as a parent volunteer during a sewing segment and the teacher puts me next to kids that need a bit of extra help getting paperwork done, and later getting their projects completed. Sometimes sitting next to a child will focus their attention toward the goal.

  
  

  I sat next to a girl in full goth regalia, and she had a armband on that said, “How can I ignore you today.” I was able to find a bracelet amidst the dog collar spiked bracelets that I liked and commented positively about it. She was amazed that I was not scared of how she dressed, and I pointed out to her that I have found out that it is not how you are on the outside, but how you are in the inside that matters a lot. She and three of her friends were surprised at my comment, and said that is what I have been trying to tell people.

  
  

  The next time I saw her she was happy, cooperative and responded well to me. We worked and got a lot done.

  
  

  Today, she was cold and withdrawn. I prayed as I worked with another child to get him moving along (he too will finish his project for today we got a lot done). So I went up to my little goth girl and asked her if she would wish me a happy birthday, as today is my birthday. She smiled, wished me a happy birthday, and I was able to sit down next to her and get her almost finished, she really will be able to finish the work!

  
  

  But the cool thing is that on the pillow she is working on she had to sew on up to three letters for initials, she chose SIN, sigh. I prayed about how to turn that around because I obviously couldn’t force her to use letters she didn’t want to use, and I need her to feel loved and accepted as she is, so I started musing outloud. Let’s see, SIN, hmmm, Sweet, Intelligent, Nice, Smart, Sincere, Inventive…. And then she got into the game and came up with a few other positve words for these initials. My prayer is that when she takes this pillow into her room after she finishes it that when she looks at those letters she will remember affirmation and love. I was so psyched when I left the room, and her final comment today was, “this is one of my favorite classes.” You have to realize that a few days ago she hated the class. Oh I pray so much for her that God’s love will come through to her. I did mention that she is in my thoughts and prayers now because I care for her. Her name is Natasha if you want to add her to your prayer list. I will get to work with her one more day, Monday, then the sewing segment is over. So please pray that God keeps guiding what comes out of my mouth. My heart goes out so much to her.

  
  

  Heather

  • 10:28 am
  • 22 Comments