God's Girls

What a joy it is to spend time in fellowship and theological reflection with God’s Girls, a weekly mentor/fellowship group I've created for Middle & High School girls in the church.  Over just a few short weeks, I have the joy of witnessing the girls bonding with each other and reaching out to one another in love and support.  I also feel a stronger bond with them and feel that I am an important part of their lives for this summer (and God willing, for the future, even when I physically leave this congregation). 

For last week's event, I chose some healthy summer recipes (from Seventeen Magazine, surprisingly enough!) for us to prepare together for 'cooking class.'  One of my goals with God’s Girls is to introduce them and/or encourage them to live healthy lifestyles.  As a former teenager myself, I know what it is like to struggle with self-esteem, culture's view of 'a perfect body,' and knowing I didn't fit in that description.  I also remember what it was like to be an overweight teen; thankfully with my family and God's help, I overcame my bad eating habits and would like to help other teens in need, if the Spirit allows.  The girls loved the recipes (even the humus wrap, which I was skeptical about!) and I plan to pass the recipe cards out at our next meeting so they can prepare them at home for their families and friends. 

Yet, the most beautiful part of the day was when we discussed the book we’re reading (another goal of God’s Girls-literacy), The Skin I’m In.  The book deals with topics of self-acceptance/self-love, bullying, racial conflicts, judgment, self-esteem, friendships, peer pressure, romantic relationships, family issues, literacy, etc.  The 6 girls in attendance this week seemed to be getting into the book and really connected with the issues the book addresses so wonderfully.  Several of the girls opened up and shared their own personal experiences of bullying, peer pressure, and more.  For privacy reasons, I will not hint at what the girls shared, but let's just say it included very deep disclosures; their vulnerability was moving.  I was so grateful that the girls felt safe enough in our space to open up and share their painful experiences.  May God continue to work through our conversations and time of fellowship.  May these lovely young ladies of God feel safe and loved so that they may share the cries of their hearts with their peers and mentor.