Note: Every so often, I like to introduce you to people who are influencers in the lives of preteen and teen girls. One such person is Tamika Catchings. While you may know her as a professional basketball player for the WNBA, that is only one small facet of her influence. I asked her to share some words of encouragement with you as girls' leaders. By the way, her photo is Courtesy of Pacers Sports & Entertainment:
As you read in my first post, I was born with a hearing problem, speech problem, had to wear hearing aids, and eventually had to wear braces. So, I know a little bit about dealing with the struggles of being different and not fitting in. The positive role models that were around me influenced me tremendously, and have helped shape me into the person that I am today. Two things in specific helped me: encouragement from adults and to pursue it; and believing that God made everyone (including me) special.
1. Encouragement from role models
As leaders, it is important for us to constantly encourage girls and remind them how beautiful they truly are. No matter how old we are, we all need a little push to keep going. It’s no different for girls. There were lots of times I wanted to give up, but my parents, teachers, coaches, teammates and church group leaders were there to pick me up. They constantly shared Bible stories and Scripture with me and encouraged me. They said that one day I would look back and realize that everything that I went through when I was younger would make me stronger and allow me to be a light for others. And they were right. I am stronger because of the hardships, and even through my own imperfections, I can reach back and help others.
Whether it’s sports, knitting, dancing, reading, a certain school subject, or writing, we need to help them find their passions and discover their gifts. And then, we need to encourage them to pursue those gifts and passions. They need to know they have somebody on their side, someone who wants them to succeed and who will be there even if they don’t.
2. Believing that God made everyone special
Each of us is unique. I love the fact that there is not another Tamika Catchings anywhere in the world. Even twins who look exactly alike bear traits that set each apart from the other. Girls need to know that God created them uniquely and wonderfully and put them together just as He designed (Ps. 139:14-16) They need to know that they play a part in God’s Story—a part that no one else can play. When we instill this biblical truth this to our girls, and we are able to celebrate the beauty and uniqueness each one of us possesses, God is honored and glorified.
I hope these two tips help you reach into girls’ lives, helping them become all God wants for them. While I’m not a certified counselor, I have seen these two truths impact my life.
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