Interesting summer...
My home has been a revolving door for girls ages 10-18. With three daughters ages 16, 14, and 10 it is just what happens especially during the summer months. On any given day I'm not sure how many "extras" will be eating or spending the night. Well, I do set some guidelines, but it is summer after all!
Last week I returned from Belize and a mission trip, once again surrounded by girls. We had eleven teenage girls ages 14-19 on the trip with the total group of 29. (One of the 14-year-olds was my daughter!) I taught and facilitated Bible studies for teen girls and women all week in addition to some other ministry opportunities in the village where my church partners with the missionaries and a local pastor.
The main thing I've been reminded of during this interesting summer is that girls are girls regardless of age, nationality, ethnicity, or economic status. The girls in my kitchen talk about many of the same issues that the girls in Belize were concerned about - boys, self-image, God, His ways and what it means to really live out your faith.
The girls want to talk and just need people who will listen, really listen. They need people who will encourage and affirm them. People who will believe in them. People who will challenge them to take a chance. People who will dare them to be who God created them to be.
They need women in their lives who will discuss the difficulties of being a woman in a culture that presents a spectrum of womanhood that is sometimes founded on godly principles and sometimes not.
Summer is a great time to gather girls and get them ready for the school year ahead. They live by the cyclical school calendar and are ready to step into new skin with the start of the school year. There is an element of hope and anticipation that something new and exciting will happen this year. Maybe even something life-changing!
One of my challenges to the girls in and out of my home and the girls in Belize this summer is to really live as a disciple of Jesus this next year. Four challenges came out of my summer ministry to girls.
1. With each new day, live following and obeying Jesus in everything.
2. Look to Him for answers to your questions.
3. Seek Him when you need comfort and peace in a situation.
4. Commit to Him and trust Him to give you the new, fresh perspective on life and restoration as a new season begins.
My summer has probably been a lot like those of you in Girls' Ministry and Student Ministry. Not really a bad way to spend your summer...
Gathering girls....scattering disciples.
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