For Tiffany…she has SI…do you know what that is?
Tonight at the community center, there were a bunch of kids there. This one little girl came in and all the other kids started making fun of her. It was just mean the way they treated her. Laughing and taunting. Making fun of her, who she was and how she was dressed. Then one of them said, “she is so weird, and she cuts herself, y’know?”
Oh my…
My heart started aching for this young girl. What could I do in the short time I had to make a difference in her life?
Starting praying.
Later she came up to the front again, and they began to verbally abuse her…I told them to stop…that it wasn’t ok to treat anyone like that. They dispersed…
Then I called her over. “Your name is Tiffany?” “yes”…
and it went from there. I asked her if she liked art…and she told me her dad was an artist. I said, do you like to draw…and she said yes…do you have any drawings with you…you could show me? Again yes…and she darted off.
She came back in a hurry with a spiral notebook in her hands. So, I invited her to come behind the counter with her notebook and she started sharing it with me. It was so special. As she turned the pages, I was also looking at her, really looking closely. She had a black bow in her hair, with white polka dots. A t-shirt with a kitty on it that said something about nice and evil. A jacket with pictures black and white too…with an expression of evil and cute all at the same time. The jacket was hooded, which covered her flowing braids that fell to her shoulders, with cute little kitty ears on top of her head.
While I was studying her…I saw her arms. They were scarred with stripes going this way and that way. I said, “What is that?” And she said, “It is a long story.” We talked and shared some more and then all of a sudden she told me. “I have SI.” “Self Infliction.” “I cut myself.”
I told her…that was ok. It just meant she was trying to express something…and she just needed to learn to do it on paper, not herself. She smiled.
Shared my art with her and gave her some pointers. Talked about how art was a great way to express what you are feeling inside, without hurting anyone.
Just wanted to cry. To hold her and make the pain I could feel inside of her go away. I was totally feeling her hurt. All the rejection…all the pain. The self-hatred this young 13 year old carried in her was almost more than I could take.
I just happened to bring my laptop to work, so I could download some pictures I had taken…so I began showing them to her…she really perked up when she saw my kitty. She wants one really badly.
I prayed quietly, in the spirit, as she sat beside me. I felt God moving on her behalf. She lightened up. Smiled and laughed…it was a joy to be able to share a little of what God has given me with her.
I wanted to take her home with me…to tell her how precious she was…how special and what a delight she is to God.
Her parents finshed their activities and came up to the front desk. They both were curious why her daughter was sitting with me behind the desk. And I told them we were talking art…and that I used to teach. I showed them my website and they complimented me. I just sorta blurted out, as we were talking….”You have a very special young lady right here. She is precious. I wish I was still teaching, cause I would let her come for free.” And then I had the thought. “Why don’t I give you my phone number, and if you’d like, she could come to my house and have a couple private lessons for free?” “If you’d be comfortable with that.” I also said, “I think she needs a friend.” and her dad said, “We all need those.”
She had to leave and I asked her for a hug. It reminded me of a stray kitten we once took in. He was so awkward when we first tried to pet him…He didn’t know how to act…and would meow and meow…wanting so badly to be able to trust and let us love him….but had a hard time letting himself recieve it.
So…the ball is in their court…and I pray they will let me love on her. She is such a beautiful young lady and she just needs someone to help her see herself the way that God does. Will you pray with me for her…?
I just said a prayer for her girl. I hope it helps.
I know it will…I just want to see her free…and can’t stop crying about it. Thank you!
Wow! I this goes to show what an amazing person you are! I think everything happens for a reason, and you two met for a reason!
Biggest HUGS!
So sad, that poor girl…Teenagers go through enough turmoil, without having to hold in so much anger, and having to deal with ridicule as well. Very sweet of you to make her the offer, maybe spending some time with you, will change her outlook on herself. You truly are a caring person, and I hope her parents…allow her the time with you…she obviously needs some positive role models.
wow..just reading that made me tear up. I will definitely say a prayer for her.
You have so much love Chrisie! I will be praying for Tiffany and her situation. And I will be praying for God to use you in her and her familys life. Love you girl!
You got me in tears Chrisie. You are so sweet to take her under your wing like that. God definitely had a hand in bringing you two together
I’ll be praying for her…You too!!
I have tears in my eyes. You are a beautiful person Chrisie. God blessed both of you when he brought you two together. It is funny how he always has a plan. I will be praying that you can make a difference in this girls life.
You may have already made a difference in her life, chrisie. You just never know how far the ripples from one act of kindness will spread.
Thank you everyone…
Last night, I was so tired…(and I had to get up this morn very early) but I just had to share this with you…cause I knew you’d pray for her…and understand.
It means so much that it touched some of you too…
When I was loving on her…I really felt like…this is so important…I really felt like this is the stuff I was created to do!
Please keep praying for her…
And again…thank you sooooooo much for being there for her…and for me!
Just said a prayer for her. Will keep her on my mind and keep praying that her parents contact you. God is going to work through you to help this young lady tremendously, I feel it. He is the one who put her in your path.
Definitely praying for this sweet little girl.
I will be praying for her, too. God bless your loving heart!
This IS what God created you for! and you follow His leading for each child/teen/adult — obedience is so much better than sacrifice!
you always amaze and humble me, i want a portion of what you have — just like Elijah from Elisha!!
That is my new prayer.
There are so many hurting that need to know about the love of a Father.
I am praying for both of you — along with the other girls you have been ministering to
love you!!!
right here with you chrisie, this is a amazing story. you are such a special person. god bless you. I hope she keeps what she got from you in her heart. thanks for sharing with us.
Oh man…this brought tears to my eyes. First for this girl that expresses herself this way..and I hope she takes you up on your offer. I will be praying for her. But, you also brought tears in my eyes…we all know your amazing lady…but you did something so many wont do…get involved…take that chance that something might make a difference in this young girls life…i bet even if this girl is unable to take the lessons…I bet she will remember your kindness for years to come…..may god bless you even more than he already has…cause I think your one of gods angels on earth.
God bless both of you…Love Debbie
This really touched me! I have prayed for her and I will continue to do so. It is so hard to see a child have to go through that!