Hey Guys!! I've got great news...my blog has moved. I'm honored to say that I have a friend who teaches a web-design class and offered to use G.I.R.L.S. Ranch as a class project for his students and develop a website for me free of charge!!!! Praise the LORD! So, I've now started blogging through the website. Come on over, the grass is greener!!
www.girlsranchtn.org
Love you guys!!
Shannon
Habakkuk 2:3 (Amplified)
For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end (fulfillment); it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
For at the proper time we will reap a harvest IF WE DO NOT GIVE UP! (Gal.6:9)
Wowzzers! I know, I know, I know, it's been OVER a month and I've not blogged. Let me explain. God has been moving mighty fast this past month. I've been in a constant state of "wow-ness" making it very difficult to know how to articulate what is happening, much less how I feel! Throughout this process, I've been overwhelmed by the amount of people who are truly believing in the Jesus in me. It's extremely humbling and I'm overflowing with gratitude...again a situation where I simply don't have words to express it. Thank you just doesn't suffice.
So, on with the update you say....I will start with today and move backwards. TODAY I went with my sweet friend Renee and participated in a workshop at MERCY MINISTRIES for people who have a specific calling to open up a girls home. I was definitely the youngest lady there. In some weird way I was encouraged by that. There were many more things that were encouraging. Encouraged that this dream/calling is REALISTIC, encouraged that I can learn from a successful ministry of what has and has not worked, encouraged with new ideas, encouraged with strategies, encouraged with resources, an example of a biblical-based counseling model, testimonies, etc.,etc., the list could go on and on! I soaked it up like a sponge, but I'm not gonna lie...my brain hurts.
This past Saturday I had my first official board meeting. Talk about dry mouth, arm pit sweat, and heart beating out of my chest. I think most of these symptoms were due to excitement; however, making a presentation to your friends/board is a little nerve-racking and something new and different for me. Overall, I think it went pretty well. I just need to work on not talking so fast. I just get too excited and passionate. I guess that's not a bad thing, just needs a little tweaking! Our next board meeting is April 2nd! My prayer has continued to be that Jesus would stay ahead of me! Oh, something else we need in regards to the board is someone with a legal background. There are some attorney's who people have suggested we consider. I'm asking that God would provide an attorney that has a heart for hurting teens and can fully support our vision. Please join me in praying for these. I got a feeling this past weekend that things are going to continue to move at a rapid pace.
MORE GOOD NEWS!!! I received my EIN#. This is super exciting for me. It just means we are one step closer to officially having all the paperwork completed, filed, and returned to be an official non-profit! G.I.R.L.S. Ranch is able to take monetary donations with a good feeling that we can insure those that give will receive a contribution deduction this year. That's a great feeling! Fundraising will begin shortly. Brainstorming has started and ideas are beginning to flow!! As a visionary, I feel like I need someone to help record what I envision. I sometimes have difficulty knowing the exact steps needed to take to make it happen. I'm praising the LORD that He has placed specific people in my life to know what those steps are. I'm completely OK and VERY COMFORTABLE saying that I CANNOT do this alone!!
CHICAGO!! I'm leaving on Friday morning and attending a youth ministry conference in Chicago. I'm very, very excited. Simply Youth Conferencee is a "conference created for youth workers by youth workers." I hear this conference will rock my socks off. They talk about real issues and hurts that teens experience. I will get the opportunity to meet Megan Hutchinson. Renee and I are actually staying with her. She co-authored the program I co-lead on Thursdays nights, Life Hurts God Heals. Super excited to meet her and pick her brain! I will also get to hear Louie Giglio speak! Ahhhh....so amazing. Shane & Shane (one of my all time favorites) will be leading some of the worship. I'm ready to be recharged and challenged. OOOOZZZZING with excitement. Not too excited about the freezing weather in Chicago. I hate snow.
So, as you can see my life has been full! I love a full life. I have some other fun things that have happened...but why write it all at once? I will hopefully be more consistent with the updates. As you can see they are coming in quickly.
Although there have been a TON of open doors and people saying "yes" I believe in you...there have been times I've questioned and wondered if I'm qualified and gifted enough...the verse Galatians 6:9 has been something that I held on to this week...if we "DO NOT GIVE UP!" Don't worry folks...I'm not giving up!
So, on with the update you say....I will start with today and move backwards. TODAY I went with my sweet friend Renee and participated in a workshop at MERCY MINISTRIES for people who have a specific calling to open up a girls home. I was definitely the youngest lady there. In some weird way I was encouraged by that. There were many more things that were encouraging. Encouraged that this dream/calling is REALISTIC, encouraged that I can learn from a successful ministry of what has and has not worked, encouraged with new ideas, encouraged with strategies, encouraged with resources, an example of a biblical-based counseling model, testimonies, etc.,etc., the list could go on and on! I soaked it up like a sponge, but I'm not gonna lie...my brain hurts.
This past Saturday I had my first official board meeting. Talk about dry mouth, arm pit sweat, and heart beating out of my chest. I think most of these symptoms were due to excitement; however, making a presentation to your friends/board is a little nerve-racking and something new and different for me. Overall, I think it went pretty well. I just need to work on not talking so fast. I just get too excited and passionate. I guess that's not a bad thing, just needs a little tweaking! Our next board meeting is April 2nd! My prayer has continued to be that Jesus would stay ahead of me! Oh, something else we need in regards to the board is someone with a legal background. There are some attorney's who people have suggested we consider. I'm asking that God would provide an attorney that has a heart for hurting teens and can fully support our vision. Please join me in praying for these. I got a feeling this past weekend that things are going to continue to move at a rapid pace.
MORE GOOD NEWS!!! I received my EIN#. This is super exciting for me. It just means we are one step closer to officially having all the paperwork completed, filed, and returned to be an official non-profit! G.I.R.L.S. Ranch is able to take monetary donations with a good feeling that we can insure those that give will receive a contribution deduction this year. That's a great feeling! Fundraising will begin shortly. Brainstorming has started and ideas are beginning to flow!! As a visionary, I feel like I need someone to help record what I envision. I sometimes have difficulty knowing the exact steps needed to take to make it happen. I'm praising the LORD that He has placed specific people in my life to know what those steps are. I'm completely OK and VERY COMFORTABLE saying that I CANNOT do this alone!!
CHICAGO!! I'm leaving on Friday morning and attending a youth ministry conference in Chicago. I'm very, very excited. Simply Youth Conferencee is a "conference created for youth workers by youth workers." I hear this conference will rock my socks off. They talk about real issues and hurts that teens experience. I will get the opportunity to meet Megan Hutchinson. Renee and I are actually staying with her. She co-authored the program I co-lead on Thursdays nights, Life Hurts God Heals. Super excited to meet her and pick her brain! I will also get to hear Louie Giglio speak! Ahhhh....so amazing. Shane & Shane (one of my all time favorites) will be leading some of the worship. I'm ready to be recharged and challenged. OOOOZZZZING with excitement. Not too excited about the freezing weather in Chicago. I hate snow.
So, as you can see my life has been full! I love a full life. I have some other fun things that have happened...but why write it all at once? I will hopefully be more consistent with the updates. As you can see they are coming in quickly.
Although there have been a TON of open doors and people saying "yes" I believe in you...there have been times I've questioned and wondered if I'm qualified and gifted enough...the verse Galatians 6:9 has been something that I held on to this week...if we "DO NOT GIVE UP!" Don't worry folks...I'm not giving up!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Horrific Tragedies
It wasn't until about three months ago my heart grew a real desire to know more about sex trafficking...kinda random I know, but not really. It does make sense with this dream of mine...I do believe one day I will have the opportunity to share Jesus' love and freedom to some victims of this heart wrenching catastrophe. So, I started researching and was blown to tears with how often this horrific act takes place in not only our country but in OUR OWN CITY! Did you know the average age a girl (even typing the word "girl" feels so wrong) falls into the trap of prostitution is 12...12 years old!!!! There are at least 300,000 victims of sex-trafficking in the US every year. Twenty-nine Somali gang members were arrested last fall in Nashville for sex trafficking young girls. The U.S. Court reported that these Somali gang members "transported underage Somali and African American girls from Minneapolis to Nashville from 2000 to 2010 for sex acts in exchange for money or other items. The gangs allegedly recruited girls under age 18 – including some under age 14 – and force them into prostitution."
http://memphis.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel10/me110810.htm
This week here in Rutherford County, specifically Smyrna, a man was accused of selling a minor for sex, and now police are looking for more victims of his enterprise. These girls are not child prostitutes, they are VICTIMS of sex trafficking. http://www.wsmv.com/rutherford/26545423/detail.html
I used to think that sex trafficking happened far far away. I used to think it only occurred in China and Europe...but how I was so wrong. It's happening in our very own back yards!!
Research says that human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world. It takes on average 48 hours for a runaway girl to be picked up by a pimp and there are an estimated 450,000 runaways each year. The life expectancy of a girl after they become a prostitute is 7 years. We wonder why these sick people sell girls? Why not guns or drugs?? Well, you can sell a gun only once, you can sell a drug only once, but you can sell girls over and over and over. UGH! These girls are chosen because they are already vulnerable....vulnerable because they come from dysfunctional homes, have been exposed to domestic violence, drugs/alcohol, probably have a history of sexual, physical, and/or emotional abuse and we all know brain washed by the media. This is a formula for sheer destruction. I was recently shown lyrics to a rap song by 50 Cent an it blatantly talks about sex trafficking. How can this be allowed on the radio??!!
“Now shorty, she in the club, she dancin' for dollars;
I spit a little G man and my game got her;
A hour later have that a** up in the Ramada….
I could care less how she perform when she in the bed;
Bi*** hit the track, catch a date, and come pay the kid….
I let em' do as they please, as long as they get my cheese;
Even if they gotta freeze, or if it's a hundred degrees;
I keep em' on they knees, take a look under my sleeve;
I ain't gotta give em' much, they happy with Mickey D's…”
DEVASTATION!! There aren't even words to express how angry this makes me. Angry enough to do something about it. However, I kinda feel like my hands are tied. Like what is a young lady like me going to do about it...I felt a small voice say 'get the word out, that's what you can do." So I am. I also know that we serve and worship a HUGE GOD that died once for our FREEDOM!! I believe He can heal and restore these girls. My prayer is that God would continue to prepare my heart for working with these girls one day.
One last thing. I watched this video this morning and thought I'd share it. It's a short video on how one girl bought into the lies of sex trafficking.
I know a lot of this stuff is super depressing...but I'm not going to leave it there...Mercy Ministries has a wonderful website where you can get involved in stopping this horrific epidemic. http://www.endsextrafficking.com/ Please visit it and sign up to receive more information on how you can help!! ALSO you can sign this petition. Apparently sex-trafficking sky rockets around the Super Bowl. By signing this petition you can help bring awareness and hopefully help deter the buying of children during the Super Bowl. http://www.change.org/petitions/view/ask_the_super_bowl_host_committee_to_stand_up_and_protect_children
http://memphis.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel10/me110810.htm
This week here in Rutherford County, specifically Smyrna, a man was accused of selling a minor for sex, and now police are looking for more victims of his enterprise. These girls are not child prostitutes, they are VICTIMS of sex trafficking. http://www.wsmv.com/rutherford/26545423/detail.html
I used to think that sex trafficking happened far far away. I used to think it only occurred in China and Europe...but how I was so wrong. It's happening in our very own back yards!!
Research says that human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world. It takes on average 48 hours for a runaway girl to be picked up by a pimp and there are an estimated 450,000 runaways each year. The life expectancy of a girl after they become a prostitute is 7 years. We wonder why these sick people sell girls? Why not guns or drugs?? Well, you can sell a gun only once, you can sell a drug only once, but you can sell girls over and over and over. UGH! These girls are chosen because they are already vulnerable....vulnerable because they come from dysfunctional homes, have been exposed to domestic violence, drugs/alcohol, probably have a history of sexual, physical, and/or emotional abuse and we all know brain washed by the media. This is a formula for sheer destruction. I was recently shown lyrics to a rap song by 50 Cent an it blatantly talks about sex trafficking. How can this be allowed on the radio??!!
“Now shorty, she in the club, she dancin' for dollars;
I spit a little G man and my game got her;
A hour later have that a** up in the Ramada….
I could care less how she perform when she in the bed;
Bi*** hit the track, catch a date, and come pay the kid….
I let em' do as they please, as long as they get my cheese;
Even if they gotta freeze, or if it's a hundred degrees;
I keep em' on they knees, take a look under my sleeve;
I ain't gotta give em' much, they happy with Mickey D's…”
DEVASTATION!! There aren't even words to express how angry this makes me. Angry enough to do something about it. However, I kinda feel like my hands are tied. Like what is a young lady like me going to do about it...I felt a small voice say 'get the word out, that's what you can do." So I am. I also know that we serve and worship a HUGE GOD that died once for our FREEDOM!! I believe He can heal and restore these girls. My prayer is that God would continue to prepare my heart for working with these girls one day.
One last thing. I watched this video this morning and thought I'd share it. It's a short video on how one girl bought into the lies of sex trafficking.
I know a lot of this stuff is super depressing...but I'm not going to leave it there...Mercy Ministries has a wonderful website where you can get involved in stopping this horrific epidemic. http://www.endsextrafficking.com/ Please visit it and sign up to receive more information on how you can help!! ALSO you can sign this petition. Apparently sex-trafficking sky rockets around the Super Bowl. By signing this petition you can help bring awareness and hopefully help deter the buying of children during the Super Bowl. http://www.change.org/petitions/view/ask_the_super_bowl_host_committee_to_stand_up_and_protect_children
Writing is one thing...withdrawn is another...
So, you may asking yourself what in the world does she mean by "writing is one thing...withdrawn is another." Good question. When you write a check that will change your life forever it's one thing but when you see it withdrawn from your account it's another. I had written a check out to a wonderful attorney who is helping me with this whole "non-profit status" process. He rocks. Doing this all alone would really stress me out. So, I sent him my first payment about 2 months ago and it wasn't until last week that I saw the money withdrawn from my account. Talk about swallowing the largest horse pill of all mankind...I mean, I knew I wrote it, put it in an envelop, sealed it, mailed it, he got it, BUT seeing it withdrawn....whoa, it's another story. I felt like I officially have been "pushed out of the boat!" You see, I struggle with taking that first step out of the boat...so sometime I just have to be pushed!! I'm glad I was "pushed out!!" This week I was told by him that G.I.R.L.S Ranch had been approved for step 1 of this process and is now an official non-profit in Tennessee. Now we just have to work on making it official through the IRS. I don't know what it takes to make it official in the state of Tennessee...it doesn't really matter to me...that fact that it's "official" on one level makes me want to jump out of my skin with excitement. I can't tell you how tempting it was for me to go outside and run around my house screaming.....WWWWWWAAAAAHOOOOOOO!!!! It's cold so I didn't.
So join me in Praising our Jesus that things are moving forward and looking good!
So join me in Praising our Jesus that things are moving forward and looking good!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Let me introduce to you...
my sweet, sweet God-sent friend!!!! Her name is RENEE and she pretty much rocks. Renee is getting her degree in Christian counseling and I'm excited to see how God uses her...I mean...if I could be honest, I 'd love her to work with me at G.I.R.L.S Ranch some day. Come on Jesus, pretty please (fingers crossed..haha)!
Anyway, last spring she got my number from a mutual friend and called me to ask if I wanted to be apart of a community group meeting in Murfreesboro. At that time I didn't know a lot of people my age in Murfreesboro so I jumped on it. Long story short, we have MANY things in common...dogs, a heart for hurting kids, JESUS, and singleness just to name a few...I truly feel blessed to know her. It's one of those friendships that you feel like you have known eachother for years...but really it's been like 9 months. I like to call it "SOUL SISTAS!!" (I hope she feels the same way:))
One of the most exciting common interest we have is our heart for hurting teens. Before meeting Renee, she spent some time in California as an intern co-facilitating a program called Life Hurts God Heals. (I mentioned it in my first blog.) Life Hurts God Heals is a twelve-step program for kids who struggle with addiction and pain. If you have heard of Celebrate Recovery it is very similar but for teens. Renee has been facilitating these groups here in Murfreesboro since she has moved back. She asked me last fall if I wanted to help her by co-leading a small group for the fall semester. I couldn't resist and definitely wasn't going to turn this opportunity down. I had actually been praying about her asking me to help lead a small group. I really wanted to be apart of what she was already doing here in Murfreesboro. She is very passionate about what she does, it's contagious, and has a natural gift working with kids. I was ready to learn from her and find out more about this program. So, I jumped on board. Since then our friendship has drawn closer and we work very well together. Toward the end of last semester I expressed an interest in offering this program to the juvenile courts as a referral source for some of the juvenile delinquent kids. She had worked with this population when she was in CALI and had the same heart!! PRAISE JESUS! So, we have been working hard at getting connected with the right people to offer this program as a referral source. Things are looking up. As I mentioned before, I went to observe court this week and the Judge asked me to return for a meeting with her after the new year. So, before that meeting, Renee and I will be going back on Monday to do a little more observing. It should be fun!! Gosh, I love this stuff...I can't type fast enough:)!!!!
A local Christian ministry did some research on the success rate of faith-based programs versus non-faith-based programs and there was an overwhelming difference. Based on this particular ministries research, faith-based treatment has a 93% success rate versus 12% for non-faith-based. This only confirms that real, LASTING, change can occur if Jesus is involved. My prayer is that as Renee and I work really hard at ministering to the teens in Murfreesboro God would show up and heal these kids from their hurts...I pray kids would be set free from addiction and pain and begin to see their value, love, worth, and forgiveness in JESUS!!! I'm very thankful that Jesus knew I needed a friend like Renee. I'm excited to see how God uses our friendship in the development of G.I.R.L.S Ranch.
Here are some pictures of my "SOUL SISTA"!!!
Her dog Brinkley (Left) and best friend Cooper...Titan would not pose for this picture. I'm sure he was off chasing something.
Anyway, last spring she got my number from a mutual friend and called me to ask if I wanted to be apart of a community group meeting in Murfreesboro. At that time I didn't know a lot of people my age in Murfreesboro so I jumped on it. Long story short, we have MANY things in common...dogs, a heart for hurting kids, JESUS, and singleness just to name a few...I truly feel blessed to know her. It's one of those friendships that you feel like you have known eachother for years...but really it's been like 9 months. I like to call it "SOUL SISTAS!!" (I hope she feels the same way:))
One of the most exciting common interest we have is our heart for hurting teens. Before meeting Renee, she spent some time in California as an intern co-facilitating a program called Life Hurts God Heals. (I mentioned it in my first blog.) Life Hurts God Heals is a twelve-step program for kids who struggle with addiction and pain. If you have heard of Celebrate Recovery it is very similar but for teens. Renee has been facilitating these groups here in Murfreesboro since she has moved back. She asked me last fall if I wanted to help her by co-leading a small group for the fall semester. I couldn't resist and definitely wasn't going to turn this opportunity down. I had actually been praying about her asking me to help lead a small group. I really wanted to be apart of what she was already doing here in Murfreesboro. She is very passionate about what she does, it's contagious, and has a natural gift working with kids. I was ready to learn from her and find out more about this program. So, I jumped on board. Since then our friendship has drawn closer and we work very well together. Toward the end of last semester I expressed an interest in offering this program to the juvenile courts as a referral source for some of the juvenile delinquent kids. She had worked with this population when she was in CALI and had the same heart!! PRAISE JESUS! So, we have been working hard at getting connected with the right people to offer this program as a referral source. Things are looking up. As I mentioned before, I went to observe court this week and the Judge asked me to return for a meeting with her after the new year. So, before that meeting, Renee and I will be going back on Monday to do a little more observing. It should be fun!! Gosh, I love this stuff...I can't type fast enough:)!!!!
A local Christian ministry did some research on the success rate of faith-based programs versus non-faith-based programs and there was an overwhelming difference. Based on this particular ministries research, faith-based treatment has a 93% success rate versus 12% for non-faith-based. This only confirms that real, LASTING, change can occur if Jesus is involved. My prayer is that as Renee and I work really hard at ministering to the teens in Murfreesboro God would show up and heal these kids from their hurts...I pray kids would be set free from addiction and pain and begin to see their value, love, worth, and forgiveness in JESUS!!! I'm very thankful that Jesus knew I needed a friend like Renee. I'm excited to see how God uses our friendship in the development of G.I.R.L.S Ranch.
Here are some pictures of my "SOUL SISTA"!!!
Her dog Brinkley (Left) and best friend Cooper...Titan would not pose for this picture. I'm sure he was off chasing something.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Here we go....
So, this blog thing is very new to me. Some may think I'm behind times or have lived under a rock, but I just never felt it necessary to write about my life. Honestly, I never feel people care enough about what's going on in my life to read about it. If they do care...they call me. I've also been a little insecure about my writing skills. So, don't judge. However, now that I'm moving into the next chapter of my life, blogging seems necessary. Never thought I'd say that. So, here we go!!!
G.I.R.L.S Ranch...God In Real Life Situations. I'm sitting here at a local coffee shop trying to wrap my head around this huge vision God has given me. I'm not sure there are words to express the amount of emotion that comes with even typing "G.I.R.L.S Ranch." For many years, I've dreamed of developing my own faith-based non-profit. I've loved working with inner-city youth for many years and over the past 2.5 years as a school counselor God has broadened that love for hurting kids in general...especially girls. About one year ago, I was sitting in a counselor's office and she asked me what I dream about. She had to ask that question didn't she. I've always been a big dreamer. However, about a year and a half ago some of those dreams started to seem impossible. It wasn't until Mrs.Patsy asked me to define my dream and to write it on paper that I began to see glimpses of hope again and that these visions and dreams could come true.
So, it's a year and some months later since that conversation with counselor Patsy. Guess what, I've begun the process of developing a non-profit. How exciting!! How hard!!!! I think I've got my work cut out for me. Sometimes I feel a little naive about the amount of work that will be involved in this, but I also know that I serve a HUGE GOD who created the universe and if this is what He has called me to do, then shooot...I'm there. How could I pass up this dream. How could I say no.
G.I.R.L.S Ranch I imagine being a home that serves girls ages 9-17. Why so young you ask? Well, as a school counselor working with girls 3rd-5th grade my socks have been blown off by the level of hurt and pain these kids are experiencing at such a young age. Abandonment, sexual and physical abuse, neglect, sexual promiscuity, drug addicted and incarcerated parents, rape...the list could go on. You combine those issues with low self-esteem, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and NO Jesus, you have a downward cycle of self-destructive behaviors leading nowhere but to a life without hope. Without hope there is NOTHING.
A lot of the kids that I work with are living in poverty which prevents them from receiving adequate care. Most of them could not afford the therapy that they need. Many of them are products of their environments and need to learn new coping skills and the JESUS I know. They need to know AND believe He wants to restore their HOPE IN HIM and give them a new life...a life that he designed for them...a life that is above and beyond what they could imagine for themselves.
So, as of now, I've hired an attorney and begun the process for starting a non-profit. I've been meeting with some very special people in my life and have asked some to sit on the board of directors for G.I.R.L.S Ranch. You may wonder what I'm doing in the meantime...you know, before I have a physical building/home for these girls. I am completely comfortable with this being a very slow process. I think it's very important to heed God's direction and take it slow. I want every step to be ordered by him. So, that's what I'm doing. I'm networking with the people in Rutherford County. I'm currently co-facilitating a 12-Step program for kids who struggle with addiction and/or pain called Life Hurts God Heals. Awesome. My hope is to see it as a referral source for the courts in the Spring of 2011.
I did observe juvenile court yesterday and God was so great. He made sure I got to speak with the juvenile judge for a few moments. She was open to hear more about Life Hurts God Heals that she asked I schedule a meeting with her after the New Year. Done and Done!! Thank you Jesus.
Sooo...there is the update with my life:) I plan to use this a place where I can update myself (haha) and others on the process of G.I.R.L.S Ranch. God is doing some pretty amazing things. I've not got all the answers or all the details of what this is to look like. I just know that He has asked me to step out of the boat so that young girls can receive healing and freedom. So, that's what I'm doing. I beg you to bruise your knees with me (not literally) but spiritually. I need your prayers. Prayers for discernment, wisdom, a few more "YES'" from potential board of directors, potential donors, new ideas, my obedience to continue putting this before Him because it can be scary at times.
Thank you so much for taking the time to care about what's going on in my life. I'm humbled. My first blog wasn't too bad. I may like this thing after all.
I'm gonna leave you with one thing. I was feeling a little discouraged Sunday and Jesus showed me this.....
"I don't call the equipped but EQUIP the CALLED!!!"
Praise JESUS. Good thing he knows I need some equipping:)
Peace.
G.I.R.L.S Ranch...God In Real Life Situations. I'm sitting here at a local coffee shop trying to wrap my head around this huge vision God has given me. I'm not sure there are words to express the amount of emotion that comes with even typing "G.I.R.L.S Ranch." For many years, I've dreamed of developing my own faith-based non-profit. I've loved working with inner-city youth for many years and over the past 2.5 years as a school counselor God has broadened that love for hurting kids in general...especially girls. About one year ago, I was sitting in a counselor's office and she asked me what I dream about. She had to ask that question didn't she. I've always been a big dreamer. However, about a year and a half ago some of those dreams started to seem impossible. It wasn't until Mrs.Patsy asked me to define my dream and to write it on paper that I began to see glimpses of hope again and that these visions and dreams could come true.
So, it's a year and some months later since that conversation with counselor Patsy. Guess what, I've begun the process of developing a non-profit. How exciting!! How hard!!!! I think I've got my work cut out for me. Sometimes I feel a little naive about the amount of work that will be involved in this, but I also know that I serve a HUGE GOD who created the universe and if this is what He has called me to do, then shooot...I'm there. How could I pass up this dream. How could I say no.
G.I.R.L.S Ranch I imagine being a home that serves girls ages 9-17. Why so young you ask? Well, as a school counselor working with girls 3rd-5th grade my socks have been blown off by the level of hurt and pain these kids are experiencing at such a young age. Abandonment, sexual and physical abuse, neglect, sexual promiscuity, drug addicted and incarcerated parents, rape...the list could go on. You combine those issues with low self-esteem, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and NO Jesus, you have a downward cycle of self-destructive behaviors leading nowhere but to a life without hope. Without hope there is NOTHING.
A lot of the kids that I work with are living in poverty which prevents them from receiving adequate care. Most of them could not afford the therapy that they need. Many of them are products of their environments and need to learn new coping skills and the JESUS I know. They need to know AND believe He wants to restore their HOPE IN HIM and give them a new life...a life that he designed for them...a life that is above and beyond what they could imagine for themselves.
So, as of now, I've hired an attorney and begun the process for starting a non-profit. I've been meeting with some very special people in my life and have asked some to sit on the board of directors for G.I.R.L.S Ranch. You may wonder what I'm doing in the meantime...you know, before I have a physical building/home for these girls. I am completely comfortable with this being a very slow process. I think it's very important to heed God's direction and take it slow. I want every step to be ordered by him. So, that's what I'm doing. I'm networking with the people in Rutherford County. I'm currently co-facilitating a 12-Step program for kids who struggle with addiction and/or pain called Life Hurts God Heals. Awesome. My hope is to see it as a referral source for the courts in the Spring of 2011.
I did observe juvenile court yesterday and God was so great. He made sure I got to speak with the juvenile judge for a few moments. She was open to hear more about Life Hurts God Heals that she asked I schedule a meeting with her after the New Year. Done and Done!! Thank you Jesus.
Sooo...there is the update with my life:) I plan to use this a place where I can update myself (haha) and others on the process of G.I.R.L.S Ranch. God is doing some pretty amazing things. I've not got all the answers or all the details of what this is to look like. I just know that He has asked me to step out of the boat so that young girls can receive healing and freedom. So, that's what I'm doing. I beg you to bruise your knees with me (not literally) but spiritually. I need your prayers. Prayers for discernment, wisdom, a few more "YES'" from potential board of directors, potential donors, new ideas, my obedience to continue putting this before Him because it can be scary at times.
Thank you so much for taking the time to care about what's going on in my life. I'm humbled. My first blog wasn't too bad. I may like this thing after all.
I'm gonna leave you with one thing. I was feeling a little discouraged Sunday and Jesus showed me this.....
"I don't call the equipped but EQUIP the CALLED!!!"
Praise JESUS. Good thing he knows I need some equipping:)
Peace.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)