Brave Beauty: Finding the Fearless Youنمونہ

Not Alone Friendships were so much different when Jayla and her big group of friends began texting. Being able to communicate whenever they wanted was the best! Some days, though, it was the worst. Before they started texting, if just a couple of girls from their group got together it was ok. (Most moms wouldn’t let all ten girls have a sleep over all together anyway.) Now that they could share pictures when just a few of them hung out, it was different. Knowing that you were the one not invited hurt; being excluded made Jayla feel sad. Jealous feelings and rejection took over. And Jayla found she felt a lot braver saying mean things on her iPod than she did in person. This bravery wasn’t the good kind and Jayla knew that. As she cried, she shared her unhappy feelings with her mom. This part of growing up wasn’t fun. Her mom told her it just wasn’t possible for the group to always be together. Friends should learn to be happy for each other instead of hurt each other. This happiness comes from loving each other and loving each other first comes from knowing how much God loves you. We don’t have to let feelings of rejection and jealousy take over our hearts. Jayla is still not feeling happy about these feelings, but she is trying to understand. God’s Word tells us, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37–39 (NIV) As Jayla learns how very much God loves her, it will make loving others easier for her. Getting to Know You (Choose one ending to each phrase below.) When I feel sad, I want to: 1. Be around my family. 2. Spend time with my friends. 3. Be alone. When I need to be comforted, I prefer: 1. A hug. 2. Words of encouragement. 3. Hugs and words. I feel comfortable crying: 1. Only at home. 2. Only in my room. 3. Wherever I’m feeling sad. Courageous Call Dear Jesus, thank you for comforting me with Your love when I feel sad. Help me to be the brave one and love others, even when I am feeling unloved. In Jesus’ name, Amen.