Heartbreak Doesn’t Last Forever
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV)
Every day, for 605 days, I prayed for God to send me a Christian friend. I felt alone and isolated at school due in part to the efforts of a group of mean girls. Their constant harassment and belittlement had made my life so miserable it was hard to come to school a lot of days. However, I believed God would make a way for me if I would trust Him. I continued to place my trust in Him no matter what I faced day after day.
One day a tall, skinny girl, with long brown hair and a smile that went from ear to ear, walked into my class. Mrs. Greene, my teacher introduced her. “Class, I’d like your attention. I’d like for you to meet Dianne Miles. She’s just moved into the area and she’ll be joining our class. I know that you all will make her feel welcomed.”
I could already hear the mean girls giggling at Dianne because she was so skinny. I wasn’t sure if we’d be friends, but I felt it was important to introduce myself and make sure she felt accepted. I knew what it felt like to walk in her shoes.
God gave me the words and the courage I needed to speak to Dianne. “Hi, my name is Crystal and it’s nice to have you here. I’ll be glad to show you around if you’re interested.” To my surprise, within no time, we had become best friends.
Dianne became a target for the mean girls, too, but we were able to face the bullies together. God had heard every prayer I’d prayed and today, four decades later, Dianne and I are still BFF.
CRYSTAL Y. HATHCOCK
Crystal Y. Hathcock and her husband Tony, live in Liberty, South Carolina and have been married for thirty-two years. They have two puppies, Hankie and Calvin. Crystal is a freelance writer; a student with the Christian Writer’s Guild and writes religious articles for the area’s local newspaper. She enjoys cooking for family and friends, couponing, jewelry making and singing. (read more…)
A Light on a Hill
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14, 16 NKJV)
Stormie is a beautiful young lady with a smile that lights up a room. She’s friends with everyone because she’s the kind of person you enjoy hanging out with. Stormie has aspirations to be a model and loves country music. At the age of 14, her Christian strength and character allows her to be a strong witness to anyone no matter what the circumstances.
Recently, Stormie shared with me about the pressure she and other girls were getting from guys at her high school for sexting. She said there was a particular sophomore who relentlessly pursued her under the guise of wanting to be her friend. What he really wanted was a nude photo of her for his phone.
Stormie told him repeatedly she would be glad to be his friend, but he would never get a picture of her without her clothes. His motives became very clear—he dumped her.
Many young people have yielded to different pressures and exposed themselves to sexting. They live with regret and shame everyday because of their decision. Stormie wants her fellow comrades to know with God’s great love you can start over. No matter what you’ve done the screen can be erased and you can be free from the quilt.
In a world where everything can be really confusing and full of pressure, here are some of the principles that Stormie uses to keep her light shining on a hill for Christ.
- Surround yourself with Christian friends that share the same standards as you
- Get involved with your church youth group and attend church regularly
- Talk to your parents about everything in your life
CRYSTAL Y. HATHCOCK
Crystal Y. Hathcock and her husband Tony, live in Liberty, South Carolina and have been married for thirty-two years. They have two puppies, Hankie and Calvin. Crystal is a freelance writer; a student with the Christian Writer’s Guild and writes religious articles for the area’s local newspaper. She enjoys cooking for family and friends, couponing, jewelry making and singing. (read more…)
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