Words my mother said to me when I was a teen came back to haunt me when my children were 5, 7 and 9. At that time, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I vividly recalled her saying: “Young lady, someday you will need God.” (The Lord only knows what disrespectful thing I must have said!) I knew right then that she was right.
Flash back to a year earlier: At a church service I had written a prayer request for inner peace and contentment. Little did I know that a year later cancer would come bringing fear, anxiety and worry. In my fight for life, from my knees, I surrendered my healing to Christ. I was blessed with an answered prayer: deep peace. At the time I could not explain nor understand how I could feel so peaceful amidst the storm assaulting my body and mind. It was only after I took my first Bible Study many years later that I understood where that peace came from and this strange desire to wear a necklace with the Holy Spirit (dove of peace). I was given peace, one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Mystery solved.
My spiritual growth over the years has often been prompted by struggle and sorrow. As I mature spiritually, I am learning how to be in daily relationship with Christ as opposed to going to Him only in great need. What a joy that has been – joy, another gift of the Holy Spirit!
As a former teacher and school administrator and now a success and leadership life coach I have seen many kids and adults struggle with their self-acceptance and self-worth. It has always been my great passion and joy to help people grow, change and become more empowered. When people go beyond themselves and ask for divine guidance and assistance, they utilize another “resource” to transform their heart, mind and spirit.
Prayer is the means by which we not only help ourselves but also help others. Prayers are our vehicles by which our heart’s desires and anxieties reach God. We have been told to put aside our worries and lay them at the feet of Christ. We have been told: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
As I seek to know God more fully and live in relationship with Christ, I have been blessed with spiritual mentors. Women and men who have transformed my life with their prayers for my family and for me. We have all been given access to the power of prayer and the time is now to use it on behalf of our teens.
