Blessed Beyond Measure

I'm almost 32 and it seems here lately I'm constantly reminded how lovingly sheltered, protected, and blessed I have been in my life. This week I heard the stories of four teens, who although half my age, have lived so much in their short lives. They've been faced with situations adults often can't deal with and yet they experienced these issues at such early ages . . . death, hurt, betrayal, heartbreak, abandonment, physical abuse, emotional abuse and rape, but in each one of their lives they've overcome. They've overcome their circumstances, they've overcome the stigma of society, they've proved people wrong, and they've discovered that you are bigger than what you experience and that it is your attitude that determines your altitude.

I'll never understand why I have been spared the heartache that these teens have experienced, but I pray that I never loose sight of the how blessed I've been. I know I will never forget the life experiences shared by the teens I heard speak Monday night. Their stories have exponentially renewed my heart for reaching kids and teens. I'm so thankful that programs like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America exist in communities all around the world. I'm thankful there are staff at these centers each and every week day to help teens like the four I heard speak work through their circumstances, provide them hope, show them true love, and help them rise above their experiences.

If you don't know what the Boys & Girls Club is all about, I encourage you to take the time to stop by a Club in your community. Seek them out. Ask what the needs of their kids are . . . the needs are great and anything you can do to help will be appreciated.

Let's help change the futures of the kids in our communities . . . every child deserves to grow up protected and knowing love.

If you want to know about the organization changing the lives of kids along the Emerald Coast, please visit this link http://www.bgcec.com/.