This is Christopher! He is in the 8th grade! What can I say about this kid??? He’s just amazing! He helps make lunch for his little sister almost daily, he always wakes up early for school and has his brother and sister’s breakfast on the table (mostly because he does NOT want to be late for school), he is working so hard at school and his goal this year is to make A honor roll, he puts away the dishes from the dish washer daily, he always offers a helping hand, he always wants to do the right thing, he is funny, he has a caring heart, and he’s one wondeful human being! He’s our quiet middle child and he can easily get overlooked… I am learning the importance of paying close attention to this young man, he is an amazing kid… he is full of wonder and brings so much joy to my life! He’s grown so much this year in his faith and relationship with God, academics, and maturity! Watching him become an adult is an honor! I love you Christopher Lucas! I couldn’t be more proud of the young man your becoming!

Deateronomy 22:6 “Train up a child in the way they shall go and they will never deaprt from it!”

I love the movie “Hope Floats” with Sandra Bullock. The movie has been around for a long time, in fact I believe it came out when I was in high school, so it’s over 20 years old. Anyway, I love the movie for many reason, but the thing I love most about the movie is the very last scene. The last scene Bernice is walking and holding hands with her mother and they are smiling and happy. This was a powerful moment in the movie, because prior to this scene the family was quite heart-broken and sad. The watcher gets to see a broken mother/daughter go through the pit of brokenness and find joy and meaning by the end of the movie. Their brokenness was due to their husband/father walking out on them for another woman. If you have not seen the movie, it is a must see!

Here is the quote from the end of the movie…

“Bernice Pruitt: My dad says that childhood is the happiest time of my life. But, I think he’s wrong. I think my mom’s right. She says that… ”
[Bernice’s voice fades as Birdee takes over]
Birdee Pruitt: [laughing] Childhood is what you spend the rest of your life trying to overcome. That’s what momma always says. She says that beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it’s the middle that counts the most. Try to remember that when you find yourself at a new beginning. Just give hope a chance to float up. And it will, too…”

I love this scene! In fact I use this scene in my office with clients, as a way of showing that all too often our lives start out scary and painful; Yet, God had bigger plans for us and wants to change our story from broken and painful… To victorious and joyful!

The key is … us! We get to choose the way our stories end. Will we allow our painful childhoods to hold us captive and forever stuck in bondage; or, Will we surrender to God and do the necessary work to heal from our painful pasts! It is completely up to us!

My job as a counselor is to help people regain hope and to help them find the necessary tools to achieving victory over the brokenness of their pasts and their own sin!

Friends, perhaps your life didn’t start out so well!  Perhaps you faced abuse and pain a a child.  Regardless of how old you are, there is hope for healing over childhood brokenness!  There is always a chance to gain victory over your life!

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Blessings, Crystal