News from the House
Jesus said, “Do everything in love.” (1 Cor. 16:14)
Wow, such a simple phrase, but what a huge challenge. Steve and I use this as a guide and goal every day at Laurel House. The young lives we are blessed to touch for such a short time deserve nothing less. With every obstacle we face with these ladies, whether it is abuse, behaviors or mental illness, we approach it with love. I must admit, it gets hard especially when you have a broken heart in your hands afraid to trust. So, with a lot of laughter and establishing goals, we work towards molding a new future for every teen. At Laurel House we thrive on structure. The teens know what is expected of them daily. This eliminates confusion so they can focus on school work and re-establishing relationships through therapy.
One of our teens is Katie, an 8th grader preparing for promotion. Katie came to us on the verge of being in a gang. She was 13 and running the streets. Her grades were all F’s and her family lived in chaos when she was home. Her school had given up on her and she often cursed at her teachers. Praise God we were able to take her in. As Katie learned during her stay at Laurel House, her problems were never solved in the arms of a boy, or in the alcohol she drank, or the drugs she did. When the boy was gone and she sobered up, and came down off the drugs… her problems were still there. So we dove into them together. Wow, what a challenge!! I had to remember “Do everything in love.” I was obedient and what a transformation! Katie is sober, has a 3.4 GPA, and a loving relationship with her family. She has found peace and happiness within herself instead of looking in the wrong places. Katie has won AVID student of the year for her school. Only two students receive this award and represent the school. Katie received her AVID award at Angels Stadium with her family by her side. Her happy and proud face was on the jumbo-tron screen for everyone to see!
As the tears roll down her mother’s face, she hugs me and thanks me for giving her daughter back to her. My heart fills with joy! “Do everything in love.” Jesus knew the perfect way to reach Katie as well as every teen that comes through our doors. It is awesome to see Him glorified through the transformation in Katie’s life!
Blessings,
Donna Giddings, House Mom