When I first met Kristel*, two years ago, she was deeply hurt and angry due to difficult challenges life had thrown her way. Through ongoing conversations about finding our worth in Christ rather than in our circumstances, I observed a faint light within her start to shine a little brighter each time I saw her.
During our time at camp, we talked about the things we can’t change, such as our family, which has the most significant impact on us and truly shapes how we perceive the world and ourselves. One prayer that comes to mind when thinking about Kristel is the Serenity Prayer my mom used to recite: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
Toward the end of camp, Kristel and I had the chance to pray together about her anger and the difficulties in her life. In her, I see determination, and I believe that she recognizes her potential for great things. Her hardships do not define her, and I am excited to see what God and the future hold for her.
*Name changed to protect the student’s identity