I was reminded today of the power of words. Here is my story.
You are probably tired of me talking about how much I love what I do and working at ACCESS! I love the authenticity of our clients and the community that is formed. We are a family and we look out for the best interests of each other. One of the hardest parts of my day is when I walk to my car and drive away. I almost feel guilty that in a few minutes I will be pulling into the driveway of my home. I will be able to go upstairs and put on clean comfy clothes, sit down for a meal and relax with a family that loves me. As I pull out of ACCESS I am usually given many waves good-bye from clients wishin me a good evening. My prayer is that soon they will also have the security of their own place to live and the perks that come with that. My heart is especially heavy for the teens. They do not want to be in a homeless shelter. They want to experience what other teens are experiencing...hanging with friends, going to the mall, hanging out in their own bedroom, etc.
The other day it was different...
As I was unlocking my car to leave, one of the teens followed me out to my car. We were talking about her staring a new school soon and how it is nice to have a "new beginning". Of course I had to give her my "mom" lecture about picking the right friends and staying away from boys. I reminded her of how special she was and she looked me in the eyes and said "I feel special!" WOW
Those words penetrated my heart with a force that I cannot explain. In the midst of crisis, in the midst of insecurty, in the midst of the unknown, this young teenager girl felt special!
YEP! Looks like ACCESS is accomplishing its mission. The power of those three little words.
Words can lift us up and they can tear us down. Words can hurt and words can heal.
Words...have power!
