Why We Do This...
Our Friend C.W.
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One of our students C.W. has always struggled in school due to learning differences. School life is often discouraging and reflects to her that she's not good enough. She's a target for bullying and she's had to change classes, even schools, for her safety and well being. You would never know she faces these challenges regularly, because she shines brightly with God's love. Thankfully, she has amazing family support.
One Sunday when we were in session, after she shared about the heart-breaking bullying going on, C.W. casually said, "Yeah, everyday the last few weeks has been either a bad day, or a hard day, except for Sundays. When I wake up and realize it's a Sunday, I get so excited thinking about coming to the barn and spending the afternoon with you all. I pester my mom all morning asking her if it's time to go to the barn yet. I feel good when I'm here. It's safe, encouraging, and I can just be myself and know that I'm loved." When our Mentors heard C.W. say that, we felt a sense of "Mission accomplished!" We're grateful that God has allowed and provided for this sweet ministry to come together. We love being able to bless and encourage our students, reminding them that God is good, and that He loves them. God sees them, He is a safe haven, and He will use the struggles we go through for good. Scripture says, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35) We experience blessing with every Daughters session that we give. What a gift! |
Beloved C.K.
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We're all on a faith journey. One of the things we love about our friend C.K. is that she's brave enough to ask tough questions about God and Jesus, while at the same time keeping an open mind to new perspectives. She's a smart girl and she's not going to simply accept what someone tells her to believe about God and faith. We like that!
C.K. is an exceptionally hard working student, gifted in sports, and recently accepted to an Ivy League university on full scholarship. In addition to these gifts, at times she struggles with severe anxiety. During the Daughters equestrian sessions, she was brave in riding some of the difficult young horses. C.K. says, "Working with the horses was so much fun, and it was super therapeutic. They could almost sense my energy and they helped me stay calm." Our dear friend C.K. gives us hope because in addition to being brave with the horses, she was also open to hearing about how faith and a personal relationship with Jesus has profoundly impacted the lives of women who have also struggled with anxiety. When she first began with Good Reins, she seemed to have an attitude of "Christianity isn't really for me," however over time, after hearing the testimonies of several women and students, her demeanor softened. We observed a sweet change in her spirit, one of a more open mind. She's still on her journey, gathering evidence, deciding what she believes in, and we encourage and respect that. We love C.K. It's important that through studying scripture we learn for ourselves who Jesus says He is, what He teaches, and try to draw near to Him. The reason being, scripture says "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." (James 4:8) And so wherever we are on our faith journey, however imperfectly we try, He is faithful to reward our efforts to know Him more. In His perfect time He will reveal Himself to those who seek Him. |