Many of our successes or failures have come from a word or a gesture. I am reminded of hearing a story from Barron Batch. He spoke of the start of his NFL football career starting as a young boy walking across the dusty fields of West Texas, he had tennis shoes that flipped and flopped. Probably the only pair he had. As he made his way home a Coach noticed him and met his need. Invested in him by buying him a pair of shoes and look at him today… Now that Coach could have turned a cold heart and went home or judge the young man from a place yet he saw a need that was hindering a potential…The coach was his inspiration. Challenges in life brings out determination. Once this need was met next came great effort which lead to great success. As a young teenager, I was met with many challenges, good and bad experiences. A child should never be told by a counselor her changes of failure was great because of her color and size. It has a way of hindering a growing mind. Yet as I write these words I am not angry with her, I am disappointed but I harbor no hate. I took what the devil meant for harm and made it work because I am not a failure I am the daughter of a King. The words that was imbedded in me from my Mom as a young child and the words I spoke bold I,”I can do all things through Jesus Christ that strengthens me, The reason why those words that adult counselor spoke into my ear as an eighth grader’s haunted me but did not destroy me. Words have power and actions do as well. I am a lioness and I am a conqueror in Christ Jesus. Yes those words challenged me to have the lioness heart I have today, but I was only a cub then forced to roar before my time. Those words meant to intimidate me was breeding ground to grow me. To inspire others. I know as adults we see children like this all the time. Whether it is a physical need or an emotional investment. Be kind with our words and swift with our actions. Some children may require a lot of time, effort and resources, others may not. No matter big or small, would you pass by the chance to invest into the next generation. Would you take the time to care? Would you take the time to make a difference?

(It takes one to care One to make a difference, Will that one be you?)