Our Future is in Good Hands!

"I learned that we all have to start somewhere."

     "I learned that I have gifts for a reason ... I need to use them!"

          "I learned that math is really important, and I learned that ...  I can do it!"

These were some of the comments I heard from tween and teen girls at yesterday's Girls Going Places Entrepreneurship conference. I was blessed to be a mentor and table leader at the inaugural event in Orlando, FL. How I wish I'd had an opportunity like this one when I was a teenager!

As I observed the girls' confidence grow before my eyes, I thought of my mom, aunts, grandmothers, teachers and neighbors who served as my role models. How blessed I was to have them, especially my mother! (For a tribute to her, follow this link.)

As the girls shared what they learned from their mentors, my heart was full of gratitude and joy for the experience. When a fourteen year-old asked me why I took the day off to spend it with them, I smiled. And I told her a story.

When I was about fourteen, I saw my mom address a large group of reporters at a press conference. I remember a room full of people, cameras, and lights. Toward the end of her speech, I saw mom search for me with her eyes and turn my way. She held my eyes for what felt like forever and said,

"Our young people are the future of our land. They are our future. 

And I believe in them."

I could sense mom's loving gaze from years ago as I addressed the bright-eyed young lady who hadn't grasped why I'd choose to spend my day with a bunch of girls I'd never met.

And I said,

"I'm here because of you, and for you. You are the future of our land. 

I'm here because I believe in you like my mom believed in me."

Her warm smile filled her face and many others. It was a beautiful moment. A moment of sharing life-giving words to impart hope. Made me think of one of my favorite verses,

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." 

(Jeremiah 29:11)

I pray for each of the girls that I was blessed to meet yesterday. 

Lord, their future is in Your hands. I pray that You will bring the right people to speak Life into their young hearts so they will have hope. I pray that they will believe in their abilities, discover and develop their gifts, and ultimately live to bring glory to You, their Maker and their God.

Still Going Places! (Thank you, Mami.)
Dr Mari

Learn about my book for girls here. 

 * For a chance to win a FREE COPY of The Ultimate Girls' Body Book, follow this link on Wednesday, May 7th (8am - 5pm ET)! Dannah Gresh (of Secret Keeper Girls) is giving away five copies! Share this post to spread the word! *