Youth in the Spotlight

This next spotlight shines on Morgan 8 years old and a poem she wrote during her school assignment. Words cannot express the love behind her poem as she put pencil to paper and crafted words so joyous.

Morgan demonstrated a talent for writing early on with her vivid expression of the world around her. If you ask her she will tell you that she never wants to be a writer but is glad she can write well. Her writing has always consisted of fantasy worlds of make believe and joy. This year she has ventured into poetry as her preferred writing, as most young girls do.

This weeks showcase is a story of an amazing 13 year old young lady who from a very young age has been touched with a talent that surpasses her peers. Akiane began drawing at 4, and painting at 6, teaching herself and learning mostly from her own keen observation and study. If that isn't fascinating enough this young lady speaks four languages including Lithuanian, Russian, English and Sign Language.

Over the past couple of weeks a young lady in our church community took one big step towards her academic future. This young lady is 18 years of age and has a passion for music, more specifically her violin.

I have frequently heard her play brilliant pieces for special music as she stood on stage during services to perform special music. She has always been confident in her playing as she stands up there and makes her instrument move the audience. It is her passion for music that has given her the drive to pursue a musical career.

We received this story from a dear friend, and a member of our community about her 11yr old daughter Miracle. The first 10 years of Miracle's life she was never expected to help out around the house. Her parents are separated and share joint custody between two states, dad during the school year and mom the summer. As a result mom has always just wanted to be with her daughter when she was here, rather than expect her to pitch in with chores.

Today was round three with my 13yr old as she encountered yet another allergic reaction to over-the-counter cold remedies and day two spent at the local urgent care facility waiting for the doctor to say she would be fine. While we sat waiting in the lobby other parents entered with their sick children, some who looked more miserable than you could imagine.

Last week we shared the story of two little girls that are going all out to start "Morgan's Mobile Meals."  This week we shift our focus to a very devoted 16 year old girl named Danielle who goes above and beyond to help her mom.

Once a month at church services this young ladies mom has kitchen duty, where her responsibilities include setting up the kitchen to accomodate 50+ members, preparing coffee and other drinks and having the potluck food ready to serve.  After each potluck then everything is cleaned up, dishes washed and accessories put back away.

Teen violence, youth crime rate, youth crime statistices; all these are keywords searched today and used for some of the most popular articles.  It is a fact that our youth have spiraled down a rocky path, but should they then be spotlighted so often?

It is this very question that led me to this topic: Our Youth in the Spotlight!

In honor of our hard working youth, those who strive to rise above the chaos and rebellion, I bring you a series of posts spotlighting those children that aim high.

Showcase #1 - Feeding the Homeless