I structure the Dream Keeper's writing time around themes. In January, the young people read many of Langston Hughes's poems about dreams. Then, they wrote about their own dreams for the future. They read these poems for the church's celebration of Black History Month.
In the spring we wrote about ending violence in our lives and in our communities. Natalie created this moving devotion during one of our writing afternoons. I think it is a powerful story about how we can choose to change the way we act and react, even in the midst of violence. It also reminds me of how God is at work for good in our lives.
A New Life
by Natalie Branch
Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Romans 14:19
I don’t pursue violence, but it wasn’t always like that. When I was younger, if I didn’t like the way someone looked at me, I would gather my clique so we could fight. If your outfit looked better than mine, I would fight you. I spent the early years of my life trying to prove to everyone how tough I was.
Not anymore! Now I think before I speak. Now I give to those in need. Why? One night, God used a bad situation to teach me a better way. I was good that night, but that didn’t matter. I didn’t disrespect anyone that night, but that didn’t matter. That night, on my way to a friend’s house, I got jumped by a group of men. I didn’t know these men, but that didn’t matter. I went home to get all my people together so we could jump those men back. But when I saw myself in the mirror, I changed my mind. When I looked in the mirror I didn’t see myself. God showed me the girls and boys that I had beaten up. So instead of pursuing revenge, I prayed that God would change my life around.
Ever since that day, I attend church four days a week. I volunteer at day care centers and nursing homes. But most importantly, I don’t fight. All I can do is thank God.
In the spring we wrote about ending violence in our lives and in our communities. Natalie created this moving devotion during one of our writing afternoons. I think it is a powerful story about how we can choose to change the way we act and react, even in the midst of violence. It also reminds me of how God is at work for good in our lives.
A New Life
by Natalie Branch
Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. Romans 14:19
I don’t pursue violence, but it wasn’t always like that. When I was younger, if I didn’t like the way someone looked at me, I would gather my clique so we could fight. If your outfit looked better than mine, I would fight you. I spent the early years of my life trying to prove to everyone how tough I was.
Not anymore! Now I think before I speak. Now I give to those in need. Why? One night, God used a bad situation to teach me a better way. I was good that night, but that didn’t matter. I didn’t disrespect anyone that night, but that didn’t matter. That night, on my way to a friend’s house, I got jumped by a group of men. I didn’t know these men, but that didn’t matter. I went home to get all my people together so we could jump those men back. But when I saw myself in the mirror, I changed my mind. When I looked in the mirror I didn’t see myself. God showed me the girls and boys that I had beaten up. So instead of pursuing revenge, I prayed that God would change my life around.
Ever since that day, I attend church four days a week. I volunteer at day care centers and nursing homes. But most importantly, I don’t fight. All I can do is thank God.
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