“When individuals who have made it out of poverty are interviewed, virtually all cite an individual who made a significant difference for them.” Ruby Payne
What would you do if you were a young girl, growing up in generational poverty?
What would your life be like?
First of all, you would be bored. There is not much to do. No birthday parties, skating parties, swimming, going to the mall, hanging out at friend’s houses or reading good books. Only a TV shared with the rest of the family and the internet if you walk down to the library. You really can’t enjoy being outside much, you know exactly where the drug dealers and prostitutes houses are.
Second of all, you would be bombarded with not so good messages. You have most likely witnessed multiple episodes of domestic violence or experienced abuse of some kind from mom’s multiple boyfriends. There is no daddy telling you how special you are. You are most likely wistfully waiting for him to get out of jail. Mom is preoccupied with life’s struggles and her most recent man. The message you have received is that you don’t matter. Sexy is beautiful and winning the attention of a man is the ultimate goal. School is just somewhere that you have to go and a future career is not looked forward to or considered a reality.
Third, there are no good role models. There is no one in your neighborhood who waits until they are married, for that matter, there is no one who gets married. There is no one who dresses with dignity, there are very few who have jobs or are able to make ends meet without some kind of public assistance. You don’t know anyone who has graduated from high school or gone to college. On the other hand , all the girls that are older than you have a boyfriend and a baby. You just have never known any different. You don’t know anyone who has done things any other way.
But what if you met someone who was different. What if you met someone who consistently told you that you had potential... that you were valued, worthwhile and that in fact , that you were the precious daughter of a King? What if you met someone who could show you better options for your future? What if you met someone who saw the beauty within you and called it out? What if you met several someones like that?
Enter the Beauty Project 2.0
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The Beauty Project was the brainchild of Sarah Howard, a Moody intern, who expressed a desire to serve young girls in South Toledo. On the first day we only had two girls show up…then we had 5…then we had 8 and sometimes 10.
We learned some life skills in the kitchen, cooking up a taco dinner and eating it…
We did crafts, we did nails, foot massages, went shopping, made journals and talked and talked and talked….
We talked about what real beauty is , how to dress with dignity, how to pick an outfit that flatters you, where our REAL worth and identity comes from…
Each girl got to pick an outfit that was flattering to her...
But best of all we talked about who our Heavenly Father is and what He thinks about them….the plans He has for them…. One night, two of them accepted His gift of a lifelong relationship.
We ended with a big celebration. They wore their new outfits, we did hair and make up....
...and each girl had their photos taken by a professional.
Each girl heard affirming words, describing the individual character qualities that make them beautiful.
And we made a book, with their pictures , scripture and affirming words, so that they could each have one to keep.
We would love for the Beauty Project to continue year round. Each Sunday they call me…” Are we getting together today?! Why not? "
The Beauty Project is in serious need of leadership. We have several helpers and lots of great ideas, but there is no one at this time to take the helm. I won’t kid you, it is hard work at times, you are swimming up stream, going against the flow….
… but sometimes when you do that really good things happen.
Besides you don’t have to swim upstream or go against the flow on your own , God swims with you and He is a good swimmer.
It really doesn’t take some huge talent or great knowledge to be significant in a girl’s life. Just a little time, a little love , a little patience and a passion to share God’s love with those who have never really seen it in action.
IF God is calling you…..send me an email! kelly.kaiser@greatrewardllc.com
Special thanks to all who gave the gift of time and resources to make the Beauty Project happen….Sarah Howard, Sierra Torres, Sarah Ramsey, Kate Lucius, Noelle Ann, Charlotte Nolan and Sarah Ersig… you all rock!
