"We all go through times that are more difficult than others," writes Joel Osteen.
Speaking of difficult times, I know a young lady who has faced adversity and come out a winner. This girl woke up one morning to flashing blue and red lights flooding through her window, only to find that the police had shot and killed her next door neighbor who happened to be a good friend of hers. It's a long story, but it seems that her neighbor had borrowed his sister's truck without permission and when the police investigated, he came to the door with a gun and was shot and killed. Prior to this, the young lady's mom had lost her job and things unraveled at school too with bullying and other teenage drama. Everything seemed to be going against her. With so much going on around her, she felt intense pain. The only way to relieve it seemed to be cutting. She was depressed and hurt with nowhere to turn. After her grandparents learned of her dilemma, they drove 600 miles to pick her up. They found their granddaughter withdrawn and angry. After taking her to their home, they enrolled her in school and obtained counseling for her. The girl turned her life completely around. She not only quit cutting, but she excelled in music, drama, and art at her new school. She wrote poetry and drew sketches that were published by the school library. She performed "Walk Like an Egyptian" with a girls' ensemble. The choreography and singing brought down the house at her school's spring show. The girl's name is Jessica Parkos Alvarez. She came from a small town in Nebraska to a large university town in Kansas where she made friends with wonderful people who adored and admired her. How do I know so much about this young lady? Maybe because I am her grandma, her "Nana" who is very proud of her accomplishments. Jessica has hit her stride and everything is falling into place. Because she is in such a good space right now, she has given me permission to share her story.
The other two ladies who have shown strength in the face of adversity are my two facebook friends, Becky Clark and Cat Forsley, who were born with albinism. This rare condition affects only one in every 17,000 people. These ladies were born without the melanin pigment that gives color to eyes, skin, and hair. They usually have serious vision problems, and their skin is extremely sensitive to the sun. Less-educated people in some countries persecute those with albinism because they believe they are cursed.
Becky Clark suffered some persecution herself because she has very pale skin and white hair. There have been times at school when she has faced challenges of bullying and teasing. Yet, Becky has met these challenges with the help and care of Cat Forsley. Cat knows personally what it is like to have albinism because she has it herself, even though she is a beautiful model.
Cat has a huge group on facebook that has nearly 50,000 people in it. It's called "Positive People". Cat's mission is peace and love, and she spreads this message everywhere. Cat also has the voice of an angel.
As I am writing this, Cat is in Arizona recording an album. Becky is writing and inspiring other teenagers. My Jessica just completed 8th grade successfully and happily and is ready to enjoy a summer of driver's ed, art, and having fun. These young ladies are not cursed but instead are blessed with creativity, wisdom, and good ideas. They don't have to sweat the small stuff, or even the big stuff for that matter because they go with the flow. They have flowed right through insults, frustrations, and challenges of all kinds.
I've been reading Joel Osteen's book IT'S YOUR TIME, and he tells many stories like these of people who have overcome obstacles that seemed insurmountable and came out victors. When they got knocked down, they got up with new hope in their hearts, knowing that life was going to get easier if they could just flow with the universe.
These ladies all have different beliefs. Jess says that she doesn't believe in God. I tell her that is OK because God believes in her. Cat is an humanitarian and Buddhist. I'm not sure about Becky. I'm still waiting for her to tell me about her beliefs. One thing I do know is that these young women are winners. Whatever their beliefs are, they are full of creativity and inspiration that will make our world a better place. Because of that, I am thankful and honored to know them and be a part of their lives.
Love and light,
Patty
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