Courage I Admire

First of all, I want to apologize for not being able to comment on everyone's work for the past few days.  I have had no computer access since our internet was down at my job.  I plan on doing some catching up on what I've missed over the next couple of days.  If there is anything that you especially want me to read, send me a message...for I'm sure I will not be able to catch up on every single thing I have missed.

I also want to just say that I am very blessed to work at the job I work at.  I'm in a place where I am in a position to help girls and women who are unwed and pregnant.  When I started working there, I had in mind that the clients would be teenage girls whose parents were mad because they were pregnant.  How wrong I was...

The majority of women come from the streets or the homeless shelters.  Some have lost their jobs.  Some are victims of spousal abuse or other forms of domestic violence.  Some are displaced due to moving to a new city.  Some of these women have had to prostitute themselves in order to survive.  Their stories are heartbreaking.  Many of their situations are the result of foolish choices.  Others are the result of circumstances beyond their control.

Regardless of their situations, I have found what a beautiful and delightful group of women they are.  So often we see people on the street and we turn our heads and don't give them a second thought.  But since coming to know these women, I will no longer do that.  Many of these women grew up in foster care...going from home to home.  They have never felt safe or secure anywhere they have lived.  They have never felt loved.  Many search for love in the arms of the first man who tells them they are pretty or special. They succumb because they are love starved, and it is easy to believe such words when you are craving them deep in your soul.

I have seen a strength and a determination in these women that is truly inspiring. One of the girls came from the shelter and she was also a victim of domestic violence.  She came to the maternity home, got a good job and has been saving her money.  She has been working 12 hours a day for the past several months, riding a city bus to and from work.  She has done all that she has been supposed to do in order to get the necessary help for herself and her baby.  This is her last week in our program and her baby is due next week.  She has an apartment ready to move into and she is determined to make a good life for herself and her baby.  She wants to get her doctorate and be a counselor one day.  I have no doubt she will do it.

Every time I start to complain about anything these days, I remember these strong and courageous women and all that they are facing.  They inspire me.  I'm supposed to be helping them, but they are also helping me.  Life is funny that way...