“Recently, one of the young adults in our Life Launch program was physically attacked. She suffered from various cuts and bruises. After being released from the hospital, she started recuperating at her guardian’s house. Only a few days later, she got together with her Life Launch team.”
Jake FunderburkLife Launch Program Manager
About a week after it happened, I went by her house with some flowers and a card. It was so simple, but such a heavy and powerful moment to hand her those small gifts and say “We love you and we are praying for you.” She cried as she took the flowers. I didn’t stay much longer than that. But I have never felt more sure that it’s these small, seemingly regular things, that mean so much in the lives of the young adults we serve.
Her Life Launch team had only met a few times before the incident. I am walking with them as they navigate this delicate recovery. But imagine if we weren’t in her life! I believe that God put this team together knowing exactly what she was going to face.
I know that flowers and conversations won’t heal the cuts on her body. But I also know that people who care are balm for the wounds in our souls.
The sad truth is that trauma happens in the lives of the young adults we serve. But at Life Launch we are working hard to make sure that (sometimes for the first time) these young people have a group of safe, caring adults who are equipped to be in relationship through and beyond the trauma. Our mentors are not expected to solve these problems. They can’t. They are just expected to show up, to listen, and to care. And, every once in a while, to bring flowers.
At this fragile time in her life, this young lady has 3 more people who care than she would without Life Launch. Together, we will walk towards restoration.
Maybe your “simple gift” is a small monthly donation to empower the ministry of Stand in the Gap
Simple actions, done with love, can change a life.
