Speak Up!

Speak Up!

Bible Blast: Read Matthew 18:5-6

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. Proverbs 31:8-9

Grace had a great sense of humor, and she loved talking to her friends. She was always making her friends laugh and getting into trouble for being so chatty in class. But as much as she talked, she had a big secret, and she didn’t talk about that to anyone.

Grace was having some really big problems in her family. Someone was hurting her a lot, and she was afraid to tell anyone. One day her friend Selah came over to play. While Selah was there, Grace told her how she was being hurt. Selah gave Grace a big hug and said a prayer for her right there.

After dinner that night, Selah shared with her mom what Grace told her earlier that day. Her mom listened carefully, and they talked about what they should do. Selah’s mom knew Grace’s mom, so she called her up and asked to go out for coffee the next day. Very carefully and with a lot of prayer, she shared what Grace told Selah. At first Grace’s mom was angry and upset, but as they talked, she calmed down and realized she needed to talk to her daughter.

Grace was so relieved finally to be able to tell her mom about her painful secret. She felt as if a huge weight was lifted off her shoulders. Her mom prayed with her and began to take steps to protect her daughter from any more hurt.

Hard things happen. Sometimes kids feel that they shouldn’t talk about things that hurt them, but if they don’t tell someone, they may never get the help they need. Grace felt trapped and couldn’t find a way to tell a grown-up about what was hurting her. Selah was a true friend by speaking up to her own mom. Some secrets are too harmful to keep.

Speak up for those who feel they have to be silent. It may be difficult to do, but it’s a big way of showing love for your friends.

Girl Gab: Have a talk with your mom today. Are you one of those girls who feels like you’re not allowed to talk about something that’s hurting you? Or do you know one of those girls? You can trust your mom. Let this be a day of breaking the silence.