I was suddenly the part-time parent of five teenagers and their babies. I gleaned wisdom from those with experience, and I tried my best to make the household run. The teen moms did the same. The only difference was that I could leave it all behind at the end of my shift.
We have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities.
2 Corinthians 6:4b (NRSV)
They were younger than I was, and many of them had made poor decisions; but I learned so much as their housemother. For example, I usually try to hide my insecurities or the mistakes I’ve made. These teen moms owned up to their shortcomings and worked hard to overcome them. While I have a tendency to put little effort into activities I’d rather not do, they put forth their full effort to balance raising a child, finishing school, taking care of their home, and having a social life. From these young women, I learned what to do when I felt like giving up, when things got tough, or when I had been criticized. I have a lot of respect for teen moms who ignore the criticism and boldly take up the challenges.
PRAY FOR TEEN PARENTS: Instead of being quick to judge, imagine them as someone you love—your sister or brother. Be compassionate. Stand beside them. Ask God to give them strength.
