by Laura Farrar
Fourteen-year-old Kitty had a gun jammed into the side of her head while living in an abusive home environment. Jackie resorted to cutting to escape the pain in her life. Sixteen-year-old Laura suffered with depression and loneliness because fear and shyness was controlling her life.
What do these three teens have in common? In each of their lives, God allowed a “U-Turn” where their lives were turned around. In the new book, God Allows U-Turns for Teens compiled by Allison Bottke and Cheryll Hutchings, and published by Bethany House Publishers this spring, these girls’ stories and many others are featured.
Kitty Chappell writes about her experience in the story titled “Free at Last.” In an interview she told me that she had an abusive father, and at the age of fourteen, thought the only escape would be to kill her father. That changed when she accepted Christ. God helped her stay calm even when her father jammed his gun into the side of her head and threatened to pull the trigger.
Kitty says, “[later on] when he was imprisoned, I thought I'd be free, but I wasn't. Resentment ruled my heart for all he had done to us.” By God’s grace, she was able to forgive him and her “U-Turn” was complete.
In her interview Kitty offered this advice to teens struggling with forgiveness. “I urge you to seek help from Godly ministers/counselors who can direct you wisely. Trust your heart and soul to Christ, because God loves you and has a plan for you; but you will never fulfill that plan until you make a U-Turn toward God.”
Jan Kern wrote a story for the book called “Beautiful, Beautiful Scars.” She tells the story of Jackie, a self-injurer who felt trapped in her pain, but after working with ministry staff realized that Jesus could help her overcome the urges to hurt herself.
Jan shared with me how Jackie’s scars have become beautiful. The lines on her arms will never entirely fade, but that's okay. They are reminders of God's amazing work in her life. Now Jackie talks to teens about self-injury and how God can heal their inner wounds.
In her interview Jan advises girls struggling with self-injury to find someone who knows God well and share your story. Let them help you discover the story about Jesus' scars so he can make something beautiful out of yours.
Among the U-Turns stories is my own article, “Extreme Makeover: Life Edition.” Before God allowed my “U-Turn,” I was shy, lonely, and depressed. God led me to find my voice by working with pastors, teens, and leaders. I am incredibly grateful that I got a second chance to talk and make friends. But to read the rest of these three stories, you’ll have to read the book!
I sincerely can say that you can have a “U-Turn” in your life, just like these girls. No matter what you’ve gone through or experienced, there is a second chance. It’s never too late to make changes. God will give you all the strength you need to make it happen. You don’t have to wait any longer.
Laura Farrar
Freelance Writer/Speaker
http://www.freewebs.com/laurafarrar
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