Our sweet girls come to us with an enormous variety of pain, doubts and questions. Sometimes we can become overwhelmed with the responsibility of loving and guiding each one of them with the little time we have. Let's trust God with them (but be diligent to pray for them) during the week, and let's make the most of the opportunities we have as our group meets. Fourth through sixth grade girls who want to please are stuck with a great dilemma. Their peers at school are impressed with a diva, their elders are impressed with a sweet girl, their teachers want a diligent student and meanwhile God can do a beautiful work in her if she puts her trust in Him. Friendships during this tender age, become heavy with name calling and gossip. Boys will begin to comment on their physical changes and physical appearance (usually it will make the girl feel even more self-conscious). The girls are measured by physical appearance, talents and the status symbols they can buy. Under all of this pressure a girl can find so much comfort in the the arms of Emmanuel, who wants to be her guide. Our groups should look different from anything the world can offer. Never forget that God's Word is relevant in their lives. No matter their circumstances. Protect the purity of your time with these girls with diligent prayer and a careful focus on what really matters to God. A group of girls who are learning to walk in victory can be a place of rest from the tense relationships with peers outside of the group. The lessons in true friendship that the girls pick up in the group can make them a rare/true friend outside of the group.A girl who can overcome all of this pressure to see herself through the eyes of a God who loves her and has called her to be set apart for His purposes, will stand out like the bright light that she is. By His strength she will walk in joy and victory through whatever this life brings her.Let's be leaders who are prepared to guide girls who are seeking Christ Jesus Our Lord.Certainly, it will look messy at times, but in the end we will see fruit, fruit that lasts. 
