It takes a village.
Elizabeth and Elisha have grown up in South Atlanta and have been a vital part of our South Atlanta youth group. When they hadn’t shown up for youth group in several weeks I knew something was up. They rarely missed a Wednesday night gathering. When I contacted their mother to ask if everything was okay she shared with me that she had been taking them to her weekly church Bible Study so they could learn valuable skills and be molded spiritually from the adult leaders in her church. This particular Bible Study happened to be on the same night as youth group. I then shared with her how glad I was to hear they were doing well and yet missed seeing them week to week. She expressed her appreciation of our youth group community and all that the group had invested in her children’s lives. It was a friendly conversation. She was their mother, and she had their best interest in mind, even if it was disappointing to know they would no longer be coming to youth group.
I remember not long after that I ran into her in the neighborhood and we took a minute to catch up. In that conversation, I remember humbly asking if there would be a way to work together so that she could take the kids to her church, but also allow them to stay connected to the youth community. I expressed how vital it seemed to continue to build healthy peer relationships, and at the same time, continue to learn from the adults at her church. She was so thrilled about the idea of partnering together and admitted she hadn’t thought of that being an option until I brought it to her attention. She then invited me into her home to speak with her kids together as a team of adults who care deeply about their growth and overall well being. We came up with a schedule where the kids could come once a month or so to youth group and still remain active at their church. The kids were really excited about this plan!
As the saying goes, it really takes a village! We see yet again the fruit of joining lives together through the partnership of parent and youth group leader. We know that a child needs a variety of supportive influences from peers, parents, teachers, and youth group leaders. The voice of a healthy village is crucial to holistic child development.
