More Prayers on My Pillow Words of Comfort and Hope for Girls on the Journey to Self

Courage from Within I think I'm afraid to grow up, God, For I see how much pain there can be. I want to stay young and protected. I'm scared that I'll lose what is me. I think I have courage to trust, God, That I'll do just fine with what's new, For Love stays inside me forever. As I grow, my faith grows in You. No matter where this life takes us, Together we shall persevere. Each test builds courage, makes us stronger-- A family based on faith, not on fear. This family is calm when around us People argue, cry, and fight. This family is clear when around us Others cannot find the light. We find joy when all around us People cry in their despair. We know Love when all around us Others seek but know not where. I am not alone As I walk hunched down hallways Or hold my lunch tray looking For a friend and finding only An empty seat at an unfriendly table . . . As I enter a classroom late and nervous With all eyes judging Or dress after gym without showering To avoid being watched . . . As I stand outside the circle, The gang, the group, the crowd, Living my life in isolation Pretending I don't care. Let me remember I am not alone. God is with me--His angels surround And deep inside are the loving Voices of generations of souls like me. I am not alone. When people tell me I must change To win their friendship, help, or love May I have courage to say to them I change each day, transforming to A better self, but not for you. When people tell me I am wrong Because I don't do what they want May I have courage to say to them These things I do are from the heart-- Nothing you say can change that part. May I have the courage to start over again, May I reach deep down to my core And find what it takes To play for high stakes Because that's what I'm aiming for. May I have the strength to face down loss, May I push past all of my fears To aim for the heart, Where I'll touch the part Of the self who can smile through my tears. May I have the trust to get past the test, May I find in my failures the key To unlock the door That opens to more Than I ever believed I could be.Straus, Celia is the author of 'More Prayers on My Pillow Words of Comfort and Hope for Girls on the Journey to Self' with ISBN 9780345441959 and ISBN 0345441958.