The mama’s voice was shaky on the other end of the phone. She tried to courageously share her story through tears, pausing many times to regain composure. She was desperate for help in reaching her 18-year-old son who was now drinking, using drugs and staying out many nights running. “I heard you can maybe help”, she said.
Another phone call - a father, at the end of his rope, his 18-year-old daughter using prescription drugs, mushrooms, and dropping out of school just months before graduation. “I thought we raised her right; I don’t understand what’s happening. She doesn’t even seem like the same kid.”
Yet another call - a grandmother desperately trying to stand in the gap for her granddaughter as she sees her being ravaged by the effects of fentanyl. “Is there anything you can do to help? She is a good kid but just got lost along the way.”
We are seeing a shift, a pressure that is going straight into the heart of homes with parents and grandparents doing their best to raise and nurture their kids. The most vulnerable used to be the target; young people who had been abandoned, neglected, abused; kids who had no choice but to run because they were safer on the streets.
Standing in the gap with praying parents is one of the most heart wrenching and precious things we can do. I tell these parents and grandparents, “As painful and devastating as this journey is, your tears are a gift. If you were not crying for your child, who would be?” So often over the years we have seen so many teens and young adults alone, with no support in the world; literally abandon. The tears we cry for our kids are a gift to them, and God sees every single one. Psalm 56:8, NLT You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.
We also know prayer is a powerful weapon God has given us to contend for our kids and grandkids. So we have started a Parents Prayer support group. If you, or someone you know, is in need of prayer on behalf of your kids, our kids, please join us.
Parents Prayer - Every 3rd Thursday 7:00pm-8:00pm (additional support and fellowship 6:00pm-7:00pm is also available).
For more information, contact rhona@transitionalyouth.org