Dare to Be Different
Page 21
“Okay, Mom. I’ll do it. It’s a good idea.” Drew was trying to stop crying, but she was overcome with emotion. Regret mingled with relief was a powerful emotion.
“As for today,” Dad said, “I have some things I want you to do around the house. Some yard work and some other projects that will keep you busy and give you time to think. Fair?”
“Fair,” Drew agreed.
“One more thing, Drew.” Her mom paused and collected her thoughts. “I don’t want this conversation to end without making sure that you know how much your dad and I love you. This doesn’t change that one bit. We love you so much that we aren’t going to let you go down this path that you’ve found. We don’t think you’re a terrible person, and our love for you hasn’t changed. We know that you’ve made some mistakes, and we’re going to do our best to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Drew nodded as the tears fell hard on her lap.
“Also,” Mom continued, “God’s love for you hasn’t changed a bit, either. He has begun a good work in your life; He began that work a long time ago. And the Bible promises in Philippians 1:6 that when He begins that good work in someone, He will carry it on to completion. He’ll finish what He started in you. You just need to let go of the control and let Him be your Lord and Savior. You know what I mean?”
Drew nodded, still unable to talk. Her mom went to her immediately and put her motherly arms around her and held her until she could compose herself.
“I love you both. And I heard everything you said about letting God back into the driver’s seat in my life. I will figure out how to do that. I want Him to finish His work in me.”
The day passed quickly. Drew was surprised at how good it felt to work hard. She raked leaves, cleaned out the gutters, stacked wood, and organized the garage and the basement. She worked until she was sweating, and it was like a form of therapy. Dani helped her for a little while—not that Drew needed the help, but they needed the time together. As each project got completed, it felt like a piece of the broken puzzle of her life was put back together. Each time she moved on to the next project, she left a piece of the pain behind.
The one dark moment was when her dad came to tell her what had happened the night before, after they left. The police arrested everyone. Most of them got charged with underage drinking, others got charged with providing alcohol to minors or buying it with a fake ID. Several even got arrested for possession and/or use of drugs. Sorrow for her friends washed over her, but it was mingled, once again, with relief. Neither Drew nor her dad had any idea if this would mean jail time for any of them or if they would face suspension or expulsion from school. The fact that Drew could have easily been with them continued to fill her with immense relief even though she was so sad for her friends.
“Remember, Drew, real friends wouldn’t have put you in a situation like that. They would have known that you weren’t ready and that it was unsafe and illegal. Those types of kids aren’t the kinds of friends you want. Do you realize
that? Really?”
“Yeah, Dad. I mean, it’s hard to let go of what I thought was a dream come true. But I see what you’re saying, and I agree. I miss my old friends. You know? Girls who made me a better person, made it easy to be who I am instead of making me work so hard to be who they wanted me to be.”
“Ah, yes. I do think you get it, honey. That’s exactly what I was hoping you’d realize.” He gave her a little hug and then left her to finish her project.
Drew looked forward to going to church. She knew that she needed some spiritual healing. But she dreaded seeing the looks on people’s faces and wondering if they knew the story. Oh well, she had to face everyone sooner or later.
Pastor Michaels was his usual fiery self. He was finishing up his series about control, and his sermon focused on how people need to let the attractive things of the world fade into the background rather than let them control desires and drive ambition.
“God doesn’t value the things that the world does,” Pastor Michaels taught. “Popularity, looks, human ability, and material things mean nothing to Him. In fact, the Bible tells us that people who want those things more than they want God’s will already have their reward. That means that whatever you focus on is your reward. If your only goal is to get the most you can out of life, then your reward is this life. But if your goal is to love and serve God and you follow Him, then your reward comes from Him.
“The Bible says that where your heart is, there your treasure will be also. So, if your heart is set on the things of earth that fade and rust away, then you have shown Him where your treasure is. But if your heart is set on things above—God’s will, showing His love to others, learning from and living the scriptures—then you will be showing God and the world where your treasure is. There is no mistaking it. You can’t serve both God and the world.
“Just remember, all that glitters loses its luster in the light of God’s glory. Let your heart and mind and all you desire be illuminated by the influence of God, not the temporary sparkle that the world offers.”
Drew took in the words of the message that she felt was directed toward her. She decided once again that all that glittered was not what she wanted, and that He had everything under control.
My Decision
I, (include your name here), have read the story of Drew Daniels and have learned from the choices that she made and the consequences that she faced. I promise to think before I act and, in all things, to choose God’s will over mine. Specifically, I will honor my parents and avoid situations that include alcohol and drugs. I will also protect my purity by not sneaking around with boys and doing things that I have to hide from my parents.
Please pray the following prayer:
Father God, I know that I don’t know everything, and I can’t possibly have everything under control. Please help me remember the lessons I’ve learned as I’ve read this book. Help me to honor my parents and serve You by making right choices and avoiding questionable situations. It is my desire to avoid alcohol, drugs, and physical intimacy as I grow up. Help me to avoid situations that present those things as options to me. And if I find myself in a tight spot, please help me find a way out and give me the strength to take it. I know that You have everything under control, so I submit to Your will. Amen.
Congratulations on your decision! Please sign this contract signifying your commitment. Have someone you trust, like a parent or a pastor, witness your choice.
__________________________________________________
Signed
__________________________________________________
Witnessed by
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