I Bring Peace....

Happy Saturday!! Hey my Lovies, it's been a while since I've blogged. I've been living and not in a bad way. Growing, closing doors and walking through new ones. 

My Friday and Saturday nights are now spent with a new group of kids. I must admit, at first I did not want to get to know these kids. In my heart, they did not compare to my Boston babies. My Boston babies taught me the importance of being a voice, speaking up in the gang ridden communities, fighting for equality, speaking out against minimum wage. 

This new group, they come from money. I mean what could possible go wrong in their families? They have financial freedom? All of that changed lastnight as one of the young men truly shared what was on his heart. 

Have you ever just sat and listened to the youth? Do you take moments to actively listen to them without being judgemental? Did you know they go through it? They get discouraged and they feel that they're talked at and not talked too? 

As my student talked, my heart went out to him. As he talked about his family, I thought of my own families. As he talked about what he feels could work at the school, I thought about how as adults we miss the mark because we think we know it all. 

As it neared the time for him to go to his room, I asked what was his favorite candy. As I spent time with my daughter today, by choice I grabbed a bag of skittles for him. Li asked, "Mommy are those for you"? I responded, "No, for one of the youth at my school".. 

My intent is not to cover up what he feel, not to find answers for his numerous questions BUT to be a trustworthy adult in his life. My intent is to build a bond, be a voice and be balance. 

My Lovies, I challenge you to listen with your ears and stop listening to respond. We get caught up in being adults that we forget we made mistakes and at one point we wanted to be heard and valued. 

Tonight when I walk on campus, I come with listening ears and skittles... 

Signed, 

Simply Cheneka