When I first met Sabina*, she insisted she wouldn’t attend Parent Life events because she had been in fights with relatives or friends of other teen parents attending. But I kept inviting her and even dropped off Christmas gifts and other items at her home. She graduated last year and has always worked, so we have mainly seen each other at school. I have always let her know about activities, even though I knew she would not make it. I’ve been offering to meet with her for two years and in that time have been blessed to be included in a birthday party for her son, but still haven’t been able to spend much time with her. 

Last week she posted a message on Instagram that asked “Does anyone really care?” This is not a typical post for her, so I responded right away that I cared. She usually posts fun content, so I felt a little concerned. She responded by asking if we could get together for coffee for lunch so could just talk and cry. Of course, I said yes! If she was asking now, I was going to make it happen!   

In this moment when her heart was hurting, she knew I meant it and could be trusted. There was something so sweet about sitting together realizing how much the little moments at school, text messages, and graduations or birthdays when you meet family and boyfriends add up. It was a blessing to be able to encourage her and let in a little closer, having only been an observer for so long.  

A few weeks after I met with Sabina, I got another text. This one came in late at night and she was asking me if my church had a Bible study. I listed a few different options that might fit and then asked if she was just interested in learning more about the Bible. She said, “Yes, please!” 

We talked a little bit more about what that might look like for her and me to do a Bible study or to attend one at church. It happened to work out best time-wise to attend the Alpha Course and it has been awesome to explore the components of the Christian faith in a small group. Sabina has loved attending and sharing a meal and discussion in a warm and welcoming environment. I am so thankful for her open heart to question and learn in this moment. 

Being faithful to show up in the little things builds the trust necessary to be invited into the big, important moments. 

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