Dare to be Beautiful
“I wanted the girls to know that they were special, unique, and loved by God,” claimed Dana, one of UrbanPromise’s youthful staff. “I didn’t want to just talk about God’s love for them, I wanted them to experience how special they were, that they were made in the sacred image of God.”
Our dedicated staff is always trying to address relevant issues and concerns with the teenagers who come through our doors in East Camden--whether it’s the election, the threat of swine flu, or the latest local crisis—UrbanPromise youth workers encourage our young people to reflect on those issues through the lens of their faith.
Dana, one of our StreetLeader staff, wanted to fight the negative messages in the media and culture that chip away at the self-esteem of the young women who participate in our programs. She came up with a brilliant idea—she hosted a special retreat for all the girls in her small group.
The day was headlined, “Dare to be Beautiful.”
Starting with a unique presentation of a single red rose for each young girl, as they were taken on a van to a suburban church, the day progressively got better. When there, the wide eyed girls were treated to a delicious breakfast, morning workshops and worship focused on character, being a “woman of God,” physical health, and developing the fruits of the spirit in their lives. To top all of that, lunch was served by the handsome young men from one of our adolescent Bible Study groups—all dressed in their best suits!
But there was more! In the afternoon the girls were treated to facials, messages, a movie and unending laughter.
The young women of UrbanPromise left that day uplifted, a little more confident and with the sense of renewed pride.
Your support allows our team members to provide creative, exciting and significant experiences such as Dare to Be Beautiful—experiences that provide opportunities for our counselors to speak words of truth and faith and personal healing for our young people.
On behalf Dana and her girls, I say thank you for your continuing help that made the day possible.
Dr. Bruce Main
President, UrbanPromise International