As I’ve said before, our young people bring new meaning to the word “resilient.”

Their remarkable strength and determination is the by-product of years of abuse, violence, and trauma – often inflicted upon them by those who should’ve loved them unconditionally.

Deirdre is no exception.

At a young age, Deirdre and her siblings were removed from their home and placed in foster care – the sad consequence of her mom’s addiction to crack cocaine. Deirdre eventually aged out of the system and bounced around, homeless.

Desperate and vulnerable, Deirdre was preyed upon – and exploited. While visiting relatives one weekend, she was sexually assaulted by her second cousin. Soon, a new “boyfriend” was taking advantage of Deirdre, pimping her, and making lots of money off of her.

Seven months pregnant, Deirdre knew she had to escape “the life.” Thankfully, she came to Covenant House. 

Our staff helped Deirdre get a job at Dillard’s and enroll in junior college. When her daughter Jasmine was born, we found the new family a small apartment. Things were looking up.

Unfortunately, when the Coronavirus hit, Deirdre lost her job.

The fruit of Silence is Prayer.

“The stay-at-home order gave me a lot of time to reflect – and to meditate and pray.”

“I have been through a lot. I have to accept that…try to heal…and move on.”

The fruit of Prayer is Faith.

“In the beginning of the stay-at-home order, I was really going through a rough patch. I was really, really struggling. I was trying to understand what I’d been through.”

“What was the future for us? What was my purpose? Then… I found my faith.”

The fruit of Faith is Love.

“I knew that I could destroy Jasmine if I was a toxic parent. But I also knew that what was really important was that I was a good mother – and my daughter was happy.

“I am blessed by Jasmine.”

The fruit of Love is Service.

“We are staying safe. We are following the proper precautions. I don’t want Jasmine to get the COVID-19 virus.”

“I have learned to be more patient – and that good things do come in time.”

The fruit of Service is Peace.

“After COVID-19, I want to finish up college. I don’t need to be a doctor or to accomplish a lot in the world. I just want to be a good mother. Jasmine’s happiness is my number one goal. Everything else is really, really extra.”

“I want Jasmine’s light to shine on others.”

---

Our young people are simply amazing. They are good, and beautiful, and brave, and absolutely worthy.

Please pray for Deirdre, Jasmine, and all our young people. As always, be assured of our prayers for you and your loved ones.

In the midst of this pandemic, may we all be as resilient and as wise as Deirdre.

Peace,

Jim