For a Teenage Mom in Norfolk
Posted: Saturday, May 07, 2011
by Steve Radford
Usually around Mother’s Day I do my best to edify my own Mother, Mother-in-law or wife. All three are terrific Moms and wonderful role models for their kids. But today I was thinking about a different Mom.
It was 1984 in Norfolk, Virginia and I was driving through a rough section of town on my way to a business appointment. Sitting at a stop light, I looked over and saw a young girl waiting to cross the street. She looked to be about fourteen or fifteen years old, wore a gray hoodie and was so pregnant that I thought she could go into labor at any moment.
On that day in the car, I began to wonder about her circumstances. A pregnant, fourteen year-old, girl in a tough part of town. I wondered if the father of that baby would help her. Wondered if she had a supportive family structure or a church family that might help her raise a child while she finishes growing up herself.
I thought about all the advantages I had in my twenty six years of life. I knew then and still know that my Mom prays for me regularly. I wondered if that girl had anyone to pray for her. Maybe not.
So I felt compelled to pray for her. I prayed that she would personally experience God. That she would be blessed in her life. That God would provide mentors and encouragers to help her along. That her child would turn out to be a blessing to her.
That young girl probably forgot about our momentary connection before she reached the other side of the street. But I have prayed for her for nearly twenty seven years whenever she comes to mind. Sometimes that has been frequently and other times not so often but I’ve never completely forgotten.
I’ll never know how that little girl’s life turned out. She should be about forty one and her child would be twenty seven now. She could even be a grandmother. Maybe she’ll happen upon this article while searching the internet. If so, I say happy Mother’s Day and God loves you. Oh and I’ve been praying for you since 1984.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Steve, you brought tears to my eyes as my heart was touched to feel your heart and Christ-like love for this young girl. I do pray she happens across this letter. Only God knows how your prayers over the years have been working. Perhaps God would grant you a glimpse . Thank you for sharing and reminding us that we need to be a people of prayer. Blessings to you and yours! TeresaThanks Teresa. It would be great to know how her life turned out. Maybe she's been praying for me all these years!
Very powerful piece - I am so glad you prayed for her all this time - Jesus makes the difference and there is some reason your eyes were drawn to her on that day!Thank you Marijo. "Jesus makes the difference"... no truer words.
Very well written article Steve, there are many young girls like her even today.Thanks for taking time to read and comment David!
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