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Topic: Peer Pressure (07/05/04)
TITLE: Not All Peer Pressure Is Bad By Barbara Ann Smith 07/09/04 |
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I sit on the empty living room floor, hold back signs of my hurt and fear; don't want Mom and Dad to know how upset I am. Reminiscent about the wonderful Christmas gatherings, the birthday parties, feeling a part of me is being left here in this house. My family is one of the greatest on this earth. They've brought us up in a Christian home and taught us true basics for pursuing a good life. I've been taught to rely on the Lord to lead me in making the right choices.
Dad sticks his head in the door, "Elizabeth we're ready to go. Take a last look around, I'll meet you in the car." I begin to pray, "God help me to make this an exciting journey, I need Your strength and courage. Help me to make friends and to like my new home." As the miles click by, I begin to find fault in everything my parents say about our new location. I'm frustrated and the closer we get to the new place, the more resentment I show toward them. They sense my frustrations and try to ease my pain by joking, singing, talking, but I block them out.
The alarm clock echoes throughout the new house. It's a hollow empty sound. I struggle to get out of bed and run into Mom in the hall. She sighs, "Hurry and get dressed Elizabeth school starts at nine o'clock. We have to get you enrolled today." I'm trembling all over; I wash my face in cold water, looking in the mirror, tell myself, "Stop your childish actions, stop-it! Act like a teenager."
We begin our breakfast; everything is quiet and feeling unsteady. Dad grabs our hands and thanks God for our meal and prays, "God grant each of us a benefical journey today and bring happiness to our lives." Dad gets up and starts rushing around trying to get ready for his big day and Mom is digging in the boxes to find something to wear.
We get to the school, students standing around outside, look at us like we're from another planet. None of them smile at us or offer a greeting. Suddenly, I'm full of resentment and want to run back home. It's like I immediately build a wall around myself. I'm in motion but blocking everything out. Dad and Mom brags about the school and the teachers but I'm filled with nothing but anger.
There's an announcement, "A pep meeting in the auditorium at two o'clock." To my surprise, I'm asked to be up on stage. The President of the Student Body opens by introducing me to the students and encouraging them to say hello to me after the pep meeting. I'm surprised as I wait outside the auditorium; the students meet me with outstretched hands. One student, named Robert, invites me to visit their Bible Club Meeting after school in the auditorium adding, "I'll drop you off at your house afterwards." All the members are nice and invites me to become a member of their board. On the way home, I'm filled with happiness, Robert invites me over to his house to study and to have dinner with his family. We stop by my house and get my families approval.
After I get home, I'm geared up about my day at school and the new friend I've met. As I start to climb into bed, I drop to my knees, "God Your word taught me to ask, You would hear and answer my needs, I'm glad you heard mine today. I was alone, afraid and full of resentments but You sent angels to greet me and You also sent friends to meet me with Your Word, I give thanks unto You today and Lord, please forgive me for being resentful toward my family.