Beautiful Me

“You knit me together in my mother’s womb, I am beautifully and wonderfully made.” –Psalm 139

Ten young girls and eight mothers were expected at the “Beautiful Me” event being held at “Auntie Christy’s” in Hwolshe on Friday night.  (Unfortunately our photography was not available to film this monumental event) As usual, the event started a bit late, and Auntie Christy  was wondering if all the planning had been in vain.  However, by 7pm (starting time 5), ten girls and seven mothers had arrived, and  were dancing in a circle playing a game together…probably for the first time.  From all the interviews I’ve held, my Nigerian informants have all stated that mothers and daughters rarely have a gentle, loving relationship that reflects God’s care and mutual concern.  This event was a gentle 3-year unfolding of ideas that met true needs both seen and felt in the Hwolshe community.   Most of these girls began coming to Auntie Christy and Uncle Zaka’s house three years ago when they held a movie night in their home.  They were young, giggly girls then, who have grown into young women. 

To see mother’s and daughters planting flowers to represent a new growth in their relationship and the girls holding hands with their mother’s declaring, “You are beautifully made,” with big smiles on their faces were highlights of the evening.

The participants were challenged through demonstrations, skits, the Bible story of Esther, songs, and testimonies of how to perceive beauty, and how to become inwardly beautiful.   This is hopefully the first of a monthly event where girls and their mothers join hands to walk forward into a brighter future where God ministers to them through each other and where they can see their value in His eyes. 

Around 10am the next morning, after a pancake breakfast and a devotion from Philipians 4:4-8, ten beautiful young women could be seen leaving Auntie Christy and Uncle Zaka’s house with flower pots on their heads. 

Oh, may they grow more in love with Jesus, allowing His beauty to transform them from within.