The death of a parent is a highly stressful life event for any child; studies have shown this has long-lasting emotional ramifications in an individual. The effects of the death of a parent become even worse when a child has to be institutionalized because nobody is willing to take care of them in their environment.
Lizzie was torn apart after the death of her mother. She was very sad as a child and would cry often. At first, every sunset would bring her sorrow. She would scream at the top of her lungs. She was hurting. We took her and her sister into one of our Beautiful Dream Society children’s homes, where she was loved and cared for by her new mom and family. We also worked with her and encouraged her to see a psychologist to help her heal. We tried shopping therapy, playing games, and having sessions with mentors.
Beautiful Dream Society staff also sought pastoral counseling with our local church pastor for Lizzie. After three years of serving Lizzie in our Beautiful Dream Society children’s home, we see the light. She is a different person and laughs a lot, enjoys cooking for others, and likes taking walks with her sisters and brothers. She has also become more diligent and motivated in her schoolwork, which has resulted in her performing better academically.
Lizzie is beginning to understand that she does not need to stress because God is there to help her—God is bigger than everything. When she goes through the worst, she reminds herself of this scripture from Psalm 91: “A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. For He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”
We are so impressed and have enjoyed watching her learn and grow. Lizzie has a strong, unique soul, and she is one of many young children who have been helped by Beautiful Dream Society.