If I Had A Band

I would want it to sound like Adele's Rolling in the Deep. So good!

This Week

Life - 1 Me - 1

Dress-Up and Pizza

There was a time when getting dressed up, putting on makeup and curling their hair was just another part of the charade. Another day in the game. Just another step to creating their alter-ego.

But on Thursday night I witnessed all six girls in the GenerateHope house play dress up again. And this time, it was different. This time they were laughing, they were curling each other's hair and chowing down on double cheese pizza.

Two girls in the house received orchestra seat tickets to West Side Story downtown. That night make-up was fun again. It was put on for them, to feel pretty for only themselves. Each girl took on a task, some curled hair, some applied make-up, others blow-dried. It was the picture of high school girls getting each other ready for the prom. It was beautiful.

There was a time when the make-up would come off with tears and anger would be felt when zipping up the new dress for the night. There was a time when playing dress-up was a lonely experience.

Not this time. They are no longer alone. Despite any arguments in the house or the typical girl drama, all the women worked together for these two women. I heard things like...

"You look beautiful tonight"

"You're going to have so much fun!"

"Wow, your hair looks great!"

And they did look beautiful, they looked joyful and ready for a night of fun that didn't involve anything being taken from them. Instead something was given and something that they could enjoy just because someone loved them.

It's my wish that those of you who aren't able to be at the house can see that your work to support these women and dedication to their renewal has an affect. It's a slow process and one that can't be seen at all times. But sometimes the best things in life are the things that take time and teach us patience.

Thursday night I saw hope and transformation. This is freedom.