Learning to use God as her safety net

by Katie Basso

A lot happened at CIY this year. Like, a lot.

First off, for those of you who don't know. CIY stands for Christ in Youth. They have different camps for different age groups. The one I am specially talking about is CIY MOVE, which is for high schoolers. I have been blessed to have attended four CIY MOVE camps in my lifetime. Well, more like three and a half, but that is a story for a different time.

This year was big for me. I was pushed outside of my comfort zone by going with my new church and knowing almost no one. It was hard, and at some points it made listening to God more difficult.

But He made something very clear to me. I'm still holding onto my addictions. I haven't let them go yet. I'm like a little kid with their blanky. It's like a sense of protection for them. That's how my addictions are for me. I know that if something happens, I will have these things to fall back on. They will always be here.

But God doesn't want me to use them as a safety net. He was me to use Him as a safety net.

At the beginning of the week everyone was given a red piece of yarn. Later on we were told that this piece of yarn represents a sin that's holding us back, or something that we need to let go of. There was a big metal circle placed in the front of the theater we were in, and in the circle was a heart. We were challenged to come up and tie our yarn to the circle which represented us, and then to the heart which represented Jesus.

My string represented my addictions.

And I couldn't do it. I couldn't tie the string. I wanted to so badly, but I felt that if I did I would be lying to myself and to God. So I didn't do it. I still have the red piece of yarn with me. I haven't let it go.

Addictions are just symptoms though. I still haven't figured out what mine are symptoms of, but I am praying that God reveals that to me. I trust He will when the time is right. Until then, I'm leaning on Him instead of my addictions. They are still there in the back of my mind, but I'm slowly getting better at going to God first.

Introducing our new blog manager, Sarah Beth

     Hello wonderful ladies!

     I’m so incredibly excited to be writing to you all today. It’s been such a journey to get to this point, and I’ve been extremely blessed for this opportunity! 

     For starters, my name is Sarah Beth…. Yes, Beth is my middle name, and yes, I go by both names. People always wonder why I introduce myself with my first AND middle name… Some people tend to think I’m just really fond of my middle name and want to share it every chance I get… as amusing as that is, it’s the farthest thing from the truth. As a child growing up, I was called Beth (which is a whole different story for a whole different time I can hopefully share with you all at some point!) unless I was in trouble, then I got the full name. Yeah, don’t play, you all know what I mean! As I got older, going solely by my middle name became more difficult and honestly just a pain in the you know what. So, my first and middle name got combined and “Hello, I’m Sarah Beth” became the norm. Yes, I’m the girl with two names! For a long time I hated this… I hated that I had to explain why I have two names and why some people call me Beth and others call me Sarah. I hated that I wasn’t “normal." 

      Can any of you relate? One small, simple difference can lead to monstrous insecurities and lies about yourself… Yep, that’s where I was at for a long time.

      But… as I continue to grow up and grow into the woman God created me to be, he reminds me that I’m beautiful, ALL of me, including my name. And I know that at some point in my life, my story of having to struggle with the two-name-dilemma will be a testimony and a word of hope to someone! And if my story can help one person see their true value, worth, and beauty then all the struggle and hardship I’ve endured is totally worth it.

     This is exactly why I’m here girls… not to just simply share the struggles of my two-name-dilemma, but to share my story and my heart in hopes that it will touch and inspire you girls to know your true beauty, worth, and value. Those truths are something I’ve struggled with for a huge part of my life. They’re something I still struggle with some days, but God helps me combat those thoughts and feelings that go against His truths and helps me focus on who HE says I am. And for those of you who have struggled with this too, please know you’re not alone!

     Okay, I’ve shared a bit of heart and hopefully you can hear more of that later! What I really want is for you beautiful ladies to know a little about me and who I am…

·         * I’m 26 years old (most days I don’t feel this old, so I don’t like to claim it!)

·         * I love peanut butter… and chocolate! So naturally, I think Reese’s is the greatest candy EVER!

·         * I love fried pickles… like a lot. They’re the sole reason I attend the State Fair, I’m not even kidding.

·         * I can’t whistle. Despite my boyfriend’s greatest efforts to teach me.

·         * Yes, I have a boyfriend. He’s amazing. Really amazing. I definitely have A TON to share with you girls about finding a good man and what to look for... and what to wait for! I’ve been EXTREMELY blessed to say the least!!

·         * I work with special needs children, specifically kiddos with Autism. They’re so great : )

·         * I’m finishing college online, working on my School Psychology degree. I’m attending Southwestern Assemblies of God University. It’s an awesome school, any of you close to college age should check it out!

·         * I have 7 siblings, 5 of which are adopted. (again, great story for another time!)

·         * I have 7 nieces and nephews.

·         * I love to run. I’m still perfecting the art of running, but it’s a great prayer time for me… God spoke to me about working with this ministry during one of my run/prayer times! It’s a great story I would LOVE to share!

·         * I have a slight addiction to coffee… that doesn’t agree with my budget… the struggle is real.

·         * Reading is one of my hobbies.

·         * I have the most amazing friends. They are hard to find, but God provides!!

·         * My family is my heart. And they are the greatest people in the world.

·         * My newest passion: writing….

     I’m gonna run with this last bullet point for a hot little minute.

     I’ve always had an interest in writing. It’s been something I’ve thought would be fun and would think “who knows, maybe someday," but never thought it would really be something I’d do. About a year ago or so, God started placing this desire and passion on my heart for writing. Not just writing to write, but to write and share my story. Accepting my story and past has been a huge challenge for me; I’ve dealt with shame, fear, rejection, you name it. I have a special place in my heart for young/teen girls struggling with their stories. I know how difficult things can be, but at the same time I know how God can walk you through those times, heal you, and give your life purpose! I know because He did it for me. I’m not a special circumstance; this is what he longs to do for all of us. God wants to and WILL use your story to speak to others about His never-ending, never-failing love. This is what he’s doing in my life right now…

     Girls, please don’t keep your stories in or think they aren’t valuable. YOU are the vessel God will use to show his love. YOU are the vessel God will use to give hope. YOU are the vessel God will use to change lives… Yep, I said it, HE WILL USE YOU TO CHANGE LIVES. Read it again. And again. And don’t forget it.

     You are valuable. Your life is valuable. Your story is valuable.

     Take a leap of faith with me girls and continue to share your stories and hearts! If you haven’t yet, start now! Not only do I want to hear them, but I can’t wait to see how God will use your stories and your words to reach others!

     Let’s embark on this journey together, it’s going to be amazing :)

All my love,

SB

Introducing the summer 2014 covergirl!

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I cry aloud to the Lord;
    I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.
I pour out before him my complaint;
    before him I tell my trouble.

When my spirit grows faint within me,
    it is you who watch over my way.
In the path where I walk
    people have hidden a snare for me.
Look and see, there is no one at my right hand;
    no one is concerned for me.
I have no refuge;
    no one cares for my life.

I cry to you, Lord;
    I say, “You are my refuge,
    my portion in the land of the living.”

Listen to my cry,
    for I am in desperate need;
rescue me from those who pursue me,
    for they are too strong for me.
Set me free from my prison,
    that I may praise your name.
Then the righteous will gather about me
    because of your goodness to me.

           ~ Psalm 142

     Psalm 142 was written by David while he hid in a cave from people who were chasing after him because they wanted to kill him. What is interesting to me is how relevant it is for girls.

     This prayer – this psalm – is offered today in honor of our cover girl. For her story. For the challenges she faced and overcame.
     Her paths were hidden with snares…girls calling her names, pressuring her to do things she didn’t want to do and be who she wasn’t meant to be.
     She was taken off guard. She felt alone. She thought she could handle anything that came, but when it came, it was harder than she anticipated.
     But she sought God. She prayed, not just for herself but for her tormentors. She knew she couldn’t do it alone. 
     And God was faithful. He set her free from the prison, and she praises His name, even still, as the godly gather around her. She reaches and teaches other girls about the faith that got her through, that rescued her from the cave.
     I first met our cover girl when we had a fashion show over a year ago, and even though she wasn’t very familiar with Mighty Strong Girls, she eagerly grabbed a microphone at the event to share her thoughts on why the ministry is so important for all girls. She got it — the purpose, the vision, the NEED. She is truly an amazing Mighty Strong Girl.
     She is determined. She is intelligent. She is compassionate. She is courageous. She is strong – like really strong physically because she spends hours and hours training for the Olympics. She is Tyler Lackland. 
     CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SUMMER 2014 COVERGIRL, AND TO ALL THE INSPIRING GIRLS WHOSE STORIES, PHOTOS, IDEAS AND CREATIVITY HELPED SHAPED THIS ISSUE OF MIGHTY STRONG GIRLS! 
      The magazine is on sale now at http://www.mightystronggirls.com/the-magazine.html. Print copies are $7, and digital versions are $1.49. If you know a board member, see us for a copy if you don't want to pay for shipping. And if you'd like to buy the magazine in bulk copies for churches or organizations, they are $5 each. Just call us at 217.801.7464 for more information!

Payson reveals her real identity

     by Katie Basso
 First off, let me reintroduce myself. 
      My name, my REAL name, is Katie Basso. I am 16 years old, soon to be 17, and will be a senior at Athens High School next year. And, as I said when I was Payson, I have and still struggle with an eating disorder and a self-harm addiction. 
     The first thing I’d like to explain as my real self is how terrifying this whole thing is for me. Everyone is going to know my story. I have kept this a secret for 5 years. I desperately tried to hide this from my friends and family, and now it’s all coming out. 
     I know you’re probably asking, “Well if you’re so scared then why are you sharing it?” 
     Because I feel like God is calling me to. Because I feel like sharing my story could help someone who is going through what I went through. Because I am no longer ashamed of my mental illness, and I feel that no one should be ashamed of theirs. 
     A little over 2 years ago I met Amy, the founder of Mighty Strong Girls. She saw my posts on Facebook and she messaged me, sending me virtual hugs. That summer I went to a Christ In Youth conference that changed my life. That was the first time I really felt like God was calling me to share my story, although at the time, I was still really deep in my struggles. But I said yes anyway. 
      I talked to Amy about how I could share my story. She told me to write out my story while she searched. Eventually she told me that there was nothing out there. But, being the amazing person that she is, she came up with her own idea. Mighty Strong Girls. I was a little skeptical at first. But, soon it became this amazing thing with the help of so many amazing people. 
     So yeah, I guess you could say that I am the reason why Mighty Strong Girls is even a thing, but I don’t like to look at myself that way. I look at it as God bringing Amy and I together, and Him giving me the strength to even consider sharing my story, and Him giving Amy the idea of Mighty Strong Girls. 
      It was all God. So anyway, here I am. The real me. My story. I hope you all can bear with me as I share the part of me that I’ve had hidden for so long.

     You can read Katie's story in her own words in the summer issue of Mighty Strong Girls magazine. It is available for sale at http://www.mightystronggirls.com/the-magazine.html. 
 

Payson is bringing her secrets out of the dark...stay tuned!

by Payson

     Wow. It's been an entire year since I've written anything for this blog. That's ridiculous. 
     Hopefully I can write more regularly once this next issue of the magazine comes out. Why do I have to wait until the next issue comes out? Because I will be in the next issue. Like, the real me. So basically this will be my last anonymous blog post. Yeah. I said it. I'm revealing myself! You finally get to know who I really am, which is terrifying to me.
     Having to share secrets and share your struggles with anyone is a scary thing to do. Admitting that you mess up and you aren't perfect is scary. But sometimes it's just necessary.
     In my situation, if I didn't tell anyone about my struggles with anorexia, bulimia, and self harm, I probably would have died. At the time I didn't think that. I thought I was fine. Looking back I can see how messed up it was for me to think that I was okay.
     I've come a long way since then. But that doesn't mean I'm cured. I still struggle. Some days are better than others. But now I have a support system in place to help me through those hard days.
     The next step for me is to basically share who I am and what I've been through with the world. I want people to know that I'm not ashamed of what I've been through. That it's scary, but telling people is okay if it means you will get help. I don't want eating disorders and self harm to be something no one really ever talks about. It's a real thing and a lot of people are affected by it, and if me sharing my story helps people understand that, then that's what I want to do.
     I'm going to be honest. I'm absolutely terrified. But, I'm no longer ashamed. So the next time you'll hear from me, I'll really be me. The real me. With all my screw ups and all my imperfections. I hope you take it easy on me!

Bigger, better and more beautiful

Mighty Strong Girls is going through some transformations -- good ones! Our emphasis on the magazine, small groups and events remains. But each area has become more refined and beautiful. 

We have several new board members, and we are looking at hiring our first staff member to sell advertising for the magazine. The structure of the organization is going to change so that we can raise funding more easily and spread God's love even further. The magazine is getting 16 pages bigger and going from three issues a year to four issues, plus it's getting the infusion of a whole new focus that we plan to unveil in full when the summer issue is published. 

God is giving us direction for our events -- showing us to focus on one fundraiser and one service/discipleship event for girls and their moms. 

It is a very, very exciting time for this ministry. We are beside ourselves about all the announcements we can begin making soon on our website. 

So how did we get here? How do we know that bigger, better and more beautiful is the right move? 

We are focusing on our relationship with God, seeking to listen to Him and His purposes for the ministry. And He is speaking loud and clear! He is drawing us not only closer to Him but also to one another. The women-led board has been seeking Him, being authentic with one another and living out the same kind of advice we want to pass on to girls. 

We are asking God while we are asking others. We have invested in relationships with teen girls, who are beginning to give us their trust and telling us what they need, how they pray and what areas they crave spiritual guidance in. 

As we move forward in faith, we are asking anyone who has had Mighty Strong Girls in their prayers, thoughts or radar screen to pray. Not just about the organization....we always need those prayers. But right now we are praying for our 30 CHALLENGE. There are 30 days in April. This month, we want a new donor to sign up every day to give a minimum of $30 a month. This is sufficient for us to do what God is telling us to do at this moment and move a step closer to His plans for the future of Mighty Strong Girls. 

Will you pray with us? Will you pray for 30 families to step forward? Will you pray about any and all ways God wants you to partner with us? Will you pray that we (the leadership team of this ministry) would continue to seek God's direction, to put Him first, to do His will and to always draw close to Him? 

We are so thankful for the people who financially and prayerfully provide the pillars for the messages we are delivering to girls. May God bless each and every one of you! 

P.S. If God calls you to be one of the 30, what you need to do is simple. Click on this link (mightystronggirls.com/electronic-contribution-form.html) , print out the form and mail it to Ripe for Harvest, our accounting partner in ministry. If you have any trouble with the website, just email amydenney@mightystronggirls.com.

Meet our new blogger Sarah!

Hi there!

      My name's Sarah. Pleasure to meet you.  I am a sophomore in high school, and I like to keep myself busy.  I enjoy music very much and dedicate quite a bit of my time to that.  I also babysit, and volunteer in the youth section for my church on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings.  I tend to be more on the tomboyish side.
      Now that we have the basics out of the way, let's get down to business.  
     First off, I have a confession: I am a bully magnet.  I don't know what it is, but I am. Depending on who you ask, explanations include me being strong willed, having an intense sense of justice from a young age, seeing things as black and white, not being a girly girl, not filtering my extremely loud personality, and just that people are looking for someone weird to take things out on.  That's also my personality in a nutshell.
     Whatever the reason, I never really fit in with the other kids. You know that girl who played tackle football with the boys? The one who went for blocks instead of dolls?  Yeah, that was me. The weight lifter, odd one out, the girl who never, for any reason, would spend more than 10 minutes on her hair.  Haven't changed too much in that aspect.
     The bullying, along with other things, cause a lot of problems for me over the years. I battled depression from a young age but was good enough at putting up a front that no one really knew. People seemed to think I was unbreakable.  Just letting everything roll off me, being a smart aleck, and having no problem being the odd one out.  They never guessed I might be crying myself to sleep.
     I didn't get as bad as I could have. Either way, that's another story for another time.  
     When I was 12, I tried youth group for the first time, right after I graduated sixth grade.  It was probably the happiest night of my life. I continued going there and still attend the same church as I did then. It was a wonderful experience, and for the first time in my life I wasn't the odd one out. I actually fit in pretty well.  
     See, at this place everyone was loud.  No topic was off limits, and it's not entirely unusual for us to ask each other for advice or meet up outside of church. We had fun but knew when it was time to be quiet and serious. And it was the only place I wasn't bullied or avoided. I  could actually just relax and not get made fun of, though it wouldn't really be a family if there wasn't some good-natured teasing.  
     At the winter retreat almost a year later, I became a Christian. 
     Now, don't get me wrong, my parents took me to church as a kid.  I “prayed the prayer” at age 4. But it wasn't real faith for me. It was just my free pass out of Hell – nothing more, nothing less. 
     But this time it was different.
     I was happier, and literally felt lighter. It was as if I'd been carrying a million pounds on my back that were suddenly gone, and it remained that way. It's really hasn't been that long, but so, so much has changed.  
     And you know those bullies I mentioned earlier? Gone.  Every once and a while one comes back to bite me, but they always go away after a week or two. The nerves are gone, and depression is just a tiny thought in the back of my mind. I'll never let it come back that strong again.
     That's my story, or at least the back cover.  
     So, if you want to hate me for it, or name-call, go ahead. I can take it now. No matter what you say, there are people who care about me, and a God who literally loves me enough to die for me.
     So, bring it on.  
     I'll probably write on a wide span of things here, from dealing with bullies and recovering from it to ethics and the Bible. Pretty much whatever seems right for that time or post. I'll experiment, and if there are unanswered questions or it gets a lot of interest there will most likely be more on that topic. 
     I look forward to hearing from you!