Hibernation

Lyons don't hibernate.  If they did, I would just go to bed now and wake up sometime after the age of eighteen.  I want to be a bear.  A big ol' black bear.  I think I could pass.  I'm an herbivore.  I've put on winter weight.  I sometimes have hairy legs.  I'm grumpy. 
This week, I'm staring at a milestone-my sixteenth birthday.  And I've never been more terrified in my life.  I don't want to be sixteen.  I want to be six.  When I was six, I remember my parents jokingly saying, "Just think...in ten years she'll be driving."  And now it's here.  Where did all the time go?  Where is my Big Comfy Couch exercise clock?  Why did we stop celebrating Winter Solstice like Little Bear?  When did loving Barney go out of style?
Sixteen.  I still can't face it.  Two years away from adulthood.  I'm not ready.  I can take my GED now.  I've got a lovely 2250 tucked away for an SAT score.  Colleges are not only sending catalogs, but calling as well.  So, do I start college in the fall?  Do I wait?  Do I take some time off to find myself?  Do I travel and visit family?  Do I move the hell away and start over?  Move away from all the heartache and hurt I've endured, am still enduring? 
Sixteen....with a 600 year old soul and a desire to be six.  No wonder I'm a mess!
Can't we just go to Story Time at Zany Brainy and then have a picnic? I'm not ready to grow up yet.

Advent Devotion

I love when I finally get really quiet and that voice starts talking to me.  You know that voice that really talks to your heart.  Knows you more personally than anyone. If I listen close enough, it takes me places I need to go.  Sometimes, kicking and screaming.  Sometimes, with a heavy heart.  Sometimes, just from curiosity.  Today, I came across a Christian devotion.  And after I read it, I thought, "How do these people know me?"  And I realize, the bible isf filled with rebellious people that God speaks to through many ways.  And I'm also reminded that He uses the imperfect, rebellious and broken.  Maybe there is hope, yet.

Do you ever get tired of following the rules? Seems like every time you turn around, there's another rule to follow. Schools are built on a foundation of strict guidelines and controlling policies govern our extra-curricular activities and places of work. I don’t know about you, but when I’m faced with too many rules, my rebellious side takes over and I end up getting in trouble. Punishment is never fun and the whole situation certainly isn’t peaceful.

The psalmist tells a different story. Instead of rebelling against God’s law, the psalmist proclaims love for the law and praises God multiple times a day for God’s ordinances. This paints a very different picture than our typical, rule-filled lives. The distinction here is that God doesn’t confine us with useless rules that complicate our lives. Instead, God’s law offers a way of living that leads to peace. What can you do today to relish the peace that comes from following God’s law?

God of peace, thank you for your law and thank you for providing me with a way to live my life. During this season of Advent, help me to follow your law as I search for peace in my life. Amen.

Benediction: 

Can you feel it?  Deep within you,

There is a quiet confidence...growing.

Be patient.  Prepare for it now,

The gentle presence of the Spirit.

In case you want to follow this devotion: http://www.d365.org/followingthestar/

Preventing Child Abuse

I am only one, but I am one.  I cannot do everything, but I can do something.  

And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.  ~Edward Everett Hale

This weekend, I made the following post in my Notes on Facebook:

My friend Eden commented on the Cartoon FB profile pics: Putting up the cartoon picture isn't going to help those kids in even the least bit what-so-ever.  And, for the most part, she's right.  No more than posting your bra color or where you like to place your pocket book does for Breast cancer.

Still, it gets you to thinking....it's something at least.  And one small act could lead to others that could make a greater impact.  And thinking "What COULD I do?"  I'm only 15.  What could I offer? 

Richard Bach says "Every problem has a gift for you in it's hands."

The problem: Child abuse     The gift:  Ways to prevent it

I need you, my friends, to provide the gift.  I know many of you are adult survivors of abuse.  I can't fix what happened to you as a child.  And what I'm asking is hard, because it means you have to revisit that hell for a moment.  But I would love to know what it is that YOU do as a parent that breaks the cycle.  What do you do for your own children that makes that difference?  I know, for my mom, it's many things: deciding to never hit...not spanking, not slapping, no violent physical contact ever.  No verbal belittling.  Remembering what it was like at my age.

I would like to compile a list of positive ideas for parenting to put here.  I don't know how yet.  A website?  I'm more than willing to give up my status to post positive ways to stop the abuse.  For abuse survivors thinking of being a parent, a list, a REAL list from REAL people with REAL solutions.  One of my dearest friends is a child hood abuse survivor.  Before she became a parent, her biggest concern was her own abuse.  "What do I do?  I have no role models to emulate.  If I just had a list..."  I think wanting to be a better parent was the first step.

For those of you who had wonderful parents, you could share something positive that your parents did that made such an impact that you made certain you did it with your children as well. 

If you know someone who has something to offer, send them here.  My email is open to everyone.  My private email is indigo_al@yahoo.com. 

Eden, I've only had a little over 12 hours to think on this.  Will it do for a start?

In Peace,

Abbie Lyons

P.S.  Any suggestions would be most welcome.  All info will be kept private and any suggestions posted anonymously unless you state otherwise.

The notes, emails and calls I have received have been overwhelming.  On one hand, I'm glad that there is so much support for this issue.  On the other hand, I am saddened beyond belief.  Because with almost every suggestion for prevention comes a story.  A heart-breaking story.  The grief and sadness I feel are overwhelming.  One email had some of the most amazing suggestions, and I was so excited that I would be able to share them.  Then, I read the post script....'I wish this is what my parents would do for me.'  

God, you took me outside my own selfishness.  And showed me what a truly broken heart is.  Ever the teacher.  Ever the gift giver.  Ever the healer.