To The Rescue
The Struggles of Middle School
I don't know many people who would say their best years were those from 12 to 15. Those are the middle school years, the awkward, socially trying years. The years of acne, puberty, hair appearing in weird places on your body, first dances, and sometimes first kisses. At least for me, they were very strange, almost schizophrenic years that I found trying in so many ways.
I was very happy in my small-town existence with my comfortable sixth-grade class, where I had known my classmates since first grade. Unfortunately, my life was soon turned upside down. One February evening, I came home from school, and my parents sat my brother and me down to tell us that my dad had accepted a new work position in Houston, Texas, a much larger city with a million people.
Starting Over in a New World
A few months later, I had completed sixth grade and moved to start seventh grade at another much larger junior high school with several thousand students. Ever see The Wonder Years? I was twelve and a severe nerd. Everything, every day, was a trial and an adjustment.
One afternoon, as I went my usual daily route, I noticed two boys ahead of me who were older. They were beginning to walk slowly, and as I came closer, they suddenly turned around. One grabbed me, knocking my briefcase to the ground, popping it open, and dumping out all my schoolwork, while the other hit me to the ground.
My Dad Steps In
The following day, he picked me up from school as he always did. Instead of heading in the direction of home, he began to drive the way I usually walked each day. As we approached our friend's house, he pulled into their driveway. He then told me to watch for the boys who had assaulted me the day before.
As they walked behind our car, my dad got out of it and called them. For whatever reason, they stopped, and my dad proceeded to get right in their faces and began to say something to them in a very calm but stern manner and with a very serious look on his face. I never knew what he said to them, but they never bothered me again despite me seeing them several times on that walk. I was so thankful for a dad who loved me and would step up for me whenever I needed him. He was my hero then and for the rest of his life. That day, he validated me as someone he loved and was important to him.
The Fatherly Validation of God
This story reminds me of the fatherly validation God offers us. The Bible describes God as a Father who sees our pain, hears our cries, and steps into our struggles. Psalm 68:5 calls Him “a father to the fatherless” and “a defender of widows.”
Unlike earthly fathers, God’s love is perfect and unfailing. He sees your struggles, knows your fears, and is ready to fight for you in ways only He can. Trust in His promises and invite Him into your life. He will never leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).