Church Friends

I'm a twelve year old girl. Most of you might think this is pretty young, but I'm going into eighth grade. I go to church every Sunday, and every Sunday I sit in youth group. I walk in, and sit in the back. I always thought this is how middle school would be, sitting alone. I had friends, of course, they just never came to church with me. It made me sad that no one would sit by me, much less talk to me. Other than the adults, life was pretty lonely. My sister and cousin liked to pretend I wasn't there, that I was just a part of the scenery.

I learned how to move around people quietly, and avoid making a scene of any kind. I spent the whole year like that, knowing where I stood on the social status, and that I'd probably always be there. Then the new sixth graders came in. I knew a few of them, from before I skipped a grade, but no one noticed I even existed. If I even had the guts to walk up to one of them, they'd mutter something about the bathroom, and head off.

Then, one day, as I was settling into my seat, I heard a call from the front. Barely audible, but loud enough to get my attention: "Hey, come sit up here." I pointed to myself and mouthed "me?" The girl nodded. I grabbed my stuff, and slowly walked to where she was. I sat down uncomfortably, thinking that an adult probably made her do it. I was wrong. "Hi, I'm Katherine." the girl said. This girl was different. She actually wanted to know me, and I wondered what was wrong with her. "Hi. I'm Stephanie," I said softly. She nodded and then turned to listen to the sermon.

Afterwards, she came up to me and invited me to a party at her house. I was shocked at first, no one had ever invited me to anything like that. I agreed and left to meet my parents. Katherine and I aren't close friends, but I'm glad she's here. She always makes sure I'm included in anything going on. Even if I don't want to, she makes sure I know I'm welcome to. Now I have the confidence to sit in front, and occasionally, on the boy's side with the few girls who sit there to annoy them. I'm grateful that she came along. And that's my story.

Submitted by Anonymous

Confidence