Many of the office doors in Bremer Hall (the central building on our Minot campus) have small 8" x 10" white boards hanging on them. These boards serve a variety of purposes. Some are used to list office hours. Some give location info like, "I'm in the barn with the kids until 3 p.m." Some ask everyone who passes to vote on an important life question, "Would you rather be 10 feet tall or 10 inches tall?" (If you're curious, 10 feet tall won by a landslide.)
Occasionally, one of the Ranch children will use a board to share a thought. Sometimes it is a quote. Sometimes it is something they are pondering. Sometimes they learned something in treatment that they want to share. This week I came across one from that last category. I don't know who wrote it, but it was signed, "I'm 15 yrs. old."
The child wrote, "Just because they didn't treat you right doesn't give everyone else the power to do the same. If they didn't love you the way you deserve to be loved, do it yourself. They didn't show you respect? Respect yourself enough to not tolerate anything or anyone that makes you feel less than."
That is way too much wisdom for a 15-year-old. But, these kids have lived through more than most people do in their lifetime, so they have wisdom beyond their years. This child is finding a way to put those terrors in their place, in the past.
This child is finding healing and strength.
And teaching us on their way...
Be with people who treat you well. Love yourself. Respect yourself.
Thank you for caring about these precious kids. Please keep them and our staff in your prayers.
In His love,
Joy Ryan, President/CEO
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
You can raise funds for your congregation, Bible study group, women's group, or youth group, AND provide hope and healing for a child at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch, by hosting a Honey Sunday.
For decades, congregations across the United States have held Honey Sundays. We invite you to join them — and bring God’s love to a child by organizing a Honey Sunday fundraiser.
Honey Sunday keeps the focus on the work of our Lord, your church, and the Ranch. And we make it easy for you to do by sending everything you’ll need. We'll even mail the honey directly to people's homes, so you don't have to worry about distribution.
To request your Honey Sunday materials, fill out the form here!
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