Team member:
I can’t get a conversation with a young girl out of my head. “Sarah” is always happy and laughing. She appears years younger because she laughs so much—at everything! She constantly grabs my arm, holds my hand, giggles and laughs loudly. Last night—while laughing—she shared that she can’t laugh at home because her military father is very serious. He has a large stick and threatened to use it on her if he heard her laugh again. She showed me how she covers her mouth to laugh quietly at home so she doesn’t annoy him. She’s very scared.

My heart broke as I tried to think of something uplifting to share. Nothing profound came to mind in the moment so I just told her I would be praying. I’ve since thought of a dozen things I could have said!

She is very devout in her faith but perhaps this will draw her attention to the love of her heavenly Father who not only created her laughter, but also loves to hear her laugh. When I asked why she laughs so much, all she could say is “I don’t know…I just laugh!”

I believe there is a joy beyond anything she has experienced yet. Would you join with me in lifting up Sarah? Would you believe with me that her eyes will be opened to the joy and peace that comes through believing?

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans15:13, NASB