Miracle Moments
Brought to you by: Community Partner Molly Maid of Birmingham, www.mollymaid.com/birmingham
“There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 23:18
I came to Big Oak Ranch when I was 14 years old. I struggled at first and didn’t care about anything. It was hard for me to trust people, so it took a while for me to believe that people really cared about me.
Over time, as my houseparents and housebrothers spent time with me and invested in me, my impressions of them changed. The emotional and academic support I received from so many people there showed me I mattered to them. It also helped knowing others could relate because they had come from difficult situations too. Eventually, I came to understand that people at the Ranch were there to help me—not to take anything from me. At Big Oak Ranch, I grew up, matured, and learned to be thankful. I have great memories from my time at the Ranch, like playing basketball with my housebrothers and scrimmaging with Mr. Brodie. I also played soccer and basketball for Westbrook Christian School.
In 2023, I joined Big Oak Ranch’s transitional independent living program, ASCEND. We had life skills meetings on topics like budgeting and finding a church, and we also spent time serving others. During my time at ASCEND, Mrs. Kelli poured a lot of time into me, especially when I was sick. When one of my lungs collapsed, she was at the hospital every day visiting me and always answered her phone when I called. The way she was always there to support me meant a lot — it encouraged me and motivated me that someone cared. I’m thankful for all the support Big Oak Ranch and ASCEND have given me. In August, I will graduate from UAB with a major in finance. I am currently applying for banking jobs, and my ultimate goal is to become a manager at a bank or investment firm.
Growing up at Big Oak Ranch, Mr. John taught me that you have to take advantage of the investment other people are making for you, or you’re wasting it. That is what I am doing now — investing in my future. I also hope to have a family and adopt a child one day. The Ranch and ASCEND have shown me that family means being there in the hardest moments — not leaving when things get tough but staying with you no matter what.
-Luke
