Miracle Moments
Brought to you by: Community Partner Molly Maid of Birmingham, www.mollymaid.com/birmingham
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Big Oak Ranch provides children in need of a chance with solid, loving Christian homes and an opportunity to discover God’s purpose for their lives. Here’s Chad’s story.
When I was five years old, I came to Big Oak Ranch. I had a lot of anger because of my life circumstances and had a difficult time controlling it. During my preteen and teenage years, my second house pop, Eric Morrison, became a major support, especially when I was at my lowest point in life. He never judged me. Instead, he gave me tools to work through my anger, so I didn’t have to face it alone. My houseparents stuck by me every step and taught me how to redirect my anger. They showed me that my thoughts lead to my actions, my actions affect others, and I have the power to control them.
Through an opportunity with Big Oak Ranch, I experienced a life-changing trip to Idaho with On River Time. During devotions around the campfire, we wrote down our biggest fears. Our youth leader told us that Jesus replaces our fears with love and stability and told us to throw our fears into the fire. As the fire died down, I stood up to throw mine in. The leader said that even when things die down, someone can always step up to lead. At that moment, I understood what my houseparents had been teaching me. I could be a leader and had the ability to make a difference in other people’s lives.
Big Oak Ranch has changed my life in so many ways. As a senior in high school, I am grateful for the opportunity to attend Big Oak Ranch’s program, ASCEND, which guides residents through higher education opportunities. ASCEND will provide me with life skills training, stability, and help me step into adulthood successfully. I plan to attend Jefferson State and then transfer to UAB. At UAB, I plan to pursue web design so I can create something meaningful to help people, just like Big Oak Ranch helped me. As I prepare for this next big step, I’m nervous, but also confident. The unconditional love and guidance I’ve received at Big Oak Ranch have prepared me for the real world and helped me see the future I can have.
-Chad
