The Girl With the Purple Hair

Author: Mark Fenstermacher
February 18, 2022

The girl with the purple hair was waiting on me as the storm came our way.

I asked how she was doing.

She had not slept for two days, she said. And she is supposed to pick up a truck so she and her boyfriend can move. Two months pregnant, she’ll be driving through the snow tomorrow.

“Be careful”, I said. “Don’t take any unnecessary risks.”

The girl with the purple hair told me  her Grandpa and a close friend had died a year ago, and she wanted to end her life. She told me that she had picked up a knife to do the thing, but decided to live.

I told her God loved her, that I have my own deep, sad places, and encouraged her to lean into her life. “There is good ahead for you,” I said.

We talked about the joy of being a parent….a grandparent. She told me how she loves her little girl.

“I’m going to live my best life”, the girl with the purple hair told me.

The girl with the purple hair: keep her safe, God, and get her through whatever storms may be on the way.

I found myself thinking of the song from “Les Mis”:

1. “God on high
   Hear my prayer
   In my need
   You have always been there
   (She) is young
   (She's) afraid
   Let (her) rest
   Heaven blessed.
   Bring (her)  home
   Bring (her) home
   Bring (her) home…” 

Sometimes, all you have to do is ask…and listen.

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JOIN US AS WE

• Recognize and Thank Tammy Althouse this Sunday (February 20) in worship at 8:45 and 10:45 for her ministry in hospitality/welcoming and connections (volunteerism). Tammy will continue part-time as our Director of Missions & Community Outreach. Please bring a card and join others in this “card shower.”

• Continue supporting our Alaska Youth Mission team by participating in our “Give a Little/Give a Lot” opportunity. Pick up an envelope this week and help this miracle happen. Questions? Contact Ally.

• Begin the season of Lent with a simple, moving Ash Wednesday service at 7 pm in the Sanctuary on March 2.

• Offer a Sunday morning Lenten Bible study for young-ish men (if you’re the age where you might have a pre-schooler on up through high school, you qualify!) happening at 10 am beginning March 6. We’ll be looking at the brash, courageous, strong-willed, cowardly, faith-full fisherman named Simon Peter.
  What’s it mean to live as a man in a family, church, and community? Our group wants to have fun. We want to cheer one another on as we grow in our faith and discipleship. What would it look like to make our relationship with God a priority? How might we help our families and community get centered in Christ? Grab coffee in the fellowship area and join us! (Oh, and Rudi will bring donuts…)

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