Layla’s Progress
Layla came to see us when she was just 17 years old. She was a senior in high school—and pregnant. Overwhelmed with the pregnancy and other circumstances, she lost her will to go to school each day and ended up dropping out.
However, Layla was determined to carry her baby to term. We were honored to be a source of support for her each step of the way. She seemed to enjoy learning how to care for herself and her baby during her pregnancy through our free prenatal classes. Then she had her baby, took some time off, and now is back with us taking parenting lessons.
She recently told us two exciting pieces of news. One: She’s moving into her own place… one that is safe and has sufficient room for her and her baby. And two: She’s going back to school to get her GED! She’ll be graduating from that program in a few months. We are so proud of her!
Layla said, “I’m so thankful for all the encouragement you’ve given me, especially the encouragement I’ve received from my advocate.”
Friends, we at Align are people saved by the grace of Jesus serving people also in need of grace. Paul writes at the beginning of Galatians 6, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness….” He goes on to say, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
It is a privilege to serve young women like Layla with a spirit of gentleness, helping to bear her burdens. That’s what loving our neighbor can look like, and by God’s grace, in Layla’s case, it resulted in life and growth for her and her sweet baby. To God be the glory!