It punctured the air like an overblown balloon suddenly exploding at the height of a well-planned celebration. And left behind were broken shards of childhood pain inflicted in the most vulnerable of her years-middle school. The thoughtlessly delivered pain of a few penetrated her heart, settled in and dislodged all past affirmations and soul truths from their high places. At a time when egos are fragile and the future teeters on every insult uttered, the identities of our children can suffer greatly. Hearts become entangled in the thistles and thorns of life, and one valley can be felt deeper than the height of all mountains combined. And as much as our mother-hearts long to protect and nurture and escort our children into young adulthood beautifully whole, no child is immune to Continue Reading