Laura…

I still remember the first time I saw her. Her bright, red hair was easily spotted, even in the dark lighting. I knew there was something special about her, but I don’t think I understood exactly how special she really was, nor did I fully understand the impact she would have on me. I remember making my way towards her, only because she was seated alone, and I took pity. I would soon find out that she didn’t particularly mind sitting alone; it had been that way her entire life. Cautiously, I sat next to her, silent, trying to think of what to say. Surprisingly, she was the one who first spoke, “You don’t have to sit here just because you feel sorry for me you know.” I don’t quite remember what happened from there, but I do recall her telling me to meet up with her in the morning. I didn’t.

She failed to show her face around school for weeks, and I instantly felt guilty about it. Was it my fault? Soon, I would find out that it wasn’t.  Apparently she had moved away. I didn’t know why it affected me as much as it did. We had only spoken once, and I had been the one to ditch her. I think I felt guilty about it, but the years passed. It was on that day, nearly 5 years later, that I saw that bright, red hair again. There was no use denying it, she was there.

My original reaction was to go up, say hi, and apologize for my past actions, but I, being the coward that I was,  took a seat in the farthest corner away from her. She sat down with a group of people; I chuckled at the irony. I was the one alone now, but I didn’t mind it. She must of recognized me because as soon as I walked out of the cafeteria, she followed. Walking, as if I was absolutely oblivious to the whole ordeal, I stopped by my favorite swinging bench and took a seat. She sat next to me ,stating, “I waited that morning. I wanted to thank you…for talking to me that night. You never came.”

I shook my head, “No, I didn’t. ”

She laughed, “I honestly didn’t expect you to. That’s the past. It’s quite a coincidence, don’t you think? Meeting up again? Here of all places.”

I nodded, surprised at her ability to quickly forgive.

We continued to talk, much like that first night. Little did I know, I would never see her again. I left that place at the end of the year; I left everything behind there, but there’s one thing she said to me that day that I’ll never forget.

“No matter what people tell you, you are worth it. I had to believe that…even when I was told otherwise; you should believe that to. Life’s hard, and I know you’ll feel like giving up, but I can see it in you…that strength to keep on moving forward. I can tell you right now, you’ll have to be strong enough for more than just yourself in the future. Promise yourself that you’ll never let the hate…darkness…discrimination…anything evil bring you down. I learned the hard way that there’s a lot to live for in this world. You need to believe that. Remember, and never forget….you will be making a difference in somebody’s life one day; whether you know it or not, it will happen. Most important of all, don’t ever lose your faith in God. He’s there…always.”

Those 136 words would stick with me, and to this day, I haven’t forgotten them. I don’t know what happened to Laura, but I’m sure she’s still over there at Baylor…changing peoples lives.  I’ll forever be thankful for her unending hope in others, her incredible words of wisdom, and her forgiving heart.

 

1 Peter 3:18“For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,”