Jade gained a lot of confidence learning about shepherd leadership. Jade learned that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares for us, His sheep. In fact, Jade experienced a very personal connection with the Good Shepherd during a challenging time in her family. Jade has cerebral palsy, so she enjoys good care from her mom as needed throughout the day. Her mom adds to the story, explaining that she was diagnosed with stage 3-4 cancer. She interjects, “I went through a whole journey with cancer, but so did she!” When Jade’s mom was in chemotherapy treatment, she had restrictions on not being outdoors. Jade had the opportunity to go camping and repelling with trusted friends, so even though her mom couldn’t go and support her, Jade went on her own because of her firm confidence in Jesus, her Shepherd. Her mom cried as she left Jade at the campsite with others and drove away, but she knew that when she couldn’t do it, “God’s got her.” Jade went repelling on that camping trip, brave enough to do it on her own without her mom there to assist. Jade declares,
“I know that He will never leave me, even when others can’t be with me all the time.”
Jade is now the Troop shepherd. Many girls look up to her and are drawn to her when they don’t fit in. Jade has gained a great deal of confidence, the girl whose very smile lights up the whole room.
