"You remind me of Rosa Parks."

“You remind me of Rosa Parks. Have a good day, Ma’am.”

Hmmm.

When I write these weekly emails, I really try to convey the heart of the Ranch, or a sense of God’s work, or somehow show you how truly precious our Ranch kids are. Sometimes though, they are just kids.

A few weeks ago I was walking through the hallway of our school, carrying my lunch to-go box back to my office to catch up on some work. (Yes, I know. I shouldn’t eat at my desk. But…) Anyway, I was stopped by one of our day students, a 14-year-old boy with curly brown hair, a really skinny frame, and glasses. He looked at me, cocked his head, and said, “You remind me of Rosa Parks. Have a good day, Ma’am.” Then he walked into the classroom for his next period.

I have a great deal of respect for Mrs. Parks and her courage. To be compared to her on a character level would be quite a compliment. But, it was clear that wasn’t what he meant. He meant physically. I am taller than Mrs. Parks. I have long, straighter, mostly light brown hair. I am not African American. I was wearing a plaid trench coat slightly similar to one Mrs. Parks was often photographed wearing. That must have been what did it.

So, no great message here. Just that every day, in spite of all the trauma and challenges, these kids make me smile.

Hope you smile today, too.

In His love,

Joy Ryan, President/CEO
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch

Your Thrivent Choice Dollars® can be used to support multiple organizations each year. At the Ranch, we use all Thrivent Choice® funds for our Spiritual Life Program. Your support is vital in giving our precious children the foundation of faith they need to thrive. To direct your Choice Dollars® to the Ranch, simply go to Thrivent.com/thriventchoice, login, and choose Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. To direct Choice Dollars® over the phone, call 1-800-847-4863 and say "Thrivent Choice," after the prompt. Thank you for your continued support of our ministry!