Three Small Victories

A math teacher gave one of our boys a raving review this month of the progress he is making in the classroom.

A mom mentioned she’s seen her boy grow in restraint and patience at home. He’s started asking her for permission to do things, leaving her feeling respected.

A boy sent his mentor a heart emoji to tell him he loves him. ♥

Three small victory stories of boys growing up into their potential who excel in the classroom, at home, and in relationships. We may not teach math, but we do coach our boys how to problem-solve, to try again, and to make it right. We cultivate growth mindsets in our mentees to turn their obstacles into opportunities. We may not have a curriculum centered on helping our boys grow in restraint and patience, but we model it for them every day. We are kind and inviting. We discipline with softened voices. We wait. We don’t grow tired of encouraging and calling out the gold in them.

Building trust in a mentor relationship is hard work at Forerunner. It’s earned through showing up con- sistently, and apologizing when you don’t. Through the relentless commitment to die to self and enter into the world of a child. Love is a learned, emotional response given to those who have loved us first. We love because we are first loved.

For every positive report we have not seen yet.

For every mother who has yet to feel the respect she deserves.
For every boy who has yet to experience the love of a trusted mentor.

Pressing on.