Amarah's Corner: A letter from a ‘kid like me’ on the other side

Hi! My name is Amarah. Kids are important to Jesus, and they’re important to me, too.

Jesus said in Matthew 25:40 (KJV), “Whatever you’ve done unto the least of these (kids),

you’ve done it unto me.”

“Kids like me” are kids and adults of all ages whose parents are, or were, drug addicts, and alcoholics; kids who have suffered, or who are suffering, abuse and neglect on multiple levels; and kids who are victims of bullying.

True Story of a Kid Like Me

Hey, Amarah! We’ve never met but we will one day in Heaven. That is where I am now. I came here in March of 2017. My adoptive parents are believers and I came to know Jesus as my Savior as I grew up in their home with my biological brother. My adoptive Dad is actually with me here, too. He died in 2013 and it was really hard to live without him on earth. My Mom kept our family together after his death and we all grew stronger and deeper in our faith.

I had a great life with my adoptive family. I had 10 brothers and sisters. We all got to be homeschooled and pursue the dreams God gave each of us. My dreams included music performance, fashion design, raising livestock to show in 4H, and becoming a youth leader in our small-town community. I learned so much and lived a great life. I even got to go on a cruise to the Caribbean and swim with stingrays! Even though life was great, I was burdened every day with the after effects of childhood trauma. One of the many labels I was diagnosed with was Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). Because I was neglected and abused when I was a baby, I didn’t know how to trust and bond with people who loved me. I often pushed them away instead of believing they loved me and wanted the best for me.

When I turned 18, my biological mother contacted me. I wasn’t ready to reconnect with her. All of the trauma from my early childhood swallowed me up and I started hanging with the wrong people, and started to use pot, then meth. In less than a month, I was a meth addict. I ran away from home and started living in flop houses and was homeless on the streets of my rural Colorado hometown. My mom and others who loved me kept trying to reach out and bring me back. Though I continued to love Christ, I trusted myself and others who meant me harm. These were horrible choices that led to my death.

Within six months, I was at the wrong place at the wrong time and was murdered as the second victim in what was probably a drug related homicide. Now, my family shows their love for me as they go to court for justice. They continue to love me beyond the grave. I have a really loving family! I miss them and I know they must miss me! I brought so much laughter and joy to them despite my bad behavior.

It was very hard being a toddler child with transient, drug-seeking parents. My brother and I were left alone for long periods of time with no one to feed us, care for us, and keep us safe. The trauma I experienced never left my brain and continued to disrupt every aspect of my life. I had many learning disabilities which made it hard for me to learn in public school and to live in a loving home where rules and routine were meant to help me. Instead, I rebelled a lot against my family who loved me and meant well. A lot of times my parents and siblings didn’t understand what to do but they kept trying every day.

Thankfully, they were Christians and taught me about Jesus. Now I am free of my trauma and am in Heaven for eternity. I will see my Christian friends and family again and look forward to being reunited. I also look forward to meeting you one day. Thanks so much for trying to educate people about “Kids Like Me and You!” I hope that all of your work will make a difference. I want Moms and Dads to live happily, drug-free, and care for their children - that is God’s way and the best way to live for kids.

Thank You, Kid Like Me. Your letter reminds me of my life with Sarah (my biological mother) and reminds me why I want to help Kids Like Me.

Write to me: Amarah’s Kids Like Me, P.O. Box 354, Alamosa, CO 81101. If you know a kid who doesn’t have a Bible, let me know - I’ll make sure he/she gets one, “…and all the earth may know there is a God…” (1 Samuel 17:46, KJV).

Until next time, remember, Jesus Loves You, and JESUS IS LORD!