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

Hey, kids like me! I had the privilege to ask questions of some mothers in Alamosa County Jail about their struggle with addiction. But first I want to share an observation - have you noticed that each mother in jail is trying to get the message to their kids and families that they love them and that they’re sorry for the pain they caused them? It’s amazing. I hear from everybody else’s mother, but never from my own - but I pray for her every day. Today is the 9th story:

My name is Kendra. I was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma, but Monte Vista, Colorado, is my home. I had both of my parents when I was little until I was 13-years old. My parents were very heavy drinkers and pill-takers, and smoked cigarettes.

I did not have brothers or sisters but I did have my grandparents. I did not have a trusted adult to talk with about anything in my life when I was a kid. And, I was emotionally abused.

I had two pet cats that were very important to me. And, I wanted to be a nurse when I grew up.

I attended church very little when I was growing up. But, I do believe in God.

I made good grades in school and my teachers were good with me. And, I had friends when I was in school. I didn’t play a musical instrument in school, but I did play sports. I wasn’t really artistic when I was in school, but I wrote poems and stories.

I’m divorced and I have three children. My relationship with my children is not good at the moment, but they’re always in my mind and in my heart.

I didn’t take my children to church and I didn’t teach them about Jesus.

I know I’ve hurt them emotionally and I’m very, very sorry for this. Every day it is my goal to make things right with them and in order to make things right with them, I need to spend more quality time with them. Making things right with my children is my goal in life.

I do not drink alcohol, but I do use drugs. My drug of choice is heroin and I have used it for five-years. I started using drugs because I hurt my back, and every day I want to stop using drugs because using drugs ruined everything and every relationship with every person in my life.

How do I feel about the possibility of my children using drugs? So scared!

If I could change anything in my life, I would want to be a stronger mother for my children.

My advice for parents who are addicts…It’s never too late. Your kids love you unconditionally.

My advice for grandparents of “kids like me”…No advice…just a deep and sincere ‘Thank You’ for taking care of my precious children.

My advice for “kids like me”…Hang in there…you only have one mom and dad and the bond can never be broken, and that is truly unconditional love. Always-n-forever.

My perfect world would be me and my children up in the mountains, fishing in the stream, making hotdogs on the grill…and having a perfect day!!!

Thank you, Kendra! And, thank you for reading my column. Write to me at Amarah’s “Kids Like Me” P.O. Box 354, Alamosa, CO 81101. If you know a kid like me, or parent, who is an addict/alcoholic, please tell him/her about “Amarah’s Corner, Kids Like Me” in the Valley Courier. Tell them to contact me, or you can contact me on their behalf. If you know a kid like me, or parent, who doesn’t have a Bible, but wants one, please, contact me. I’ll make sure he/she gets a Bible, “…and all the earth may know there is a God…” (1 Samuel 17:46, KJV).

Amarah’s “Kids Like Me” offers non-denominational World Bible School (WBS) Bible Correspondence Courses (free/postage paid) in English/Spanish to kids like me (ages 8-12), their parents, and even if you’re not a kid like me! Teens/adults take the WBS Master Series Courses so if you would like the WBS Courses, send your name/age/address and I’ll get you started ASAP! I hope to hear from you soon!
My goal is to help kids like me, and I want to help their parents, too. Until next time, remember, Jesus Loves You, and JESUS IS LORD!