Imagine the worst thing that could happen. Then, multiply it by three.
My 15-year-old friend ran away from home with her two friends last week. Within twenty-four hours, they had shoplifted, interfered with a police officer, and stolen three cars, each from a different county. None had a driver’s license. They wrecked the last car, which is how they were caught.
By God’s grace, no one was hurt.
They are now residing in a juvenile detention center awaiting a second hearing on December 7. The judge at the first hearing wouldn’t allow them out of the detention center on bond because they were a flight risk.
I don’t believe this is how this trio envisioned spending Thanksgiving weekend. I haven’t been able to speak to my friend, but I imagine she’s wondering why she made such unwise decisions that disastrous night.
My advice to anyone thinking about running away is to think twice. Talk to someone older and wiser about alternatives. If my friend had sought help from someone objective about her wish to be free, I’m sure she’d be in a very different situation today—one that involves looking forward to decorating a Christmas tree. She wouldn’t be facing the thought of many holidays in juvenile detention.
What gives me peace is that my friend believes that Jesus is her Lord and Savior. Because of her faith, God will take care of her while she’s away from home. What better father is there than our mighty God?
Please pray hard for these friends.