Naomi, the eldest sister, sits cross-legged on the rug, reading scripture aloud while Ava, the middle child with inquisitive eyes, scribbles notes. Zuri, the youngest, hums softly, braiding her doll’s hair. Their mother hurries past, her face lined with exhaustion but her voice gentle.
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up," she reads, her voice steady even as tension flickers in her eyes.
Their father’s absence weighs heavy, and the girls’ laughter is tinged with worry. Ava glances at her mother, sensing her fatigue.
"Mama, will things get better for us soon?"
Mother, her hands trembling slightly, musters a hopeful smile.
"God has a plan, baby. We just have to keep believing and working hard," she assures them, her words both anchor and prayer.
Naomi recalls her mother’s words and focuses on the equations before her. Zuri, in a nearby classroom, faces teasing for her homemade lunch. Still, she stands tall, kindness in her voice, refusing to let hardship dim her spirit.
"It might not look fancy, but it tastes like love," she replies, offering a smile that softens even her harshest critic.
Ava leads the youth choir, her voice soaring above the crowd, while Naomi volunteers at the food pantry. Zuri helps children with their Sunday school lessons. The pastor, noticing their resilience, nods approvingly.
Pastor Williams leans down and whispers,
"Your faith shines brightest in darkness, girls. Keep walking in His light,"
Naomi has earned a scholarship to study medicine, Ava is celebrated for her art, and Zuri receives a community leadership honor. Their mother, tears streaming down her cheeks, clasps their hands in hers.
"You girls are living proof that faith and hard work can move mountains,"
Ava kneels beside a shy girl, offering encouragement, while Naomi shares her journey with aspiring students. Zuri, laughing, leads a group in a joyful song.
"No matter where you start, your story can be beautiful," she tells them, her voice full of hope and hard-won wisdom.
