Feb 15th, 2026-Perfectly Imperfect

On February 15, 2026, I took three teenage girls from a residential facility to church at their request. I was nervous. Large crowds can be triggering, and these girls carry significant trauma. I prayed the entire drive there, asking God to cover them and give them peace.

We chose seats close to the front, but not too close. As worship began, I looked over and saw the heaviness on their faces. You could see the weight of everything they have endured. And then they began to cry.

They cried their worship.

Within the first hour, I leaned over and gently asked if they were ready to go. I had already decided that two hours might be too much for them to stay the entire time. I wanted to be mindful of their emotional capacity. But they all said no. They wanted to stay.

And they did.

No behaviors. No disruptions. Just three hurting girls sitting in the presence of God, releasing what they had been holding.

In that moment, I was reminded why the Perfectly Imperfect Campaign matters so much. These children are not broken. They are carrying more than most adults ever will. When we stop focusing on perfection and start making space for healing, they rise.

That Sunday was not about performance. It was about presence. It was about three girls feeling safe enough to cry, safe enough to stay, and maybe for the first time in a while, safe enough to believe they are deeply loved.

Perfectly imperfect. And still so worthy

-Chenita Tayborn

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