BEAUTIFUL FAITH: VOL 1 FACILITATOR GUIDE

GROW IN CONFIDENCE. KNOW YOUR IDENTITY.

FOR GIRLS OF FAITH

FACILITATOR GUIDE

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JOURNEY

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Journey 01: Facilitator Guide

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BRAVE & BEAUTIFUL TEACHER GUIDE Copyright © 2026 Releasing Generations Published by Releasing Generations Printed in the United States of America All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

All articles, art, and photographs have been published and printed with the permission of their creators.

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are taken from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations from The Authorized (King James) Version. Rights in the Authorized Version in the United Kingdom are vested in the Crown. Reproduced by permission of the Crown’s patentee, Cambridge University Press.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.

Scripture quotations marked (NIrV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV® Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIrV” and “New International Reader’s Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™ Art Direction and Graphic Design by: Ahava Design, LLC. Photos by Unsplash and Pixabay.

TheBraveSeries.com Through The Brave Series, we are on a mission to help youth and adults of all ages overcome insecurities about their value and purpose. The Brave Series empowers teens and adults to:

The Brave Series is a publication of Explicit Movement, one of three facets of the Releasing Generations organization. You can learn more about Explicit Movement at Explicitmovement.org

• Grow in confidence and emotional health.

Our leadership team has decades of combined experience working with, serving, and supporting teens, young adults, parents, community leaders, and church leaders within many denominations locally and globally.

• Gain wisdom and vision for their future, enabling them to step into their purpose and pursue their dreams.

• Become aware and equipped to safeguard themselves and others from exploitation and sex trafficking victimization.

You are not alone in your struggles.

Learn more at TheBraveSeries.com or visit us at ReleasingGenerations.org Brave & Beautiful Volume 01 (Faith) Teacher Guide – 03/2026

Welcome to the Brave & Beautiful journey!

Thank you so much for taking the time to invest in your teen girls and in your relationship with them! Whether you go through this journey with just one teen or a group of teens, you will find this to be a transformational experience for all involved.

The articles will also be relevant to your personal growth.

Each chapter provides discussion questions and optional activities for you to use as a springboard. You can pick and choose which optional questions you would like to use and create your own. As the discussion flows, you may be inspired by wonderful, spontaneous questions.

The activities provided for each chapter are also optional. As a teacher or parent, we encourage you to be creative and do other activities as you are inspired, as time permits! The lessons are typically geared for small groups, so please adjust the activity if you are doing a 1:1 mentorship.

Enjoy your journey!

Authors/Educators: Cathy Lynne Fong, Erin Chinen, Loraine Hotoke, and Michele Okimura

BRAVE & BEAUTIFUL FACILITATOR GUIDE

Table of Contents Journey 01 WELCOME .............................................. 05 IMPORTANT REMINDERS . . ........................ 08 FAQs .. .................................................... 08 EMPATHETIC RESPONSES .......................... ..........................11 THE BRAVE & BEAUTIFUL CULMINATING..... ..... 12 CELEBRATION EVENT RIGHT OF PASSAGE EVENT FOR DAUGHTERS ..................................... 13 OVERVIEW .............................................. 14 4-Volume Journey CHAPTER 1: SHE IS BRAVE & BEAUTIFUL ..... 16 Defining What is Brave & Beautiful CHAPTER 2: SHE DISCOVERS ..................... 18 Becoming Self-Aware CHAPTER 3: SHE ACCEPTS ....................... 20 Being Secure and Confident CHAPTER 4: SHE BELIEVES . . ..................... 22 Discovering Your Uniqueness CHAPTER 5: SHE EXPRESSES ................... 24 Activating Your Creativity CHAPTER 6: SHE SPARKLES .................... 26 Dreaming Big for Your Life CHAPTER 7: SHE RESTS .......................... 28 Dreaming Big for Your Life

BEFORE YOU BEGIN: • Be positive, affirming, and encouraging to your teens whenever possible!

• Be mindful NOT to dominate the conversation. Make it a point to listen more than you talk.

• Express gratitude when teens share good points.

• Make the discussion times as enjoyable and meaningful as possible so you look forward to your time together.

• Thank teens when they take a risk and share vulnerably with you.

• Remember, the discussions can be serious at times, and there may be unexpected expressions of raw emotion, but laughing together also strengthens the bond between you and your teens.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS IMPORTANT: THIS IS NOT A TIME TO GIVE ‘LECTURES’ OR GIVE ADVICE (UNLESS THE TEEN GIRL ASKS FOR ADVICE).

We hope and pray that going through Brave & Beautiful together with your teen or group of teens will be a positive, enjoyable experience for everyone! As a teacher, parent, or mentor, you want to create a safe place where each teen girl can freely open up and share her thoughts and feelings.

• This is not a time when your teens passively listen to your advice or teachings.

• This is not a time to quickly ‘correct’ the teens’ lines of thinking.

• Do not try to force your teens to agree with your perspectives.

• Seek to understand your teens first before seeking to be understood. However, in the discussions, there will be opportunities to pass along your wisdom naturally as you share your thoughts and life experiences.

If students feel that you really care about what they have to say, they will appreciate being heard. If you listen to them without negatively judging them, they will typically want to share things with you—which is the goal!

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BRAVE & BEAUTIFUL

FAQ WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE? This is a powerful tool to mentor teen girls in life and leadership! The meaningful discussion and activity times after each chapter can strengthen your emotional connection with them, heart-to-heart.

Verbally processing the content with someone as mature as you will help teen girls to digest the material and have a deeper learning experience. Going through the material with someone also ensures they will complete the Brave & Beautiful Journey through Volume 4. Volume 4 has vital information that could help protect their lives from dangerous situations!

WHO SHOULD GO THROUGH THIS WITH A TEEN GIRL? Because Brave & Beautiful is for teen girls and the articles are coming from mostly female perspectives covering common female issues, it is more natural and comfortable for a mom or female mentor to go through this with teen girls. However, we do understand that in some cases, a father may want to go through this with their teen, which is also fine. *Going through this with a small group of teen girls can also add beneficial and enriching perspectives to the discussions.

WHAT DO YOU DO IF A TEEN GIRL SHARES SOMETHING SHOCKING, DISTURBING, OR UPSETTING TO YOU? Because the topics and discussion questions encourage vulnerability, your teens may muster the courage within themselves to share something that may shock, disturb, or upset you. Prepare yourself now, so if this happens, you are ready to respond with compassion, understanding, and grace using self-control and NOT react in anger or shock.

If you react in anger or shock, this will probably cause teen girls not to want to open up going forward. You want to do your best to create a safe place for teens to share.

As a teacher or parent, it can be so easy to react in anger or shock when your teen shares something upsetting. The tendency can be to want to control the situation. You can be real and raw in your thoughts and feelings with God privately or with a trusted friend at a later time, but NOT in

that moment with your teen. If you can stay calm and seek to understand, this will help build emotional connections.

Refer to the article following this introduction entitled Empathetic Responses That Promote Connection. Respond with kindness, gentleness, love, and empathy—not judgment. Pray silently and ask the Lord to give you the strength to keep a straight face and listen. Know that it took courage for your teen to share what he did. Affirm your teens and thank them for sharing vulnerably.

BECAUSE YOU WILL BE SHARING YOUR THOUGHTS AND LIFE EXPERIENCES IN THE DISCUSSIONS, HOW VULNERABLE SHOULD YOU BE WITH YOUR TEEN? Creating a heart connection with your teens involves sharing some of your life experiences with them. You will create an atmosphere of vulnerability when you share stories from your life—your struggles, failures, and what you learned from them as they relate to the subject being discussed. It is so valuable for your teen to learn more about your story!

Decide beforehand what you want to share as you prepare for the discussion. Letting your teens know that you are not perfect, made wrong choices, and experienced pain in your life will build that heart connection. The teen girls may particularly appreciate you sharing stories from your teen years.

WHAT IS A RECOMMENDED READING PLAN? There can be creative versatility in your reading plan depending on what works best for you in your context. Please check out thebraveseries.com website for more ideas and reach out to Michele and her team to create a tailored plan for your needs and schedule a meeting. We want to support you in whatever way we can.

The chapters are fairly short and can easily be read in a short amount of time.

You may choose to go through a chapter per week or cover one or two chapters every two weeks. If you are in a retreat type of setting, you can cover a number of chapters within your retreat time that is reasonable for your students.

The discussion times could be anywhere from 30 to 60+ minutes, depending on your available time. If the conversation goes longer than usual and you need to end it due to your schedule, you can always continue the conversation at your next meeting. *NOTE: If a teen is going through a particular struggle in the present, you can opt to skip ahead to a later chapter that addresses what she is currently going through. For example, if a close relative of a teen passed away, you could decide to skip ahead and go through the chapter on grieving in Volume 2. You can skip ahead to what is most relevant, then return back to the order we have laid out for the journey. Although the chapters are ordered to build upon each other, feel free to skip around to the most relevant chapters that will best serve your teen girl(s).

THIS PUBLICATION IS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS. CAN A YOUNGER GIRL GO THROUGH THIS? Because the first three volumes focus on growing a girl’s confidence and character and knowing her identity, you could easily go over Volumes 1-3 with younger girls using your judgment.

The older a girl is, the more mature she is, and the more she will have a deeper grasp of the lessons. Volume 4 covers the heavier subjects of sexual violence, sex trafficking, and pornography, Continued

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which may not be as age-appropriate for younger girls (you may decide to pick and choose articles from Volume 4). However, as a teacher or parent, you can use your judgment since you want younger girls to be aware of online predators and the pornography issue, especially as some studies have shown that the average age of first exposure is around nine years old. You know your child best and can decide.

CAN A YOUNG ADULT WOMAN OR OLDER WOMAN BENEFIT FROM GOING THROUGH THIS BRAVE & BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY? Although the target group for this publication is middle school and high school teen girls, we have found that this journey also speaks to women of all ages. Women will find quality content in the articles that support their personal growth! In Volume 4, valuable information about pornography, sexual violence, sex trafficking, and other topics covered can be gleaned and passed on to young people through women who have gone through this Brave & Beautiful experience!

PLEASE REFRAIN FROM ASKING TO READ YOUR TEENS’ PRIVATE THOUGHTS THAT THEY SHARED ON THEIR JOURNAL PAGES. We strongly urge teachers and parents to honor each teen’s privacy regarding the interactive pages she filled out—unless she willingly wants to share her writings or art with you.

We want every teen girl to be honest and vulnerable in her reflections and journaling. Knowing that others will be reading her private journaling without permission would greatly hinder the effectiveness of her experience.

BRAVE & BEAUTIFUL SHOULD BE KEPT AND REFERRED TO EVEN IN YOUNG ADULT YEARS! We envision that the teen girls will keep Brave & Beautiful for decades to come as a manual for life and leadership, a tool, and a reference guide. Sex trafficking also happens during the young adult years and in colleges. We pray this will be a resource the readers will repeatedly refer to.

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BRAVE & BEAUTIFUL

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EMPATHETIC RESPONSES THAT PROMOTE CONNECTION

By Vicky Wong, MSCP, LMFT, LMHC, NCC, and Michele Okimura It is not always easy to know what to say when someone tells you something very personal. There is power in words.

Careless words keep people isolated and silent for years. Supportive words bring healing, restoration, and courage to discuss their burdens or experiences. Here are some tips on what to say vs what not to say when someone shares vulnerably.

After someone shares something vulnerable, it can be hurtful not to say anything, quickly change the subject, or make a joke/comment to lighten the mood. When appropriate, a hand on the shoulder, a hand squeeze, or a hug can also communicate comfort and empathy. *Do not start immediately sharing your similar experience. This time is not about you. It is about listening to them. Giving advice and encouraging words comes later after they feel validated and heard. Be sensitive to when you feel they are ready for further input.

Vulnerability + Empathy = Breaks Shame.

WHAT NOT TO SAY: ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶

▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶

You just need to let go and move on.

Other people have it worse than you.

You’re making too much of a big deal of this.

You just need to trust God and pray harder.

Are you just trying to get attention?

I can’t believe this really happened.

Tell me every detail and don’t leave anything out.

How come you just can’t forgive?

Did you enjoy it? (referring to abuse) What are you going to do about it now?

At least…(minimizing issue)

WHAT TO SAY: ▶ It sounds like you are really feeling (angry, sad, excited, shocked, etc.) by what happened. ▶ I don’t know exactly what to say right now except that I’m here for you. ▶ I’m so sorry that happened to you. ▶ This must be so tough for you. ▶ You are very brave and courageous to talk about what happened. ▶ It took a lot of courage to talk about this, and I’m proud of you. ▶ I am here to help you through your sadness. ▶ We will walk through this together. ▶ I care about you. I am here to listen to you and help you in any way. ▶ I am so glad you are sharing this with me.

▶ You are not alone. ▶ I believe in you! ▶ I’m so sorry that awful thing happened to you.

You didn’t deserve this (abuse, hurtful situation) ▶ You are not to blame. This is not your fault. (if they were a victim of abuse) ▶ Healing is possible. You can be whole again. ▶ Forgiveness for such a deep hurt is a process and will happen over time. ▶ What I hear you saying is… (reflect back what they said/ reflect back what you sense they are feeling.)

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THE BRAVE & BEAUTIFUL CULMINATING CELEBRATION EVENT This is an optional event that celebrates the completion of Brave & Beautiful, marking a milestone with gratitude and reflection.

This can be a significant and special defining moment to launch the students into their futures. It could be held at a facility, a park, or a beach and include an activity like hiking, swimming, fishing, or zip-lining.

You can keep this event to include just you and the students; however, consider inviting parents to it. You can also have the students invite their father or father figure to it. Another option is to have students invite up to two mentors of their choice, which could include parents.

Prepare a simple program for the event. Please use the following options as a springboard to tailor the event.

• As part of the program, have each student prepare a short speech they can read to the audience that can include reflections on the following questions: ▶ Self-Awareness: In what ways have you grown to view yourself differently/more positively? ▶ Transformation: How did this journey impact you?

Share 1-2 ways you were changed by the Brave & Beautiful Journey. How have you grown? ▶ Regarding Connecting the Dots articles in Journey 4: Share one or more big takeaways after going through the articles on pornography, sexual abuse, and sex trafficking. What new perspectives have you gained? ▶ Being Brave & Beautiful: In what ways have you been encouraged to be brave through this journey?

In what ways has your beauty been affirmed through this journey?

NOTE: With your students’ permission, please send their letters or a summary of their reflections, along with your feedback and/or endorsement, to info@thebraveseries.com.

Thank you! We look forward to hearing from you and your students.

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BRAVE & BEAUTIFUL

• One of each student’s guests would be asked to prepare in advance and read a short letter of affirmation to the student in front of the audience after the student shared their reflections.

• As the facilitator of the journey, share your reflections and affirmations.

• Celebrate around a meal and/or provide food or snack refreshments following the formal program.

• Depending on your time allotment, invite a guest speaker who can inspire, encourage, and affirm the students.

• Consider gifting the students the Dream Big Journal: Keys to Unlock your Dreams, a companion resource for their next steps found at MicheleOkimura.com, or consider going through the Dream Big Journal curriculum as a follow-up.

FOR PARENTS: A RIGHT OF PASSAGE EVENT FOR YOUR TEEN DAUGHTER We have added this additional activity that can be so meaningful for your teen girl. We wanted to mention this idea to you now so you can be envisioning the possibilities as you feel led—be creative! This celebration event can help her to grow in confidence and know her value! Be innovative and simply use this activity as a springboard to tailor it to how you want to encourage your teen girl.

Here are a few milestone ages that this activity can be applied to: • In the Jewish culture, when a girl turns 12, a Bat Mitzvah celebration takes place as a coming-of-age ceremony into adulthood.

• A girl’s Sweet 16 Debutante Birthday party or her quinceanera can also be considered a coming-of-age ceremony in America.

• When a girl graduates high school, this can also be a year to celebrate with this activity, since she will be moving onto college, higher education, trade school, or the workforce.

AT THE EVENT Sometime during the event, have a time when each of the invited guests presents their letter and gift to your teen.

Each guest is to read their letter, give their wrapped gift to her (have your daughter open the gift), and explain the meaning behind the gift they gave. It is always special to have a time of prayer for the guest of honor to seal the formal time! Taking photos during the event, including a final group shot, can also be special.

AFTER THE EVENT Collect the letters written to your daughter. You could place them into an album or a large envelope with any photos from the event.

WHO TO INVITE? You could invite a few or many women who are especially close to your teen girl. They could be family members and/or mentors.

You can choose to involve your teen girl in deciding who to invite to this event. This will be a powerful time of women affirming and loving on her, welcoming her into the season of becoming a young woman!

PREPARATION Ahead of time, ask the women invited to write a one-page (or so) letter to your teen girl, expressing their love and sharing their wisdom as she enters a new season of her life.

They can include their hopes for her. Inform them that they will be reading their letter to her as part of the program at the event. Their letters will later be put into an album for your teen girl to keep forever.

Ask the invited guests to bring a gift that has a symbolic meaning which expresses what they appreciate about your teen girl and how they believe God sees her, and/or how they see her. They are to attach a positive meaning to the item they gift to her, which they will share at the event. Encourage them to be creative! Plan the details of the party using your creativity to make it special and memorable!

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SHE IS BRAVE & BEAUTIFUL

SHE RELEASES

SHE DISCOVERS

SHE TRUSTS

SHE ACCEPTS

SHE CRIES

Defining What is Brave & Beautiful

Growing in Self-Awareness of Your Design

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Accepting Yourself and Not Comparing

Releasing Forgiveness Dealing with Your Anxiety and Fears

Grieving the Losses in Your Life

40 SHE BELIEVES

SHE BLOOMS

58 SHE EXPRESSES

SHE PERSEVERES

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SHE PROTECTS

Thriving in Every Season of Life

Believing the Truth: You Have Immense Value Creative Ways to Express Yourself and Your Voice

SHE CONNECTS

Connecting with God

Guarding Your Heart and Purity

84 SHE RESTS

Persevering Through Difficult Times

SHE SPARKLES

Valuing the Rhythm of Rest in Life

Shining in Your Uniqueness

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Journey 04 Listen

SHE CELEBRATES

PORNOGRAPHY

SHE LOVES

SEX ABUSE AND TRAUMA

SHE GIVES

SEX TRAFFICKING

SHE DREAMS

VOICES OF FREEDOM

SHE CREATES

HOPE ARISES

The Power of Gratitude Healthy Friendships

The Value of Being Generous Be Released to Dream Big Activate Your Creativity

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The Negative Effects of Pornography Addressing Sex Abuse and Healing Trauma

Protect Yourself from Victimization Letters to You from Survivors You Can Make a Difference!

SHE ARISES

Arise in Purpose and Vision

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SHE IS BRAVE & BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY 01 • PAGE 10~15

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1.

What does it mean to be brave? Describe what being brave means to you.

2.

Who is someone you know personally or know of who is brave? Why did you pick him/her?

3.

What does it mean to be beautiful? Describe what being beautiful means to you.

4.

Who is someone you personally know or know of who you would describe as a beautiful person? Why?

5.

Would you describe yourself as brave? Why or why not?

6.

When have you displayed a level of courage?

7.

Would you describe yourself as beautiful? Why or why not?

8.

Let's believe God sees you as beautiful. Knowing beauty goes beyond outward appearances, what is one situation where you displayed your beauty?

ACTIVITY Brave & Beautiful Walk About Instructions: 1.

Explain that the group will go on a short walk outside.

2.

As they are walking, each of them is to ask the Lord to highlight an object, a plant, a person, or something in nature they see that represents bravery or communicates bravery.

3.

Explain that God can speak creatively through nature or an object to remind us of His truths!

Share verse Joshua 1:9 NIV: “…Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

One of God’s greatest encouragements is to be brave in Him! He is with us!

4.

When something catches their eye, they are to ask the Lord how that particular thing speaks of bravery. They will be sharing with the group what comes to mind.

5.

Each girl is to let you know when she made her choice and is ready to share her related message about bravery. *You can share an example such as: “I saw a bird’s nest in the tree. To me, I realize it takes courage for the baby bird to take its first leap out of the nest to fly for the first time. Even though it is their instinct, it still is a risk and takes some courage. I need courage to spread my wings to fly into my unknown future.”

6.

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When each girl in the group lets you know she has something to share, have the group stop and listen to what she has to say while looking at what was highlighted to her. *Each person must have a turn to share their particular object, plant, or scenery that speaks bravery and courage to them.

BRAVE & BEAUTIFUL

7.

Take a walk and do the activity, making sure everyone, including you as a leader, shares something.

8.

After everyone has shared their bravery mini-message, now have everyone ask the Lord to highlight something beautiful and have them share in the same way as before.

9.

Have each share how their choice (object, plant, person, nature scene) is a great representation of beauty. Remind them that God loves beauty and is a beautiful God Himself!

Share Psalm 27:4 NIV: “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.”

10. Have a fun time of sharing and being creative, gleaning profound mini-messages from each other!

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES 1.

Using magazines, have the girls make a collage of images and words that express bravery and beauty. Encourage them to put this collage in a place where they can be reminded to aspire to express their bravery and beauty to this world!

2.

Have each girl stand and declare, “I am BRAVE AND BEAUTIFUL!” Have the rest of the group applaud and cheer that person in response, celebrating and affirming that statement. It may be difficult for a girl with a low view of herself to say it, but this can give them a positive experience declaring their worth!

3.

Have each girl decorate a large smooth landscape rock with a paint pen, writing “I am brave and beautiful! They can use this as a constant reminder of who they are, and they can work on embracing this belief about their value.

NOTES

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SHE DISCOVERS

JOURNEY 01 • PAGE 16~29

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1.

Refer to page 21. Take turns sharing your answers to all the questions: - What builds you up?

- What is that one thing that gives you energy?

- What do you have fun doing?

- What are the 3 top things you value?

2.

Read the poem on page 28. These are true statements for each one of you, so perhaps you will discover a new way of looking at yourself that you never considered before. Which 2 or 3 statements do you find were highlighted to you.

- Why do you think those lines stood out to you?

- Which statement do you find difficult believing about yourself and why do you think that is so?

3.

What is something you are discovering about yourself?

ACTIVITIES IMPORTANT PIECE GAME Materials Needed: • Children's jigsaw puzzles with 25 or 50 pieces (Puzzles can be put together fairly quickly in pairs or a group of 3-4.)

• (optional) large handmade jigsaw puzzle piece prop • (optional) prizes for teams for first place, second place and third place Instructions:

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Hold up a jigsaw puzzle piece or an enlarged handmade jigsaw puzzle prop as you reinforce with the girls that every one of them is unique and needed. Discuss how in a jigsaw puzzle, every single piece is needed to complete the picture. In a similar way, each one of them has something to contribute of value to the greater whole.

2

Have the girls form groups of 2-4 and give each team a 25-piece jigsaw puzzle to work on. They are to put their puzzle together when you say “Go!” The first team to complete their puzzle wins. Every team needs to complete their puzzle!

BRAVE & BEAUTIFUL

DISCOVERY PLATES Materials Needed: • thin paper plates (attach a string to each plate so the plate sits like a necklace around their neck—except flip the plate necklace so the plate lays on their back.)

• pens for every person Instructions: 1.

Explain that sometimes we can DISCOVER something about ourselves by how others see us.

Sometimes other people can see the gold in us that we can't see. (Give an example from your personal life.)

2.

In this activity, first have the girls ‘wear’ their plate necklaces where the plate sits on their back.

3.

Explain that they are going to freely write a POSITIVE word, phrase or sentence on each other's plates affirming positive attributes about that person (demonstrate). Remind them that the words should all be encouraging and affirming! *If they do not know someone well enough to list a positive attribute, suggest that they ask the Lord to give them a positive word to write down.(examples: a positive word that come to mind as ‘courage,’ or ‘cheerful’)

4.

Explain that once they finish writing on one person's plate, then they are to find someone new who doesn't have anyone writing on their plate at that time. They are to write on someone's plate only once.

5.

As a facilitator, you can gauge when to end the activity. When done, have the girls remove the plate on their back and read their affirmations.

6.

Ask the teen girls, “What did you discover about how others see you?”

Encourage the girls to keep their plates and reference the positive words to encourage themselves.

NOTES

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SHE ACCEPTS

JOURNEY 01 • PAGE 30~39

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Read Galatians 6:4-5 and Galatians 5:26 in The Message Translation. In a large group or small group or in pairs, have the girls share: • • • • • • •

Why is it so hard to not compare yourself to others?

How do you think social media has promoted the comparison trap?

What are some things girls can say to themselves to get out of the comparison trap?

How has our culture promoted comparison—especially in physical appearance?

What do you notice about the girls you know in general, without naming names, about the areas of comparison they struggle with?

Do you have an easier time accepting others or accepting yourself? Why? If you feel comfortable, what areas of comparison do you struggle with? (end by praying for each other).

ACTIVITIES ACCEPTANCE GAME Materials Needed: • One blindfold for each pair of girls.

• paper • pen/marker

• copy of a list of objects for each team sample list: happy face/tree/heart/bird/football/ chair/ stick figure/flower/sun/grapes/fish

Instructions: 1.

Pair up the group and give each pair a blindfold, a paper, and a marker.

2.

Explain that one of them will be blindfolded and must draw a series of simple things that their partner will read off.

3.

The non-blindfolded person can give verbal advice but cannot draw the object. Despite the flaws they each have, they must work together.

4.

The team that finishes first wins and if there is a tie, the judge can determine which has the most accurate drawings to determine the winner.

5.

Post Activity Discussion Questions: Remind the girls that in this game, each partner had a handicap—a flaw that they couldn't do much about. One could not see and the other did not have use of their hands. Have the teen girls discuss the following questions: - How did they work together despite their flaws towards a solution?

- In what ways can it be deflating to not be able to change something about yourself that you want to change? (We all can have such thoughts at times. Maybe there are things about your physical appearance you wish you could change.)

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BRAVE & BEAUTIFUL

- There is the saying, “The grass always seems greener on the other side,” which may apply here.

Psalm 139:13-14 NIV says, “For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well.” What does this verse mean to you?

- It can feel like an impossible task to live up to the expectations of the culture around us.

What are things we can do to accept ourselves more and how can we be gentle to ourselves in our weaknesses?

- Read aloud, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” – Ephesians 2:10 NLT. How does this verse help us to accept ourselves?

HEALTHY SELF LOVE

Materials Needed: • paper and pen for each person Instructions: 1

Start off by sharing Jesus words in Matthew 27:39 NIV (Bold added for emphasis): Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

2.

Discuss the last verse that we must love others as we love ourselves! Surely God wants us to love others well with His love. Considering this, how much does God want us to love ourselves—not in a prideful, egotistical way, but in a genuine, healthy way?

3.

Discuss these questions in pairs or in groups of 3: - What does having a healthy self-love mean to you?

- What is one thing you like and value about yourself?

- What does it look like and sound like?

- In what ways do you show care for yourself?

4.

Have each person draw a large oval of their face on paper and sketch their hair only (no facial features).

5.

Next, have the girls write words about themselves on their blank face space, sharing what they like and value about themselves. (for example: friendly, responsible, caring, honest, strong, smart in math, etc.)

6.

Then have them go to a solitary place where they can pray privately and thank the Lord for creating them in these ways, thanking Him for each attribute.

7.

In addition, instruct the girls to ask the Lord to share with them words that He wants to add, representing what He loves and appreciates about them. They are to write down what comes to them.

8.

Encourage the participants to keep this sheet as a gentle reminder to accept themselves and to not compare themselves to others.

21

SHE BELIEVES

JOURNEY 01 • PAGE 40~55

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS •

Some people care very much about what others think of them. Sometimes our culture, our temperament, or upbringing can affect how we see ourselves. On a scale of 1-10, 10 being you really care about what others think of you, where are you right now?

•

What are the pros and cons of depending on what others think of you? How does social media affect you or others you know in the area of self-value and self-worth?

•

To hear that God views you as valuable and priceless is one thing, but to BELIEVE it in your heart can be another story. What are some of the hindrances to believing you are who God says you are? What is your take away from Nancy Vuu's article on pages 44-45?

ACTIVITIES ART WITH A PURPOSE

Materials Needed: • laptop/phone to look up famous quotes or Bible verses to affirm girls’ value and identity in Christ • scrapbooking materials (i.e. printed paper, embellishments, glue, glue sticks, stickers) • printer • paper to print out the quote or Bible verse each girl picked • scissors • cardstock sheet for each girl • (optional) inexpensive acrylic frames to frame the project

Instructions:

22

1.

Ideally, have each girl prepare ahead of time and come with a printed favorite quote or Bible verse affirming their value and worth, or prepare and provide printed quotes and Bible verses to choose from.

2.

Have each girl create their own art using scrapbooking paper and materials that embellish the quote or Bible verse they chose.

3.

Have a time of sharing at the end of the activity where each girl shares why they chose that quote or Bible verse.

4.

As an option, you can provide inexpensive acrylic clear frames or simply have them put their artwork up on their bedroom wall or someplace where they can read it out loud often!

BRAVE & BEAUTIFUL

I AM STATEMENTS

Materials Needed: • An XXL inexpensive t-shirt with negative words written on it (i.e. dumb, ugly, freak, stupid, trash, worthless, a mistake, junk, etc.) Using a sharpie marker.

• Another XXL shirt with positive words of affirmation written on it (i.e. beautiful, brave, chosen, amazing, worthy, good enough, lovable, etc.)

• paper • pens Instructions: 1.

Have a volunteer come up front and put on the negative shirt over their clothes.

2.

Discuss how in life people can label us negatively and sometimes we can label ourselves too.

Read out loud many of the negative words.

3.

Explain how such labels and negative words can soon become core beliefs that we may not even be fully aware of. Our choices and reactions in life are deeply influenced by such beliefs.

Share how these are lies that the enemy of our soul wants us to believe to destroy us and cause us harm in life. Discuss how such negative beliefs can prevent us from making healthy choices and can harm our relationships.

4.

Discuss how on the other hand, God created us as magnificent creations, masterpieces in our own right!

5.

Have the volunteer take off the negative shirt and put on the positive shirt. Now discuss how we are to put on the new and clothe ourselves on the inside and out, with the truth of who we are in Christ.

Read aloud the positive words on the positive shirt.

6.

Pass out a paper and pen to each person. Have them write at least five I AM statements that are positive of who God says they are. Have a time of sharing their statements in small groups of 2-3.

7.

Encourage the girls to pray for one another to BELIEVE the positive truths they wrote about.

AFFIRMATION ACTIVITY Instructions: 1.

Have girls stand in a circle holding hands. Play relaxing music if you can. Have girls close their eyes and repeat after you. Altogether, read aloud the affirmations, repeating after you: - “I am a new creation; the old me has been stripped away.”

- “I am able to live the victorious life He has provided for me.”

- “I am His workmanship created in Christ Jesus and prepared for good works He has planned for me.”

- “I am able to do all things He calls me to.”

2.

Close in prayer with the group or have girls break into pairs to pray together.

23

SHE EXPRESSES

JOURNEY 01 • PAGE 58~69

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS •

In general, on a scale of 1-10, 1 meaning strongly disagree and 10 meaning you strongly agree, what do you believe about your voice being worthy to be heard?

•

There are seven ways the article on pages 60-61 lists to express yourself. Which one of the seven most resonates with you? Why?

•

Do you believe journaling regularly will benefit you in expressing yourself? Share what your experience has been in journaling your thoughts, ideas, and feelings.

•

After doing the activities on pages 64-65, what was one take-away you had? Consider sharing one of the high or low moments in your life, how you felt and any lesson(s) you may have learned.

•

Looking at what you've written on page 67, what is one attribute you want to work on clothing yourself with? Why?

•

What is one take-away you had from the article “The Power of Words,” on page 68-69?

ACTIVITIES PHOTO EXPRESSIONS Materials Needed: • smartphone for each person (for taking pictures) Instructions:

24

1.

Discuss briefly how people can express themselves through so many ways! How we think and how we communicate who we are can be a very creative, expressive process!

2.

Explain that as a group, we will take a walk. While on the walk, they can feel free to take photos of things that they are drawn to—close ups or pics of scenery—anything they are drawn to. *If a park is nearby, you can have the group freely wander about taking photos for about 15 minutes.

3.

After taking photos, have the group gather back together and have them pick their favorite photo that expresses something they want to share. It could be a reflection they have or an encouragement they want to give to others.

4.

Have each share with the group the photo they chose and what is it they want to express to the group about their photo.

5.

Celebrate the creativity and uniqueness of each person!

BRAVE & BEAUTIFUL

NOTEBOOK (OR BOX) COLLAGE Materials Needed: • clear strapping tape

• glue and scissors

• magazines and/or newspapers

• blank paper

• (optional) Premade printed positive words and graphics of things that girls can pick from to represent who they are.

• Hardcover composition notebook or a box with cover (shoe box size) for each person (can be purchased from craft stores or online).

• (optional) Label or paper with each girl's name on it.

Instructions: 1.

Explain that words and images can express who we are—our identity in Christ, our likes and passions, activities we love to do, and more. Explain that they should select, cut, and glue words and images that represent them and make a collage on the front cover of their hardcover composition notebook. If they want to, they can use the blank paper to write something they want to add or write their favorite Bible verse to be included. *If using a plain box, they can cover the entire cover of the box.

2.

When done, they should cover their collage with clear strapping postal tape to protect their artwork and create a laminating effect. They can use the notebook for a journal or for a specific purpose of their choice. If they have designed a box cover, they can use their box to store cards they have received and knickknacks that are precious to them—or for another purpose.

3.

Have the girls share their notebooks with each other so they can learn more about each other as classmates or friends. This gives each an opportunity to express themselves creatively. Compliment them on a job well done.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES 1.

Discuss in pairs or small groups: - What is the value of honoring one another's voices and expressions vs. being quick to criticize or judge within the group.

- Discuss how we must acknowledge that it is a vulnerable act to step out and express oneself.

2.

Refer to the article “Seven Ways to Express You.” Pick any theme such as ‘brave’ or ‘beautiful.’ Have the girls choose one of the seven ways to express that theme and make it their project. Have a time of sharing these projects in small groups or the entire class. Make sure to create a culture of celebrating one another's bravery and vulnerability in expressing themselves!

3.

Have each girl reflect on one issue in their world that they care about or are passionate about. For example: homelessness, art, animal rescue, the rise in suicide, or health. Have each girl write a blog style message about it that can be shared with the rest of the group. Celebrate each expression! After each girl reads her blog, she is to stand up and declare, “I have an important voice!” After each girl declares this, instruct the rest of the group to respond by applauding and cheering for them. This will help create a supportive culture in the group.

25

SHE CONNECTS

JOURNEY 01 • PAGE 70~83

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS •

We can often put walls around our hearts to protect ourselves—maybe from hurt or disappointment.

Are you aware of any walls you tend to have? If so, if you are willing to share, what walls of selfprotection do you have? (As a leader, you can share from your life as well.)

•

How does it feel to understand that the only One who can parent perfectly is your good, good Father God who is safe, kind, patient, compassionate, all-wise, and powerful?

•

Read the poem “Fathered” on page 72 and select a line that touches your mind and heart. Share how and why it resonates with you.

ACTIVITIES HOW HE SEES ME

Materials Needed: • pen, optional colored pencils

• journal or piece of paper

Instructions:

26

1.

Have the girls ask the Lord how He sees them. Encourage them by emphasizing that Father God has good and loving things to share with them!

2.

Remind the girls that this is an activity to practice learning how to hear God’s voice—and many times He drops a thought or picture into our minds eye! Tell them to go with what first pops into their mind, even though they may not fully understand it at first. Explain that a picture of an object, plant, animal, or highlighted word may come to mind. Encourage them to NOT analyze it.

3.

Spend about 1-2 minutes in silence with their eyes closed as they try to clear their mind and receive a picture or word that pops into their mind.

4.

Have the girls sketch the picture they see or write down the word that popped into their mind.

5.

Instruct the girls to ask the Lord to explain to them WHY He sees them in that particular way. Have the girls journal what comes to mind in their thoughts.

6.

Have a time of sharing what they got and pray for one another along the lines of the picture or word that person received from the Lord. The other group members may have additional insights and positive interpretations they can add to build up their fellow group member.

BRAVE & BEAUTIFUL

JOURNAL Materials Needed: • Brave and Beautiful journey book • journal • stationary (for letters, or girls can use their journal) • color pencils, fine line color markers, color pens • peaceful, Instrumental worship music • music player/speaker

Journaling Ideas: 1.

In your journal, create a 'Gratitude list' by listing everything you are grateful for. It can be as small as the shoes you wear to the warm sunshine on your face every day.

2.

Write a love letter to God. (You can use scripture as a springboard.)

3.

Write a prayer for your parents. It could include but not limited to praises, desires, needs, direction, blessings, and strength. Share your letter with the group if you feel led.

4.

In your journal, draw a large heart that fills the page. Quietly ponder/meditate on how your heart is connected to God's love for you. Doodle images that fill your heart as you are inspired.

NOTES

27

SHE RESTS

JOURNEY 01 • PAGE 84~94

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS •

What consumes most of your waking hours, and are these activities healthy for your mind and heart?

Why or why not? What can you change to make healthy choices with your time?

•

It is recommended that children ages 6 to 12 need 9 - 12 hours of sleep and ages 13 to 18 need 8 - 10 hours. How much sleep do you average a night? Are you getting enough sleep to support your health?

If you get the average recommended hours, think about, and share one way you can get a good night's rest. If you are getting below the recommended hours of sleep per night, share an action step you can take to increase your sleep hours.

•

Share your favorite down time activity and how it helps you to rest.

•

Read aloud Philippians 4:6-7. What does this scripture mean to you today?

Does it bring comfort or confusion? Spend time accepting each response while giving encouraging words.

•

Complete the statement: “When I can't sleep, I..”

ACTIVITIES REST AND RELAX

Materials Needed: • towels/blankets/pillows to lie on • peaceful worship instrumental music (available through YouTube or various apps) • music player/speaker Instructions:

28

1.

Have girls find comfortable positions to rest. They can sit, lay down, rest on a table, or just find a comfortable position sitting in a chair.

2.

Play the music prepared.

3.

Discuss: How or what did you feel during this session? What did you see, feel, hear?

Was this a positive refreshing activity? If so, how so?

BRAVE & BEAUTIFUL

MINI PEACE / REST GARDEN Materials Needed: • garden base options: cookie tin, shoe box lid, plastic food container, old cookie sheet (small size), picture frame with back, etc.

• small rocks and fine sand (can be bought or found outside) • A gardening design tool (such as a skewer, fork, toothpick, thin make-up brush) • Additional detail items such as small air plants, shells, figurines, etc.

• peaceful instrumental worship music • music player/speaker Instructions: 1.

Have each girl bring a box or lid of any kind, some rocks, fine sand, and a skewer or toothpick.

2.

You may wish to supply or have them bring additional items like: small air plants, shells, tiny ceramic figurines, etc.

3.

Provide time for the girls to spend creating their own personal peace/rest gardens. Remind them that it is designed to quiet their minds to be able to focus on restoring their peace.

4.

Remind the girls that when they are done designing, they may spend quiet time with soaking/ instrumental music drawing patterns in the sand, focusing on their breath, releasing any judgments and worries.

JOURNAL Materials Needed: • journal

• Bible

• Brave and Beautiful journey book

Instructions: 1.

Have the girls journal about a burden in their life that prevents them from being able to rest and restore. Give suggestions if needed: work, school, family, friends, neighbors, sports, extra-curricular activities, hunger, etc.

2.

Ask girls to write an explanation of what their burden/problem is.

3.

When they are done, have girls read the first bullet under 'Rest-full' activities on page 88 of their Brave & Beautiful book. Have them read Matthew 11:28-30 in multiple versions of the Bible.

4.

After they are done, have them return to their journals and ask God what he wants to share with them about their burdens. Give them time to be quiet and to write.

5.

Discuss whether or not their perspective on the burden changed after reading Matthew and listening to God. If it did change, how did it change?

29

NOTES

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