The Secret Keeper Girl

The Secret Keeper Girl

by Lauren Bertovich

Most parents would agree that raising a child often comes with many challenges. The modern world and its technology often deosn’t make the process any easier - especially for young girls. Social media, Photoshop and selfie apps can create unrealistic views and expectations of what a woman or girl should look like. A time that is supposed to be a fun, carefree part of a young girl’s life can turn stressful, troublesome and competitive. Sometimes this leads to girls doing anything to fit in including acting in dangerous ways.

Amy Ayers is the mother of two ‘tween’ girls, Leah, age 9, and Kaylee, age 12. A few years ago she took her daughter to a mother-daughter show that she can only describe as “ life changing”. The show, “The Secret Keeper Girl” is a high energy, interactive experience for girls ages 9-12 and their female caregivers. This could be a mother, grandmother, aunt or guardian. Sorry dads, this is a female only event! The show is based on The Secret Keeper Girl book series by Dannah K. Gresh and teaches young girls the values of modesty. Dannah has written The Secret Keeper Girl for this specific age group but she has also written and published other novels that would benefit teenagers and young women embarking on major changes, like getting married or going to college. It is non-denominational Christian-based show and focuses on teaching girls that God created them all as a masterpiece, and that they are precious and should be protected.

Some of the principles in the book teach girls how to dress appropriately for their age and body type. The show utilizes little exercises like “Truth or Bare” where girls will raise their arms in praise and if their tummies show then an undershirt is probably needed. This stems from the idea of leaving something to the imagination and goes beyond just covering the important areas. This program is helping young girls avoid clothing problems in their daily lives and ultimately their futures. It teaches the importance of acting, looking and dressing your age.

Upon seeing the show for the first time Amy knew it was something she wanted to bring back to her community. She created an event committee that includes Cathy Loughner, Jennifer Jackson, Katrina Whipkey, and Tara Galbraith and joined forces with several of the area churches to make sure this event could be possible for the women and girls in Greene County. The event committee was successful and the show is coming to Waynesburg this spring.

This event is sponsored by The First Church of the Nazarene, The First Baptist Church, The Assembly of God, and the Mount Morris Tabernacle. It will take place on Sunday April 14th, 2019, from 6:00-8:30pm at the First Church of the Nazarene, 115 Deerfield Lane, Waynesburg, Pa 15370. Tickets are $22 and must be bought in advance.

It is a night filled with dancing, laughter, praise, games, and fun. Most importantly it is an opportunity for mothers and their soon-to-be teenage daughters to bond before breaching the passage into becoming a young woman.