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“I so enjoy Generation Girlz. Being a single Christian female trying to walk the walk can be quite challenging. I’ve been praying for young women to realize just how valuable they are and that they have contributions. It can be a unique experience entering any kind of ministry as a single female because of the constant couple stigma with the church.” Victoria Stevens, Temple

Every woman needs her fair share of girl talk.

“It gives you the comfort of friendship,” said Trish Garrett, coordinator of Generation Girlz. “And sometimes what you need to know can only come from other women.”

Generation Girlz is a community project of the Temple Aglow Community Lighthouse, a local Christian organization. For young women, ages 18-35, Generation Girlz has a mission to promote women’s self-esteem, friendship, leadership, accountability and fun.

“It is not a Bible study,” Ms. Garrett said. “But we do pray for people when requested.”

Discussion topics for the Generation Girlz have no limit.

“We all come together to talk about real-life issues,” Ms. Garrett said. “Some of us have been victimized. Others are ashamed of their appearance, and some are shy - like me. Some need relationship advice. Or health is a concern. A lot of things.”

The group meets once every three months at various locations throughout the county. There’s always a guest speaker.

“One time we had a detective come talk about how to protect yourself from domestic violence,” Ms. Garrett said. “Another speaker was a lady who came to teach us how to apply blush and eye shadow.”

Putting on make-up isn’t an innate skill for women. They’ve got to learn.

“But sometimes there’s not a friend, mom or sister around to teach the skill,” Ms. Garrett said. “There are women out there who’d like to wear make-up but don’t because they don’t know how and they’re too embarrassed to ask.”

Generation Girlz is part of Aglow International’s Generation Project, a ministry that seeks to nurture the young via the wisdom and experience of the old. The national project was launched early in 2007; the local group didn’t form until fall 2007.

“The Temple Aglow Lighthouse saw a need to reach out to our community with Generation Girlz,” said Vivian Tillotson, Aglow president. “I believe that this group will have a positive impact on many lives in the community.”

It already has in the life of Ms. Garrett.

She’s a grown woman, but it’s only been within recent months that she’s been confident enough to master public speaking.

“Before I got involved with the group, this, talking to you, a stranger, was out of my realm,” she said. “If I had to talk in front of a group, forget it.”

A lesson is what conquered her fear.

“We’re all different,” Ms. Garrett said. “I had to come to terms with myself, that I stutter sometimes and mess up words. I’m energetic, and I like to laugh. I can’t be like the person who just talked before me. I have to be me. Once I learned that, everything became easier.”

The life change has inspired her to invest energy and time in helping Generation Girlz to grow. Membership is at 15.

“I felt that God put that on my heart,” Ms. Garrett said. “ We’ve all gone through the same problems. We all have friendship issues, esteem issues, and hard and bad days. We all need someone to listen to. Generation Girlz is a place for that to happen.”

--tlunsford@temple-telegram.com