A girl named April was tormented by the boys at school.

Whenever she walked by they would make rude noises. Sometimes, when no one was looking, they would block her way and not let her go home. She was too inexperienced at taking care of herself to realize that believing she couldn't do anything made it true.

Feeling helpless kept her from thinking about what she might do. 

One day she got so scared that she told her best friend what was happening. Together they began to think of all sorts of things she could do. 

Knowing she could do something took away the helpless feeling, and the boys noticed and stopped teasing her.

It wasn't fun for them anymore.

We often feel helpless in situations that seem too much for us to handle. In fact, help is always available -- through friends and family, and through God, who helps us see how we can help ourselves. All we have to do is stop being distracted by that helpless feeling and ask for what we need.

Part of knowing who we are is appreciating our own songs.

Are our songs gentle like the robin's, or are we brilliant leaders like the bluejay?

Are we easy to be around like the sparrow, or do we radiate joy and laughter like the loon? 

Each of these birds has something special to offer.

So do we, with our own unique personalities and talents.

What a waste it would be if the loon never dashed across the lake because he wanted to be a robin instead.

It is important to learn who we are and to believe we are special in our own way.

We give joy to the world around us when we sing our own songs.