In 1977, the Muhammad Ali film introduced the world to “The Greatest Love of All,” a soulful anthem written by Michael Masser and Linda Creed and performed by George Benson. Its opening lines set a heartfelt stage for this week’s Frankly Speaking radio show: Were it not for Those Who Care.

“I believe that children are our future.

Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside

Please give them a sense of pride to make it easier

Let the children’s laughter remind us of how we used to be.”

This vision is the childhood we dream of for every young person. Yet, the World Health Organization reveals a sobering truth: around 1 billion children worldwide, ages 2 to 17, have endured physical, mental, or sexual abuse in just the past year.

What time is it on the clock for our children’s safety, achievement, and happiness? How can we reach, teach, and love those children who are left out, left behind, and left over, so that what happens to them is different than who they were created to be? How can we help them discover and walk in their worthiness?

This week, we discovered a national nonprofit that is making a real difference. Girls on the Run (GOTR) empowers girls in grades three through eight, nurturing their social, emotional, physical, and behavioral strengths so they can thrive. Through a thoughtfully crafted curriculum, GOTR helps girls build competence, confidence, connection, character, caring, and a spirit of contribution, all woven into lessons that blend running with life skills. Dedicated coaches, trained to inspire and guide, bring these lessons to life.

Ashleigh Conrad, Program Engagement Manager for GOTR Northern Virginia, shares the magic behind the girls, their coaches, the annual 5K, and the transformative impact that is resetting the clock on happiness for every girl in the program.

Tune in, let yourself be inspired, and help spread the word by sharing and subscribing.1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girls_on_the_Run.