(K-LOVE Closer Look) -- Briana Kessler and Makia Lucas have been Sisters now for more than decade.
Briana's journey into mentorship through Big Brothers Big Sisters began unexpectedly during a motorcycle rally. She regularly attended The Big Ride, an annual event supporting the national organization. One year, postcards advertising for mentors caught her attention. She felt a divine nudge to serve. She approached her boss for permission to participate in the BBBS school-based “lunch buddy” program, and to her surprise, her boss readily agreed. As it turned out, he himself was once a "Little."
Meanwhile, seven-year-old Makia was navigating overwhelming family circumstances. With her baby sister hospitalized, she was shuffled between grandparents' homes. Her school principal recognized her need for stability and introduced her to the BBBS lunch buddy program. Though initially shy and nervous during their first meeting, Makia was willing to try.
The early days required patience and creativity from Briana, who used games like Uno and crafts to connect with the quiet child. Makia's comfort with Briana stemmed from her mentor's natural ability to make everyone feel at ease, particularly through her practice of spontaneous prayer during difficult moments.
"She honestly is just showing me a good example of being a godly and independent woman in this generation,” says Makia of her Big Sister. “She's helped form me into the young woman I'm becoming."
Their bond deepened tragically when Makia's baby sister passed away. Despite program restrictions, Briana obtained special permission to attend the funeral, providing crucial emotional support during an incomprehensibly difficult time for a seven-year-old. This pivotal moment solidified their relationship, with Makia recognizing that Briana would remain a constant presence in her life.
BBBS later enabled Briana to attend highschool Makia's sporting events and spend time together at the Kessler family home. Briana was even able to introduce her Little Sister to her Christian Motorcycle Association, where the young woman witnessed adults genuinely loving God and each other.
Their relationship faced its greatest test during Makia's eighth-grade year when tragedy struck repeatedly. Within six weeks, she lost her father to violence, her grandmother to illness, and a baby brother at birth. Throughout this devastating period, Briana provided unwavering support, consistently offering prayers and allowing Makia to grieve at her own pace.
Despite overwhelming personal loss, the Little Sister excelled academically, even earning her associate's degree while completing high school. Briana's encouragement proved instrumental, as she consistently celebrated Makia's achievements and pushed her to pursue ambitious goals.
While Makia is now an adult, she says her Big Sister’s mentorship developed her communication skills and deepened her faith. Both women focus their relationship on God's role in bringing them together. They are committed to maintaining their bond throughout their lives.
For those considering mentorship, both women offer compelling advice.
Makia emphasizes that many adults genuinely want to connect with youth and will provide unwavering support through all circumstances. Briana addresses the common time constraint concern directly:
"God creates time... You can find a couple hours every couple of weeks to spend some time with somebody else. You really can."
