To those that share my passion for student ministry. To those that "know" what I am talking about.
Today I watched beauty meet leadership and bravery meet humility. How often is the body of Christ led in a declaration of God's great love by a 14 year old girl? Is it the norm to watch a 16 year old guy walk forward with their tithe each Sunday, when I myself have such difficulty doing the same? It stirs my heart as I watch in amazement at the lives these students choose to live. They stand firm against the strong moving current of this world, when people pull at them. The world wants to latch on and take hold, but they choose to guard their hearts against the strongholds of this world. If a 13 year old can say they want to take a stand, then surely I will stand with them and maybe strengthen their stance against the current. I do what I do because my God believes in these students. It is not just about us believing in God. It is also about knowing that God believes in us. I had people come stand with me when I was in middle and high school, fighting for me, loving me, and walking with me through those years. I know that I can be an example of the love and belief God has for all of us.
Being with this group is refreshing, challenging, and sometimes so frustrating- but there is nothing like it.
To those of you that do not necessarily "know" what I am talking about.
A teen leading or tithing is huge. Hearing about one of my girls standing up and saying to some one she barely knows that it really is not okay to sleep with your boyfriend and explain why goes so against our culture. She did not just condone it by her silence but shared truth with her peer. All of these things mentioned are so different and powerful coming from a teen. Yes, it is beautiful and touches my heart when I witness a child's innocence and simple faith. Yes, I am overjoyed when I hear of an adult walking away from a life of sin and choosing to radically follow Jesus. But, for a student to be so young, yet fully understand the choice they have made to follow Christ, rather than settle for mediocrity, is indescribable.
It seems unbelievable, but let me tell you that it is happening. I watch it every day. Believe it.
