From the Ones We Serve
"’Youth Unlimited,’ now there's a scary thought; an unending barrage of teens invading our malls and communities. What if the youth of today were not that way, but helpful, caring, considerate, and respectful persons, eager to improve society?
Heroes
Over the last few years, a TV phenomenon called "Heroes" has captivated a generation. I caught up with it a few days ago when my 15-year-old daughter asked me to watch the first episode of the season one DVD with her and it only took 10 minutes before I was completely captivated. In fact we didn’t switch off the TV for the next 6 episodes [a personal viewing record].
More Than Enough
A young mom who I’ve had the privilege to be connected with prepared a speech at a program that she has been involved with, and invited me to come and hear her. I thought it was a cool idea, but wasn’t prepared for what my ‘just showing up’ would mean to her...and to me. She was inviting me to an event, but when I got there her reaction to my coming made me realize that the real invitation was into her life. Asking me to come and hear her was her way of saying, “You have stepped beyond the role of youth worker and have found a place in my heart.”
Through my time with YFC/Youth Unlimited and Stepping Stones, so often I have wondered if what I have to offer is ‘enough’ for these girls; if my loving them and supporting them means anything to them or if it is just a useful service. Paul told the Thessalonians that he loved them so much
that he gave them not only the Good News but his own life, too. More and more this is my hope too, and I have been humbled and moved by what God is giving me a glimpse of. What a blessing it is to be invited to be part of these girls’ lives!
Free Seat on My Couch
“I stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and told Jesus straight up, ‘I’m not so sure about this, but if you really love me that much, you can come hang with me, and we can be friends, and get to know each other. I’m not going to give myself up completely, I’m not going to start anew like I probably should. I cannot trust my soul and heart completely. I need some time. But there’s a free seat on my couch if you want to sit down and keep my company for awhile.’
I didn’t see Jesus; I didn’t hear voices; no one answered me. There was absolutely nothing spectacular about any of this. I just felt a little more full. The feeling it gave me was like someone hugged my heart and sat down on my couch.”