Last weekend, I spent time in Greensboro at a youth convention. 400+ Lutheran youth in North Carolina gathered together to study the bible, fellowship, share experiences, and prepare to make a difference. While this event may seem like just something that kids get into, I had my own moments. After thinking through the years, I discovered that it was my 10th time at this event, Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO). I went from being a participant as a delegate from my church, to being a bored member on the youth advisory time, to serving as a YARP (Young Adult Resource Person) as a college kid, to now being a adult adviser at the event.
While spending the weekend with my church's youth group, I was also serving as a YARP, so I had dual responsibilities. As I reflect about what I truly enjoyed about the weekend, I think it would have to be the chance to see the growing of so many people. I got to see individual youth in my group, become their own individual. They are away from family and have the chance to be exactly who they want to be and hang out with complete strangers who they are already wanting to connect with. I got the chance to see kids that I have seen in the past years, growing into amazing young men and women as God has planned for them. I got the chance to see my best friend, little brother, make strong connections with his little brother, especially their special handshake. I got to see people that have had significant roles in my faith life continue to show me the ways of life. This is only a glimpse to what I saw at this weekend. And finally, I got to see myself grow. Role changing is weird, and I am still not a pro at it, but it will come as time comes. I got to see myself begin becoming more open to trying new things and working with other children of God.
During the weekend the youth at this event learned about the secret of their own success stories... how God sees success and how the world sees success. It is different and often we are challenged by the world's image of success and lose focus on God's definition of success. Everyone learned about how simple it is to make a difference in the world.
No matter our age, sometimes we need a little bump in our walk with God. I know personally that after long days and weeks I feel that I am losing something, but often with prayer and time with God I am able to get back into the groove. But before that weekend I had felt a bit lost and needing a little pickup to get back into the walk with God. I am thankful that I got the chance to go as an adult adviser to see how living with other children of God of all ages we can learn about success stories and how special it is to make a difference and how exciting it is!
We were blessed to be able to praise God with Rachel Kurtz and Agape. Their music is enlightening. I have shared two of my favorite songs below. Make a Difference by Rachel Kurtz and Lutheran SWAG by Agape. Rachel Kurtz's song is about how we want to make a difference with out lives. It is so simply spoken it is just amazing. And Agape's song, Lutheran SWAG, is like no other song. Many young people are into the rapping songs, well Agape does just that. He raps about being Lutheran using theology too. You are welcome to look up SWAG on Urban dictionary, but I am unsure what you will find, because the definition of SWAG here is Saved With Amazing Grace. I personally don't think there is a better definition. Enjoy...
Lutheran SWAG
Make a Difference
Dear heavenly Father, I pray that you continue to walk with me as I learn about how your definition of success is much different than the world's definition. I want to continue learn and I pray for all children of God. That we can walk together in the journey that you are guiding us for. You walk side by side with us, and we are created in your image, so we are called to walk side by side with other brothers in sisters in Christ. I pray for all of our walks! I pray for everyone! In your holy name, AMEN.
