I wanted to write this because I feel like I’ve told so many people that I’m involved with Young Life but never really gotten the chance to explain what it is.
Younglife is a Christian ministry dedicated to reaching the high school students who would never set foot in a church. ”Wait,” you might think. “Does this mean you go and yell at high school students about how they need Jesus and they’re sinners? That’s horrible! Leave them alone!” It’s actually far from that. One of the main principles of Young Life is that you have to earn the right to be heard. By building relationships with high school students and loving them and listening to them when no one else will, Young Life leaders basically model Christ to kids to otherwise might never have seen Him. Young Life leaders open up their lives to high school students so that these kids can see and experience God in an undeniable way.
They had Young Life at my high school, but I was unfortunately too busy to ever get involved. Once I got here though, God practically put a huge sign in front of my face telling me He wanted me to do this. Within the first week, I met at least a few students who planned on doing Young Life (all of whom are now some of my closest friends), the area director, other staff members, and the current leaders. At first, I was really worried about joining. It’s a big time commitment and a part of me worried that I should be doing things that would build a resume or impress other people immediately. But true to his nature, God not so subtly reminded me to follow Him completely and trust Him to provide the rest. I mean, He brought me to Davidson, right? I absolutely love it here and he has been so faithful to provide me with amazing friends, classes, and opportunities.
So basically, I’m throwing myself into this whole Young Life thing and not looking back. I’ve spent enough of my life trying to control everything, and now it’s time that I just leap without worrying about what will happen once I’m in the air. In fact, as soon as I finish this post, I’m going to go fill out my application to become a leader. Yikes!
A song I heard yesterday reminded me of something that I’ll have to remember as I embark on this new adventure serving God in high school ministry. I can’t depend on myself to do something this big. I want the lyrics of this song to be my prayer, that God would give me his heart and his love for all of the people I am soon to meet.
Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me your heart for the once forgotten.
I can’t wait to see what God has in store. : )
You are so cute with your excitement! I can just picture you writing this post with a huge smile on your face! Oh Boy!
I’m glad you’re excited about it, because we’re going to have some fun with this over the next couple of years!!
I know someone who is (or maybe was) involved with Young Life. Is that a national program or local because the person I knew was in Buckhannon, WV.
it’s a national program. I think most states have it, but I’m not sure!
Hi. You don’t know me but i stumbled across your blog by accident. I have lead Younglife and Wyldlife for numerous years and i’ve found it to be an amazing tool. it is in every state and even worldwide! Brandon Heath (who actually wrote/sings “give me your eyes”) also became a christian through younglife and started his music career through it. I hope and pray that you find much joy and gain many amazing relationships! good luck! : )
I’m reading this and then that song pops up on pandora a minute later… God is awesome : )