November 17, 2006

It’s called ‘Challenge Day’ for a good reason. The 80 some high school students who attended challenged hurt, fear, loneliness, prejudice and oppression. They may well have felt when they walked in that no one else in the world could know what it was like to live in their shoes. When they left they had the assurance of having been heard and affirmed.

Several things impressed me about this day.

1. the high percentage of students who have significant trauma in their lives. Sickness, death, abuse, neglect, fear and anger are a daily companion for too many young people.
2. the willingness of young people to let me, a stranger, into their personal lives. I volunteered along with 13 other adults from our community to help out in this high school event.
3. the absence of God’s name and the difference He could make in the courage and confidence of these young people. I say the absence of His name, because I believe He was present in the loving support given to and by these young people.

In reflecting on the impact of Challenge Day (some may have seen this resource featured on Oprah last week) on my life, I’m reminded of how easily we hide our real selves from the world. I’m reminded that when we play honesty games with people we more easily play them with God.

I’m thankful that He knows. And we can live free in the awareness of his knowledge.

“O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.” Psalm 139:1

Be at peace,
Pastor Steve