This year, we had big plans and big goals we wanted to reach as a youth group. But things have obviously changed a lot since we last met. The country is shut down, schools are closed for the year, and the economic situation in our area might seem grim. However, one that thing hasn’t changed one bit is the love and connection we all have with each other, with our friends, with our family and with our community. Wherever you are, no matter how physically isolated, you still have a huge impact on the people in your life. And while right now it might be only a digital one, your words and actions can still make a huge difference to someone during these times, and that is SO important. This is a really unsure time, and that can make people really anxious, sad or even depressed, some of you might even feel that way (is so please feel free to reach out to me if you need to talk, I’m here for you guys). It’s important to know that you’re not alone, and hope is not lost. Father is still right there with you, through every Netflix show you binge and online class assignment you procrastinate. And while the world around us and the situations we’re in might have changed, He has not. He still loves you, and it’s still our mission to share that love with other people. We might not be able to do that by volunteering at homeless shelters right now, but we still can in our everyday life as we interact with our friends and family. Text a friend you haven’t heard from in a while and just check in. Reach out to the kid that no one ever wanted to hangout with, they’re probably struggling too and need someone now more than ever. We all have social media, make sure your online presence is a loving and positive one. The world seems to have gone crazy, and people are so unsure of what’s next, which gives us a place to step in and fill the gap. To remind people that they are loved, and that brighter days are still to come. That’s what this whole idea of “being a Christian” is about; being the light in the middle of the dark. Be that light, be that love, be Jesus to the people around you. You might be surprised at the difference it can make.
If anyone needs to talk or someone to reach out to, feel free to text me at 304-917-2731