On being tough

I work with the youth at Athens First UMC.  I love working with them for a lot of reasons: because they're funny, because they're kind, because I like to dress up, and because I like playing silly games.  But mostly, I love working with them because I love reminding them that they are brave, that they are tough, that they are loved, and that they are powerful.  And so whenever I have the opportunity, I tell them because I remember how strongly and greatly influenced I was by my youth leaders when I was younger.  I am constantly reminded of the ways in which their love and encouragement shaped my character, my confidence, and my faith.  I hope that I can have that kind of impact on even one of my students.  So while I have silly hair, silly facial expressions, like silly games and have silly dance moves-  there are a lot of meaningful things that I hope for these students: that they will grow deeply into Christ, that they will feel deeply loved, be powerful positive influences, and always, always, always remember that they are tougher than they think and braver than they know.

Shout out to my Orange Team from the Amazing Harvest Race-- how tough are we??