As I reflect over my summer I am realizing how much I have been impacted by young people. Many of them I did not even know. It started with our Youth Explosion in June when I hear a nine year old girl sing "Who Am I", by Casting Crowns, acappella. Tears fell as I heard her angelic voice draw tears from many in the audience. My pastor said it was the allergies that caused his ;). There was also Megan, Amber, and Jauna, who commanded the audience like she opening up for a national gospel concert. As I put this program together each of the participants said yes on the first request. They were all under 19 and yet sometimes we can't get season saints to anything on the first, second, or third request. Hello?....you know I am right about that.My nephew, who is 17, was a tennis instructor this year. How many aunts can say that? My niece went back to tennis, Venus and Serena.....she's on her way. My older niece interned with a law firm. Now, she will be entering her 2nd year of college in September. But by Spring she will be a junior. She's such an achiever. She has decided to leave us after graduation and go to law school. At the rate she is going in college that will not be long from now.
In my own home, my older son found time to work, to travel playing basketball, and to finish his summer homework. I didn't think he would be able to work but he has managed to stay employed and balance everything out that he does. My younger son, who has been diagnosed with a speech delay used words like awesome, and scrumptious. He also makes several references to my book Ghetto Chick and my Romance Curls daily. We also spent time this summer making pizza, just like Calliou and his friends did, and he planted a garden. Yea!!! He's only 3. The best is yet to come.
Jenifer, I call her my publicist, has been so full of wonderful ideas and she is such an organizer. I do love to write but this blog and my page on fb...that's all Jenifer. As I grow, she is right there giving me advice and suggestions. Sometimes I think, "Where would I be if I were motivated like her at 20?" Probably writing for Vibe or Essence to be truthful. I love her so much. We both share the same ideas of succeeding, "When I succeed, we all succeed".
So the summer is winding down and I have the joy of attending a back to school event. I received more than I bargained for. Through an awesome worship experience I witness the ministries of Speak Life and Jesus or Bust. Wow!!! What God is doing in our young people is so uplifting. What I love about both of these ministries is that each member becomes completely transparent in front of their audience. What you would hear about them through gossip circles they send it through the mics personally. That way you are getting it first hand. They speak about not only about their past, but about their present situations and God's plan for their future and the futures of those in attendance.
When I left that worship service, because that is what it was, I could only say to God. You did all of that for me. You put me in a place where I see young ladies completely clothed, harmonizing about You. In a place where handsome young men in urban wear were worshipping You, over hip hop beats, and not the street corner or the club. In a place where I saw three brothers in unity speak about what thus says the Lord. (Tri-Blessed) When I got home I requested to be their fans on fb because I want to support them in any way that I can.
One day I am on fb and a member of Speak Life requests to be my friend. She is so polite and we chatted for a while that day. The encouragement I received from her is something that I expect from.....well not someone her age. She knows the Word of God and it is so evident that God is using her for such a time as this when our youth need to hear from their peers.
As I am still dealing with me and preparing to go back to the classroom I thank God in knowing that all is not lost with our youth. These experiences will aid me in my days of teaching. As I pour into young people I want them to grow and pour into others. Once you plant the seeds and tend to the soil, some plants have to come forward. I truly believe that. This summer I have encountered some very blessed and anointed young people, who are speaking life, declaring jesus or bust and hunting for the king.
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