It Matters to That One

During one of his sermons, Pastor Andy recently shared the story of the starfish.  It quickly reminded me of Young Life.  Young Life understands that "it matters to that one" and they show up every.single.time.  Whether it's showing up for a summer reunion party, only to find out none of the other kids were able to come....or meeting Harper for Campaigners, when no other kids come.  These leaders show up!  They show up and they understand that it matters to that one!  

Last night was no different.  Last night, these leaders showed up at our house at 3am (with our prior permission, of course) to celebrate Warren!  They pulled in, put on their silly character costumes in our driveway and busted in Warren's room with music blaring to "wake Warren up with Young Life!"  They were here for maybe 3 minutes at 3am in the morning...when they easily could've been sleeping.  But they were here for Warren....Because it matters!     

Warren joined Young Life in middle school and since then, both boys have been, not just involved.....but excited to be involved.  If you are around our family for any length of time, you know just how much it means to us.  Quite literally, it very well could've saved Warren's life.  It came into his life at a time when he was at his lowest, with some very dark thoughts.  Our church was in the midst of some youth leadership turnover, so he didn't feel like he had a home there.  But God....

God orchestrated such a beautiful play, with Young Life in the lead role!  Just as Warren needed a place to belong and be known.....this group called Wyld Life (the middle school version of Young Life) started meeting at Lawton Chiles Middle Academy.  Why not, we thought?  So Warren started going.  And 7 years later, we had no idea how much Young Life would come to mean to our boys.

Earlier this year, Warren had the privilege of sharing his YL story.  7 years ago, I would've been a nervous wreck at such a thought.  Instead, I watched as he confidently shared how Young Life changed his life.  

I can also say, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that throughout this beautiful play...God also cast Harrison as another lead role.  At Harrison, Warren has learned confidence.  He's learned stage presence.  And he's learned how to speak in front of an audience.  What a powerful combination, especially when it's used to share your testimony!  I couldn't be prouder of him and I couldn't be more grateful for the people and the experiences God has placed in our lives through Young Life.  Because they show up!  They know that it matters to that one!    

Now as Warren prepares to confidently head to Samford University, he's excited to get involved in the Young Life chapter in Birmingham....this time, as a leader!  Because he knows how much it matters.  And he's ready to show up!