WE CAN BE HEROES

Over the weekend I had the amazing privilege of serving alongside a team of HEROES as we led Teen Leadership Camp 2019. I am overwhelmed by gratitude and truly rejoicing in an incredible weekend of laughter and freedom for a group of teens who so often feel overlooked, unseen, or simply unwanted. Their hearts are beautiful and they have learned strength and bravery as they have endured unthinkable circumstances. They have CHOSEN to step out of their stories - they refuse to let their past define their future possibilities. They have hopes and dreams and regardless of the many roadblocks and obstacles that appear in their path, they chase after growth and becoming. I admire each of them and consider it a gift to run alongside them.

Camp was a total blur of activity - 

there were sled dogs and flying squirrels (which was hilarious and SO FUN even to watch by the way) 

there was karaoke where virtually everyone did a personal take on bohemian rhapsody 

there was a late night game of capture the flag with a TON of glow sticks 

there was a morning spent on the high ropes course - everywhere you looked there were teens conquering fears and trying to take one more step 

there was craft time and pool time and free time on the soccer field

we had s’more at the firepit and because we had Reeses bars, they were extra delicious

our speaker was incredible and related so well to our teens - speaking truth, and inviting them to meet Jesus

we spent time affirming each other and recognizing the beauty in each person present at camp 

we created abstract art and each took home a piece of the magic that represents this beautiful family 

we ate camp food, praised the Lord for the salad bar, and consumed more snacks than is allowed in normal life 

it was exhausting and dirty and profoundly rich all at the same time

Our theme for the weekend was heroes and I am convinced it was the EXACT RIGHT CHOICE for us. 

Heroes are people who transform compassion (a personal virtue) into heroic action (a civic virtue) and in doing so, put their best selves forward in service to humanity. A hero is an individual or a network of people that take action on behalf of others in need, or in defense of integrity or a moral cause. 

You can be a hero - you can impact a life - and potentially change the world.