Recently I was in New Orleans, for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Youth Gathering. This high school youth event is typically held every three years, but because of the pandemic we had not gathered for six years. Since many youth missed their opportunity to attend, a young adult component was added this year. Additionally, many young adults always volunteer to make the event a reality. I was there on behalf of our whole denomination to promote campus ministry (and proudly wear some Jackrabbits gear!).
Two of my former students from the University Lutheran Center at SDSU were there volunteering. I texted them both when I arrived so that we could make plans to meet up at some point. I was a bit surprised by one response that said Yes! I actually want to pick your brain on some stuff while were here. I wasnt quite sure how to interpret that response. I got nervous wondering what they wanted to talk about. My brain vacillated from them wondering about some deep theological issues to the daily functions of being a young adult in a new marriage, a new city, and a new career.
I will admit that as we sat down to dinner my mind was still wondering about what the stuff was that they wanted to chat about with me. Then the conversation began, and they began with thank you. As you can about imagine, that was not what I was expecting.
For close to an hour, they recalled a very difficult season in their own life. In that season I was brand new to serving in campus ministry here. They cited a specific conversation where I reminded them that God had created them in Gods own image and as such they were created good.
At that time, I didnt know behind their mask how broken they were feeling or how desperate the situation was for them. I simply spoke the words I knew to be true about them and about all of us. Little did I know, as they continued to tell me, those words saved their life. It wasnt earth-shattering wisdom to me. In fact, I dont even remember the specific conversation from that life-changing day almost three years ago.
However, they remembered the words, took them to heart, and continue to seek refuge in their promise even today. So much so, that they wanted to pick my brain and offer words of gratitude for that life-altering day.
As I reflect on this conversation that I dont remember, what I do know is that God showed up in and through me and my words. I also know there are people I need to thank for the ways they have been vessels of Gods promise for me in days of difficulty. I would imagine the same is true for you. Who has wandered into your life at a very necessary time, unbeknownst to them, and offered you the promise of Gods great love for you? How can you show gratitude for that? How can you speak a word of Gods promise into the life of someone else, even without knowing the battles they might be facing? Beloved, you were made in the image of God, and you were made good. May we be ones who bear the image of God to others and help them recognize their own God made belovedness, too.
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