Broken

In talking to a very special person today, I had a light come on in my head. It completely blinded me, causing me to make a deliberate decision. The young man I was talking to (we will call this young man Lamont to protect his privacy) grew up on the streets. The adults in his life let him down to the point where he had to go elsewhere to get the family he needed and craved. His family is now a gang of street kids. When he needs anything, they are always there for him at any time of the day or night. They are loyal to a fault and always have his back. He’s done things he’s not proud of, just as we all have. But, he came to our Sr. Camp. 

When Lamont walked into registration last year, my husband, as registrar and youth president, immediately flagged him as a trouble maker. Lamont was wearing his gang colors and symbols proudly and walking with a swagger. He was rough and tough and made sure everyone around knew it. God began to work. The gang colors came off. The symbols disappeared. And Lamont opened his heart, letting God fill him with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost. He was on fire, praying with others until they got what they needed. He told everyone he met that they needed God. Didn’t matter if they’d been in church all their life- they got the same message.

Lamont went home and his friends saw the transformation that had taken place. When they asked him what happened, he gladly shared the good news. Over time, he gradually started slipping back into his old ways. Not being grounded in this Truth, he had no defenses against the onslaught of temptation. He ended up leaving church and going back to his gang. Something stayed with him, however, because he is the only camper from his home church at Sr. Camp this year. Yup- he came back. 

I told him that I couldn’t relate to him- I’ve never had to live on the streets. We come from two very different worlds. The lines do not cross; the groups do not mix. But, I care about him. I needed to know, from his perspective, what I, as a youth leader, needed to do different to address the need. The answer was unexpected- be open minded and simply be his friend. All the kids on the street are looking for is someone that will put their words into actions. We say we love young people, we bleed young people, we would do anything for young people. But are our actions saying the same thing? Do I keep myself segregated for fear the gang colors will rub off? Or do I do what God called me to do- stand out and be a friend?

Thinking about these kids breaks my heart. God has given me a burden for the kids on the streets of our cities. Now, I have to act on that burden and become their friend. Why should they leave their street family, where they have all they think they need to come to church where they get the impression they aren’t really wanted and aren’t good enough? Does my attitude agree with the words coming out of my mouth? If we are the body of Christ, why is His love not showing there is a way? Why are His hands not reaching? Why are His feet not going?

Being a friend.... Putting my money where my mouth is.... I have his phone number so I can call every week or so and check on him. He has my number and my husband’s number so he can call us, day or night. We live in different cities, but sometimes, just knowing someone is willing to listen can make a difference. God has just equipped me with a tool to reach the street kids of my city. 

The deliberate decision I made involved more than just the street kids, though. There are young people sitting on our church pews that have the same need- someone to show they really do care and aren’t just saying it because it’s the right thing to say. I made the decision to reach out to as many young people as I can, as often as I can, however I can.

How many young people have you touched and encouraged this week?

Salut!