The Cross Talk

This past Monday night, I was given the opportunity to tell kids about the cross at Young Life. The week before Storms talked to them about sin, a rough but very necessary topic. He promised at the end of his talk that I would have great news for them this week. I first asked if everyone could hear the story NEW this time. Often times, with friends or family, if we hear the same story twice we quickly tune out. I assured them that the cross is the most amazing love story and it is the reason for so many changed lives. Before I spoke we got the kids to turn around (facing the television) so now the kids who normal sit in the back and usually not as engaged were sitting at my feet. Wide eyes looked up as me as I was telling kids the amazing story about how Jesus was a volunteer, not a victim. I was extremely descriptive, and times I would see cringing teens and hear sounds of disgust. But it was exactly what they needed to hear. Near the end of my talk I told them that in my 10 years in Young Life, I've seen hundreds of lives and hearts changed because of this very message. They get to see 8 leaders each week who's lives have been changed but I thought it would be cool to give them a glimpse of how God has been working throughout our community. My roommate and I put together a video, with the help of some awesome friends, that is a rendition of cardboard testimonies with other Orlando YL leaders.
To be honest, it's hard to stand in front watching myself on a screen holding signs that so shamefully describe my past: hypocrisy, depression, drinking...you name it. But then my attitude changed so quickly as I see how my life has changed for the better. Kids were given the opportunity to see leaders hold signs up of anorexia, sex, and no self worth turn into amazing stories. God can take anything and make it beautiful.
In the midst of hard times it seems nearly impossible to see how God is working, but what an incredible treasure is it to look back and see how he's changed so many lives for the better.